Aug. 11 is National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day, and Duke Energy is advising customers and excavators to call 811 at least three business days before beginning any outdoor project that involves digging.

811 Day is an annual initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to ensure the practice of safe digging is echoed in communities by calling 811, a nationwide toll-free number, before any excavation project. Contractors, homeowners, business owners, and anyone preparing for an excavation project should call 811 at least three business days before digging begins.

Local utilities will send a crew to mark underground lines in the area (electric, natural gas, water, sewer, phone, cable TV, and others) with stakes, flags, or paint. It is important that these flags stay in place to ensure digging doesn’t disrupt utility line, creating a potential for tragedy.

From January to June 2025, Duke Energy reported nearly 200 incidents damaging its underground electric network in Indiana.

“Whether you’re finishing a summer yard project or starting something new this fall, call 811 before you dig,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. "Damaging a utility line can be dangerous and costly, but it's easily prevented by this simple step. Safety and reliability start with contacting 811."

For additional information about 811, visit Call 811 Before You Dig https://www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/call-before-you-dig. To contact the 811 center in your state, dial 811 or visit www.call811.com.