Georgia 811 to Host 3rd Diamond Dig with Gwinnett Braves

Georgia 811 reminds Georgia residents to always call 811 before digging

WHAT: Georgia 811 will be celebrating 8-11 Day by hosting the 3rd Annual Diamond Dig with the Gwinnett Braves after the 7:05PM game on Friday, August 11. One hundred randomly selected registrants will have the chance to dig for one of ten pieces of diamond jewelry sponsored by Frederick’s Jewelers in Braselton. Registration is available at the www.Georgia811.com home page through July 22.

WHY: Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Georgia 811 will be educating the public about the easy, free 811 process that they need to take at least two business days before beginning common outdoor DIY projects involving digging.

WHERE: Gwinnett Braves Coolray Field 2500 Buford Dr. NE Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043

Georgia 811 will be celebrating 8-11 Day by hosting the 3rd Annual Diamond Dig with the Gwinnett Braves after the 7:05PM game on Friday, August 11. One hundred randomly selected registrants will have the chance to dig for one of ten pieces of diamond jewelry sponsored by Frederick’s Jewelers in Braselton. Registration is available at the www.Georgia811.com home page through July 22.

Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Georgia 811 will be educating the public about the easy, free 811 process that they need to take at least two business days before beginning common outdoor DIY projects involving digging.

When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to Georgia 811, the local one call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate

locations of underground lines with flags, paint or both. Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first calling 811.

Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck and planting a tree or garden are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after a call to 811.

During this time of year when homeowners are doing DIY home improvement projects involving digging, this event strives to bring awareness to the local community. By calling 811 to have the underground utility lines in their area marked, homeowners and professionals are making an important decision that can help keep them and their communities safe and connected.

The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists even when digging only a few inches.

Georgia 811 encourages area residents to visit www.Georgia811.com for more information about digging safely.