Safe Digging Tips From JULIE For Fall Projects

JOLIET, Ill., Sept. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Landscape projects add beauty and value to a home. From modest designs to elaborate projects they enhance outdoor living space and can be a source of enjoyment. However, these projects also have the potential to cause quite a headache if you neglect to follow an important first step. Before the start of any digging project this fall, JULIE urges homeowners to know what's below and call 8-1-1.

"Before putting a shovel in the ground, homeowners must call JULIE at 8-1-1 to avoid personal injury and repair costs and to keep communities free of utility damage and inconvenient outages," said Kevin Chmura, director of public relations for JULIE, Inc. "There is no reason to take a chance when it comes to safety. This is a free call and service and JULIE's call center agents are available to receive and process requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Common examples of fall projects that require a call to JULIE before digging include putting up a fence; installing a mail box post; building a deck or patio; and adding trees or shrubs.

Here are 4 important steps for every digging project, regardless of size or depth:

1. Call JULIE at 8-1-1 before you dig;
2. Wait two business days;
3. Respect the marks; and
4. Dig with care.

"It has been another busy year for our not-for-profit organization. JULIE received and processed our one millionth locate request for 2015 on August 24.  This is the earliest that JULIE has reached this milestone and we are on pace for a record number of locate requests this year," continued Chmura.

When homeowners call JULIE, they will speak with a helpful call center agent who will take the location and description of the project site and notify affected member utility owners.  These members will then send a professional locator to mark the approximate location of their underground utility lines with small flags or paint at no cost. JULIE personnel do not perform locating or marking services.

Based in Joliet, the not-for-profit organization represents 1,880 members and covers Illinois, outside the city of Chicago, which is covered by DIGGER. To enter an online locate request or for an explanation of the color-code markings, visit www.illinois1call.com.

SOURCE JULIE, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.illinois1call.com