April is Safe Digging Month. Contact MISS DIG 811 before you put a shovel in the ground

Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555

If Spring’s got you thinking about starting a new backyard project that involves digging, remember that Michigan law requires reaching out first to MISS DIG 811 beforehand so that underground utility lines can be marked for safety.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation making April Safe Digging Month in Michigan. Safe Digging Month is observed annually to boost safety by reminding Michiganders that they’re required to call 811 or click on www.MISSDIG811.org at least three days before they start a project to put in a new fence, deck or other home improvement. Contacting MISS DIG 811 allows crews to mark buried utility lines in advance to prevent costly damage and potentially deadly consequences.

“Calling or clicking on MISS DIG 811 is required whether you’re a homeowner planting a tree or installing a new mailbox or you are part of a construction crew working on a far bigger project,” MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. “Contacting MISS DIG 811 alerts companies with underground utility lines to send out crews to clearly mark those lines for everyone’s safety.” 

Calling or clicking MISS DIG 811 is free and ensures buried gas, electric, water and sewer, phone and other underground utilities are clearly marked before digging projects begin. Hitting underground utility lines while digging can have a major impact on communities and businesses and can result in inconvenient service disruptions and costly fines and repairs, as well as risks of serious injury or death.

After you contact MISS DIG 811, utility locators will be sent to job sites to mark the location of utilities with spray paint or flags. Anyone planning to dig is asked not to do so until utilities are marked, and to carefully dig by hand within four feet of the designated utility area.

“You should contact MISS DIG 811 even if you think the project is too small to merit a call,” said Nick Bonstell, President and CEO of MISS DIG 811. “No matter how shallow the digging may be, make the call to 811. Damage to underground utilities can have a direct impact on public safety. Contacting MISS DIG 811 is free and easy, and it will help protect you and your community.”

More information is available in the MPSC’s tip sheet on MISS DIG 811 and safe digging.

The MPSC serves as an expert, impartial regulator committed to consumer protection, fairness and transparency. For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

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