You Could Be Digging Up More Than Just Dirt.

JOLIET, Ill., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Landscape improvements add beauty and value to your 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 you or a contractor do any digging on your property this summer, simply call JULIE at 8-1-1.

"With a growing trend of do-it-yourselfers focusing on outdoor beautification and home improvement projects, the first step to any successful project is notifying JULIE," said Kevin Chmura, director of public relations for JULIE, Inc.  "When homeowners inadvertently cut or damage underground utility lines during so-called routine projects, the results can still take a staggering toll, in terms of costly delays, environmental or property damage, liability, personal injury and even loss of life."

Even simple projects like planting a tree or shrub to more complex projects like installing a deck, fence or home addition require a call because you never know what's down below. Beneath what you may think is the perfect spot may be a bunch of different types of utility lines that if hit while digging can cause all sorts of damage and affect service to you or others and lead to costly repairs. All this can be avoided by contacting JULIE and having a professional locator from member facility owner companies come out and mark the approximate location of the utility lines on your property, for free, before you dig. (JULIE personnel do not perform locating or marking services).

"As an important safety reminder for those entertaining family and friends this summer, call JULIE at least two working days prior to any events or parties that include plans to install a tent that requires inserting posts or stakes into the ground," Chmura continued.

JULIE's call center agents are available to receive and process requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week at either 8-1-1 or 800-892-0123. E-Request, a free, web-based program for homeowners via www.illinois1call.com is also a popular option.

Based in Joliet, the not-for-profit organization represents 1,800 members and covers Illinois, outside the city of Chicago. For an explanation of the color-code markings and information about the one-call process, visit www.illinois1call.com.

SOURCE JULIE