“From the communication lines that connect us to the utilities that fuel us, these services are worth protecting," said Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) Deputy Director Jon Wolfgram. “Calling 811 before a project ensures that what's below stays operational so we can go about our daily lives without disruption." 

That's why our OPS staff joined a crowd of runners Saturday at the . The run aims to remind people of the importance of calling 811 or filing an online ticket before you dig, as well as raise money for the Twin Cities Firefighters Operation Warm, a non-profit organization that provides new, warm winter coats for Minnesota children in need. 

So far this year, OPS inspectors have investigated 19 incidents of a natural gas pipeline being hit by an excavator. Hitting a line could cause an outage, property damage or the worst-case scenario — an explosion. You want to call 811 or file an online ticket now, so you don't have to call 911 later.

Marking utilities isn't just important for large projects. We've also investigated 10 cases this year where an internet line was hit, which can knock out your connection. Imagine not being able to work remotely, run a home business or attend online classes.

Don't worry: It isn't tough to make sure you're safe. To dig safely — and legally in Minnesota — you need to do three things:

• Call 811 at least two business days before you dig. 
• Mark your yard in white so the locator knows where you're digging and can mark the utilities in your yard appropriately.
• Respect the locate marks and hand-dig carefully around them.

Even if you've excavated an area previously, erosion, settling ground and other factors can change the depth and location of utilities over time.

You can also file an online ticket using (GSOC). When you contact GSOC with a request, be prepared to answer these questions:

• What is your name, address and phone number? 
• What type of work will you be doing?
• What is the dig location's address, city, county and nearest intersecting street?
• At the dig location, where will you be digging?
• When will you be digging?

GSOC also asks that you outline your dig area with white markings: either paint, flags or stakes. That way, you don't need to wait for them to mark the utilities in your whole yard, just the area where you'll be working.

Learn more about calling before you dig.