Call 811 before you dig
Every summer, little colorful flags are a ubiquitous sight near roads and sidewalks. But what are they for?
Posted by Lauren Dublin on July 26, 2022
Every summer, little colorful flags are a ubiquitous sight near roads and sidewalks. But what are they for?
The flags are indicators of buried underground utilities, such as electric and gas lines. Digging into these lines can cause serious problems or injuries for you and your neighbors. Prior to digging into the ground, it’s extremely important to call 811. 811 is a free service that connects you to a company that coordinates with utility providers in your area to get buried utilities “located,” which is where the little flags come in.
Calling 811 isn’t just for road construction. Even if you’re “just” planting a tree, starting a new flowerbed, adding a patio, or installing a mailbox or fence, it’s critical to ensure that you’re sure you aren’t about to dig into any wires. Many utilities are buried only inches underground, so it’s easier than you may think to hit a line if you don’t get them located before your project.
In Minnesota, the company you’re connected to when you call 811 is Gopher State One Call (GSOC). The average locate request requires GSOC to coordinate with seven to eight utility providers! Being in a hurry to get a project done is no excuse, as turnaround time is very fast. GSOC’s website says that if you plan to dig on a Saturday, you’ll just need to get your locate request in by 2 p.m. the Wednesday before.
Once locates have been completed, you should avoid digging on top of marked utilities, as well as within 18-24 inches on the sides of them. This may mean moving your project to another part of the yard.
811 requests can be submitted online as well, by visiting gopherstateonecall.org.
Be safe this summer and call before you dig!
