JEFFERSON CITY, MO (August 9, 2019) – August 11 is national 811 day. With outdoor summer projects in full swing, Ameren Missouri reminds residents and contractors to "Call Before You Dig" by dialing 811 before any digging project. It is the quickest and easiest way to prevent serious pipeline accidents – and save lives and property. Both the call and the service are free.
Every digging project even a small one like installing a mailbox or planting a tree or garden requires a call.
Excavation damage is the leading cause of pipeline accidents in the United States. That is why Ameren Missouri is urging excavators and the public to follow safe digging rules. Anyone can call between three and 10 days before a project date to have the area marked for utilities.
"Underground utility lines are damaged every six minutes. Striking just one line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and outages," said Dennis Bennett, supervisor of public awareness for Ameren Missouri. "That's why on August 11 and throughout the year we remind everyone to be safe and call 811 before you dig to reduce the risk of striking an underground utility line."
Four steps for safe digging
Make the call. Dial 811 to request that your project area be marked. The call and the locating services are free.
Pause. You should call at least three days before you plan to dig. A locator will come by and mark the utilities that could be impacted by your project.
Follow the marks. Utilities will be marked with flags or spray paint. If the marks fade before you begin your project, simply dial 811 again to have them remarked.
Dig with care. Be careful when digging around the markers to avoid accidentally damaging buried lines.
Residents can call 811 or visit www.mo1call.com.
Visit www.AmerenMissouri.com for more natural gas safety tips.
About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.