August 11 is 'Call Before You Dig' Day: Protecting Stone Gate 1 and Our Underground Lifelines
Every August 11—fittingly known as 8/11 Day—residents in Stone Gate 1 are reminded of a simple but critical safety step: call 811 before you dig. Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a fence, or breaking ground on a major project, this free service can save you time, money, and potentially lives.
What is 811?
The 811 system is a nationwide “Call Before You Dig” hotline designed to prevent damage to underground utility lines. Managed by local one-call centers, it connects homeowners, contractors, and landscapers with utility companies that can identify and mark buried lines—such as natural gas, water, electricity, fiber optic cables, and more—before work begins.
This program was launched in 2007 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to standardize the process across all 50 states. In Texas, it’s operated by Texas 811, a non-profit organization that serves as the crucial go-between for you and your local utility providers.
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Why It Matters for Stone Gate 1
Beneath your neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and yards runs a complex web of infrastructure that keeps daily life running smoothly. Striking a buried utility line isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. According to the Common Ground Alliance, a utility line is damaged every six minutes in the U.S., often due to skipping the 811 call.
In Stone Gate 1, damage to gas or water lines can result in service outages, expensive repairs, and even emergency evacuations. Calling 811 helps prevent:
- Injury or fatal accidents caused by striking gas or electrical lines.
- Costly fines and repair bills for damaged infrastructure.
- Delays in your project timeline while emergency crews respond.
When and Why to Call
The rule is simple: If you dig, call before you do it. You should dial 811 at least two business days before starting any project that involves disturbing the ground—even small ones. This includes:
- Installing mailboxes or fence posts
- Planting shrubs or trees
- Digging for decks, patios, or garden beds
- Building swimming pools or outdoor kitchens
It’s not just for contractors—homeowners are responsible too. The call is free, and the marking service won’t cost you a dime.
How the Process Works
- Call 811 or Submit Online – Reach out to Texas 811 by calling 811 or visiting texas811.org at least 48 hours before digging.
- Wait for Marking – Utility companies will send out locators to mark the approximate location of their lines using colored flags or paint.
- Get the All-Clear – Once marked, you can proceed with confidence.
- Respect the Marks – Use caution and hand-dig near marked areas.
Each color corresponds to a different type of utility: red for electric, yellow for gas, blue for water, orange for communication lines, and so on.
The Bigger Picture
811 isn’t just a number—it’s part of a larger national effort to protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment. Damaging underground utilities can cause environmental hazards, disrupt essential services, and put emergency responders at risk.
For Stone Gate 1, participating in 8/11 Day is a chance to protect your shared resources and keep your neighborhood safe and connected.
Reminder: Mark your calendar every August 11 as a personal reminder to “Call Before You Dig.” And anytime you’ve got a shovel in hand, take those extra two business days to protect yourself, your neighbors, and your community’s infrastructure.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local safety tips and community updates.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.