Call 811 before you dig

At Hill County Electric, safety is always our top priority. That’s why we encourage everyone to contact 811 before starting any digging project so underground utility lines can be properly located.

As the weather warms up, many homeowners begin tackling outdoor projects like planting trees, installing fences, landscaping, or preparing gardens. No matter how small the project may seem, always call 811 before you dig. Striking a buried utility line can lead to power outages, loss of internet or phone service, costly repairs, property damage, and even serious injury.

The 811 service is a free nationwide program designed to help prevent damage to underground utilities. When you call, your request is routed to a local one-call center where operators gather information about your project and notify utility companies to mark buried lines in the area. To allow enough time for utilities to respond, contact 811 at least two business days before beginning work.

Before starting your project, wait until all utility lines have been clearly marked. Even after markings are in place, you are responsible for hand digging within 18 inches of the utility markings on the ground. Please use caution when digging. Utility line depths can vary depending on the type of utility, soil conditions, erosion, and previous ground disturbance, which can all affect the location of buried lines over time.

Calling 811 is just as important in rural areas as it is in town. Farmers and ranchers often work around buried electric, natural gas, communication, water, and pipeline infrastructure. Ground movement, erosion, and other agricultural activities can change the depth and location of underground facilities, making line locating especially important before digging.

Even when precautions are taken, accidents can still happen. If you nick, scrape, dent, or expose a buried utility line, report it immediately. Damage that may appear minor can create serious problems later if left unaddressed.

At Hill County Electric, the safety of our members, employees, and communities remains one of our highest priorities. Taking a few minutes to call 811 before digging is a simple step that helps protect everyone.