Miss Utility

A few smart investments, plus one free locate request to 811, can help keep your project on track and everyone safe. Not to mention, none of these costs as much as hitting an underground utility.

That's money well spent.

⚾ It's 811 Day!

As you cheer on the Baltimore Orioles or the Washington Nationals, keep an eye behind home plate... you just might spot a reminder from Miss Utility.

Before your next excavation project, make your first play contacting 811 to have underground utilities marked. It's free, it's easy, and it's the safest way to dig.

If you catch the 811 sign during the game, let us know in the comments!

⚠️ Step one in safe digging? Mark where you plan to dig. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked safety steps.

When your dig site is clearly marked, utility locators know exactly where to place their marks, making the process smoother and more accurate.

Use white spray paint or flags to outline your work area. This is called “white lining,” and it is a safe digging best practice.

Dig smarter, not harder.

Before the excavation equipment revs up, take a minute to make sure your dig site is ready to go.
✔️ Have all utilities been marked or cleared?
✔️ Are your ticket dates still valid?
✔️ Do you have all the safety equipment needed to dig safely?

A quick check can help prevent delays and confusion so you can get the job done safely and efficiently.

Smart digging starts long before the first shovel hits the ground.

Did you know? Some utility lines on your property aren’t marked through 811.

Sprinkler systems, private septic systems, or the line from your house to a detached garage are considered private utilities, and they won’t be included in a standard 811 locate.

To map those lines, you’ll need to hire a private utility locator. It’s a smart step toward building a complete picture of what’s underground and digging more safely.

Still unsure which utilities are covered by your locate request? Contact 811 and our CSRs can walk you through it or learn more on our website.

We don't hear about the utility strike that never happened.

The outage that was avoided.The repair that wasn't needed.The emergency response that wasn't warranted.

Success in damage prevention often goes unnoticed, but that’s no excuse for slacking on safety.

Every prevented damage is a win for workers, communities, and the critical services we rely on every day. Contribute to the solution and practice safety every day.

Protecting underground utilities starts with recognizing just how valuable they are.

Most of the infrastructure we rely on every day is hidden underground. Once damaged, those services can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to restore.

Take steps to protect these hidden treasures by contacting 811 before any excavation project.

Across the country, homeowners are planting trees, building decks, installing fences, and improving their properties.

There's something satisfying about creating something new, whether it's a backyard retreat, a community improvement project, or a major infrastructure upgrade.

Every great vision starts with a little planning.

Behind every utility service is a network of people working together to keep communities running.

Damage prevention is a shared responsibility, and every stakeholder plays an important role in protecting the infrastructure that keeps us connected.

Thank you to ALL members of the damage prevention industry for your contributions!

Ever notice how one person wearing safety glasses encourages others to do the same?

The same is true across the damage prevention industry.

When people prioritize planning, communication, and safety, those behaviors spread. Good examples influence others, creating stronger jobsites and safer communities for everyone.