Be sure to know how to keep your pets and everyone else in your family safe when digging for outdoor projects. Underground lies a network of utility lines — electric, water, gas and telecommunications that require safe distance from your outdoor projects. The consequences of blindly digging and taking a chance?
- Cause a power outage.
- Hit a gas line and get burned
- Cause an evacuation in your neighborhood.
- Incur repair costs and fines
- Interrupt phone, cable TV, internet or fiber optic service
- Interfere with your neighborhood’s emergency assistance technology.
As you can see, striking these lines can cause costly delays, expensive repairs, power outages and most importantly, serious injury or death.
When does JULIE need to be contacted?
State law requires you to notify JULIE at least 3 business days—but no more than 10 business days—before you start digging. This applies to any big or small project, no matter how shallow the digging may be. Even if you’re working in an area that has been dug before, you must still submit a new request
Remember that weekends and holidays don’t count toward the 3-day notice. You can still submit a request on those days, but member utility companies only respond to emergencies during that time.
How does the process work?
First, pre-mark the proposed dig area with white paint or white flags. Next, submit a JULIE request by calling 8-1-1 or submitting online via:
https://newtina.julie1call.com/erequest/. Once you’ve submitted your request, JULIE notifies the member utility companies in your area. Note: Private systems, such as underground sprinklers or invisible fences, will not be located by 811 and are the property owner's responsibility. Within three days of confirmation, professional locators will come to your property to mark underground utility lines with small, color-coded flags or paint. Best of all, this service is completely free to you!
After all utility locate flags have been placed accordingly, follow these practices:
- Respect the marks. Dig carefully around them.
- Maintain markings. Refresh if they fade or are removed.
- Hand dig in border zones. Only use hand tools when working at 18–24 inches of safe distance from utilities.
What are common projects that require a JULIE notification?
Many projects you might not think of require a locate request before starting. For example: planting a tree or a large shrub, installing a fence or deck, building a patio or driveway, adding a mailbox post, or digging for a pool or pond.
Remember To Play It Safe—Call Before You Dig! Digging without knowing what’s below can cause service outages, serious injuries, or expensive repairs. Every nine minutes across the country, someone damages a utility line simply because they dug without contacting a notification center like JULIE first. Submitting a request to JULIE is quick, free, and legal. Always protect yourself, your family, and your community by contacting JULIE before you dig.
