April is Safe Digging Month [Video]

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – It is Safe Digging Month in Louisiana, and the group Louisiana 811 is encouraging people to practice safe excavation.

Louisiana 811 said the Louisiana Damage Prevention Law was enacted in 1988. This law requires excavators and demolishers to call a regional notification center at least two full business days before they begin working.

Thousands of utility lines and gas pipelines are buried beneath the surface—sometimes multiple lines are in one area.

If you are trying to dig a hole for a fence, a new home, or a pool you’re at risk of hitting one of those underground lines. Also, if you are hiring a contractor, the damage prevention manager with Louisiana 811, Cole Vanderlick, said you should ask them to submit an 811 ticket so you are not liable.

“Wait for that required time, it’s called a ‘mark by date’ to wait for the utilities to …