You’ve probably driven by large construction projects and seen marking paint or flags around the site. But, did you know those marks help keep the crews safe? That’s because those marks show the approximate location of underground utilities. The crew knows where to dig carefully.

Those marks aren’t just for big projects. They’re for all projects – even weekend projects like landscaping, installing a fence or replacing a mailbox.

Know where it’s safe to dig. Call 811 to start the process of getting paint and flags in your yard. The service is free.

Homeowners don’t always call 811. Take it from me. Not calling 811 can mean an unwelcome surprise to you, your family and neighbors!

One balmy, summer day, my neighbor was pulling out a tree. Wrapped around its roots were electric and phone lines. You guessed it. This simple home improvement project knocked out the entire neighborhood’s electric and phone service. It’s a good thing no one had an emergency.

Smart digging means always calling 811 two days before you dig. If you want to dig on the weekend, call Wednesday. Sunshine 811 answers your call and notifies your neighborhood utilities. They send locators to mark their lines in your yard with paint and flags.

Red paint or flags means an electric line is buried within 24 inches of the marks. Green is for sewer; orange for communication; blue for potable water; yellow for gas, oil and steam; purple for reclaimed water.

One final reason to call 811 before you dig – it’s the law! Visit www.sunshine811.com for more information on this free service.