ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Tuesday was August 11, or 8/11, the day chosen as a natural reminder for homeowners to contact Dig Safely New York by calling 811.
Twelve corners in Brighton was one of several rally locations across New York used to remind professionals and homeowners to contact Dig Safely New York before beginning any digging projects. The 811 call center contacts utilities so they can mark underground lines to prevent any mishaps.
"You never want to hit a utility line that's buried in the ground. No matter what kind of project you're doing, whether it be putting in a mailbox, planting a tree or doing a real construction project, you want to know where all of the utilities are in the ground before you start your digging," said Chris Flaherty of Dig Safe New York.
Nationwide, an underground utility line is damaged by unsafe digging every six minutes.