Staking a Tent or Inflatable? Call 811!
If you work in the event or experiential industry, you’ve probably had programs where you staked a tent or inflatable on more occasions than you can count. But before hammering that stake into the ground, did you know that you were required to first call “811”, the Call Before You Dig hotline?
April is National Safe Digging Month
This month is a great reminder to call “811” before you dig to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked to avoid unintentionally digging or staking an underground utility line.
Why is 811 important?
811 protects you, your team, your company and your client! Hitting a buried line while digging/staking can disrupt utility service, cost money to repair, or cause serious injury or even death.
Do I need to contact 811?
Yes! Any digging or staking requires contacting your 811 center, either by calling 811 from anywhere in the U.S. or making your request through your state 811 center’s website.
· Planting a garden? Call 811
· Installing a fence or mailbox? Call 811
· Staking a tent or an inflatable? Call 811
It’s all the same, and in each case, you must contact 811.
What should I expect when I contact 811?
When you dial 811, you will automatically be connected to a representative from your state’s 811 center who will ask you simple questions about the location and details of your project. If you make your request online, you will enter the same information into a form.
In both cases, you will receive a ticket number and instructions for how much time utilities have to respond to your request, as well as how to confirm that ALL utilities have responded before you can safely dig.
Always contact your 811 center well in advance and wait the required time for utilities to respond to your request.
When can I begin my digging project?
Wait for the marks! Utilities will mark their buried lines on your staking site with paint or flags.
State laws vary, but generally, utility companies require a few days to respond to your request, so don’t wait until the last minute!
DO I REALLY NEED TO CALL?
I am only staking a tent or an inflatable...
Yes! Many utilities are buried just a few inches below ground. You can easily hit a line when staking event assets for a brand activation, like staking a tent or an inflatable. Contact your 811 center anytime you’re putting a shovel or a stake in the ground to keep yourself, your event venue, and your community safe.
I have hired a contractor to do the digging project...
Even if you’re not digging yourself, be sure to check with your contractor to make sure that they will contact 811 a few business days before digging begins. Never let any digging or staking work begin without contacting 811! It’s not worth the risk.
811 In Your State
To make a request online, see the specific waiting period in your area or learn more about safe digging in your state, please visit the 811 website.
….and remember, call BEFORE you Dig or Stake!