Date
Tuesday
Apr

April 1-30

National Safe Digging Month

April is National Safe Digging Month - don't let careless digging lead to disaster, always call 811 before you dig!

Yearly Date
April 1
Type
Month

Introduction

Get ready to dig into National Safe Digging Month this April 1! This month-long celebration was created to promote safe digging practices and raise awareness about the dangers of unintentional damage to underground utility lines. Did you know that every six minutes, an underground utility line is damaged because someone did not call 811 before digging? By following proper procedures and using safe digging techniques, we can prevent accidents and protect our communities. So let's celebrate this month by spreading the word and ensuring that all digging projects are done safely!

National Safe Digging Month Timeline

1976
Creation of CGA
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) was formed to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and to protect workers.
1994
"Call Before You Dig" Initiative
The "Call Before You Dig" initiative was born in response to the increasing number of accidents related to digging near utility lines.
2005
Establishment of 811 Number
The FCC designated 811 as the nationwide number to call before digging, ensuring an easy-to-remember and accessible number for this crucial service.
2007
First National Safe Digging Month
The CGA and stakeholders across the country recognized April as National Safe Digging Month to raise awareness about safe digging procedures.
2010
National Campaign Expansion
The "811: Call Before You Dig" campaign was expanded to include more public service announcements and educational events across the country.

How to Celebrate National Safe Digging Month

1

Educate yourself on safe digging practices

Take the time to research and learn about safe digging practices, including the importance of calling 811 before any digging project, and how to properly identify and locate underground utility lines.

2

Share the message with others

Spread the word about National Safe Digging Month by sharing information with friends, family, and neighbors. You can also post on social media or hang up posters in your community to raise awareness.

3

Host a safe digging event

Organize a community event focused on safe digging, such as a workshop or demonstration. This is a great way to educate others and promote safe digging practices in your area.

4

Create a safe digging pledge

Encourage others to commit to safe digging by creating a pledge or challenge for your friends and family to sign. This can help remind everyone of the importance of safe digging practices.

5

Celebrate with a backyard barbecue

Gather your loved ones for a backyard barbecue and use this as an opportunity to spread the message about safe digging. You can even create fun activities or games centered around safe digging to make it a memorable event.

Why National Safe Digging Month is Important

A

Prevents damage to underground infrastructure

Every year, thousands of miles of underground infrastructure - including gas lines, electrical cables and water pipes - are damaged due to unsafe digging practices. By celebrating National Safe Digging Month, we can raise awareness about the importance of safe digging and prevent costly damages.

B

Keeps communities safe

Unsafe digging not only puts underground structures at risk, but it also endangers the safety of nearby communities. Gas leaks, electrical fires and water main breaks can all occur when underground infrastructure is damaged. Celebrating National Safe Digging Month encourages individuals to dig safely and keeps our communities out of harm's way.

C

Saves time and money

Damage to underground infrastructure takes time and money to repair, causing disruptions in services and inconvenience for residents. By promoting safe digging practices through National Safe Digging Month, we can prevent these damages and save both time and money for communities.

National Safe Digging Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 31
Friday
2024
Mar 31
Sunday
2025
Mar 31
Monday
2026
Mar 31
Tuesday
2027
Mar 31
Wednesday