National Call Before You Dig Day

Cheerful construction worker making a phone call, wearing a hard hat and safety vest, sunny outdoor construction site.. — National call before you dig day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com! Today we are diving deep into the celebration of National Call Before You Dig Day. So grab your shovels and join us for a day filled with phone calls and digging adventures!

When is Call Before You Dig Day?

It's national call before you dig day on the 11th August.

The Internet Unearths Call Before You Dig Day

Every year on March 31st, we celebrate National Call Before You Dig Day. This important day reminds us of the vital importance of making a simple phone call before we start digging around in our yards, gardens, or construction sites. We all know the thrill of digging deep in the dirt, only to find a pipe or cable we didn't know was there. It's like discovering buried treasure, but instead of gold and jewels, you find a water leak or a severed internet connection. Not quite the same, huh?

In today's connected world, digging without caution is like playing Minesweeper with real-life consequences. Just one wrong move and you might end up disrupting utility services, causing property damage, or even putting your own safety at risk. That's why it's crucial to dial 811, the national call center, before you dig. Leave it to the professionals to locate and mark underground utility lines, so you can safely continue your digging adventure.

Call Before You Dig

The Beginnings of Call Before You Dig Day

Now, you might be wondering how this day came to be. Well, folks, it all started with the power of the internet. As the world became more connected, people started sharing their digging mishaps and horror stories online. It didn't take long for the internet community to realize the need for a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting safe digging practices. And thus, National Call Before You Dig Day was born.

Since its inception, this day has gained traction across the nation. Organizations, utility companies, and concerned citizens all come together to spread the message: call before you dig!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the most mentions of National Call Before You Dig Day were recorded on August 11th, 2018? It seems like people really dug into the importance of this day on that particular occasion. Remember, digging safely is a year-round commitment, so let's make every day National Call Before You Dig Day!

History behind the term 'Call Before You Dig'

1960

The Birth of Underground Utilities

As underground utilities became more prevalent in the mid-20th century, the need to prevent accidental damages and ensure worker safety arose. Before this time, most utility lines were above ground or easily visible, but with the expansion of telecommunications and utility networks, much of the infrastructure was buried underground. This shift gave rise to the concept of 'call before you dig.'

1978

One Call Systems

Recognizing the need for a standardized process to protect underground utilities, the Common Ground Study Committee was formed in 1974. It later became the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing damages to underground facilities. In 1978, the CGA launched the first 'One Call' system in the United States, starting in Michigan. This service allowed individuals to call a central number before undertaking any digging activities.

1994

National 'Call Before You Dig' Day

To raise awareness about safe digging practices and promote the 'call before you dig' concept, the CGA designated April 1st as National 'Call Before You Dig' Day. This day serves as a reminder for homeowners, contractors, and excavators to contact their local one-call center before digging, thus preventing potential accidents and interruptions to essential services.

2007

811 as the National Dig Safely Number

In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of a three-digit dialing code, '811,' as the national contact number for all 'call before you dig' services in the United States. This simplified number made it easier for people to remember and access the service, leading to increased public awareness and safer excavation practices.

Present

Continued Advocacy and Technological Innovations

As technology advances, various innovations have further improved the efficiency of the 'call before you dig' process. This includes the development of online ticketing systems, web-based mapping tools, and mobile applications that allow users to submit excavation requests digitally. Efforts by organizations like the CGA continue to educate individuals and promote safe digging practices, ensuring the prevention of damages to underground utilities.