Safe Digging Month

WHEREAS, Alabama’s underground utility infrastructure is jeopardized by unintentional damage of those who fail to call 811 to have underground lines located prior to digging; undesired consequences such as service interruption, damage to the environment, personal injury and even death are potential risks; and

WHEREAS, Alabama 811 and its 391 utility members promote the National Call-Before-You-Dig Number 811, in an effort to reduce these damages; and

WHEREAS, designated by the FCC in 2005, Alabama 811 provides potential excavators and homeowners with a simple phone number to reach their local “one call center” to request utility line locations at the intended dig site; and

WHEREAS, through education of safe digging practices, excavators and homeowners can save time and money keeping Alabama safe and connected by making a simple call to 811 in advance of any digging project, waiting the required amount of time, respecting the marked lines by maintaining visual definition throughout the course of excavation and digging with care around the marks; and

WHEREAS, safe digging is a shared responsibility; to know what’s below and call 811 before you dig:

NOW, THEREFORE, I Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2013, as

Safe Digging Month

in the state of Alabama and encourage all excavators and homeowners to always call 811 before digging.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 17th day of April 2013.

                        

Robert Bentley, Governor