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identify the lines

Check Your State's Call Requirements

identify the lines

When you contact the 811 notification center for the state you are working in to have lines marked, you initiate a process that includes the contact center, utility locators, and utility companies who work together to prepare you for safe digging. 811 Call centers take your information on the work you are planning to do. After identifying which utilities have lines near your work area, the 811 service will let the utilities know about your plan to dig and project information. The utilities may send locators to your site to mark the area and to identify the position of the lines, for underwater locates this could be in electronic form. Each state has its own one call law with different requirements for projects in that state.

identify the lines

Check Your State's Call Requirements

When you contact the 811 notification center for the state you are working in to have lines marked, you initiate a process that includes the contact center, utility locators, and utility companies who work together to prepare you for safe digging. 811 Call centers take your information on the work you are planning to do. After identifying which utilities have lines near your work area, the 811 service will let the utilities know about your plan to dig and project information. The utilities may send locators to your site to mark the area and to identify the position of the lines, for underwater locates this could be in electronic form. Each state has its own one call law with different requirements for projects in that state.

The information required for locate requests may vary by state. For more information on your state’s one call requirements, visit: https://call811.com/811-In-Your-State

Example of how to place a Marine 811 notification before starting a project

  • This video example is from Texas811 outlining how to submit locate request for any marine excavation or water-bottom contact in all waterways and off the coast.
  • Note: Each state’s 811 notification system is a bit different but the same project information in this video should be supplied by the contractor. When submitting a locate request with Texas, you have two options – online or by calling 811
  • Option#1

Online via The Portal

Most states have an online portal with step by step instructions on how to register and enter 811 notifications though an online portal all FREE of charge. Visit https://call811.com/811-In-Your-State and select your state to look for online locate notification entry.

  • Option#2

Call 811

  • When you call 811, listen attentively to the recorded message. You'll find that many of your requests can be efficiently handled through the automated system, before you even reach a damage prevention agent.

Every state is required by law to offer notification services.

When you contact 811, be prepared with the following information when requesting a locate request:

  • Name, phone number, address of the person who is digging
  • Name, phone number and email address of the person submitting the locate request
  • Name, phone number, and email address of the site contact
  • Who the work is being done for
  • Duration (time) of the work
  • Nature of work
  • Excavation depth and length
  • Type of equipment being used
  • You may be asked if explosives are being used as well as if you will be doing any directional boring
  • City and County where work is taking place
  • Address and/or driving directions to the work location
  • Nearest cross street
  • Work site locate instructions
  • GPS if applicable
  • Any other information that will help utility operators mark their underground facilities near your work site

The information required for locate requests may vary by state. For more information on your state’s one call requirements, visit: https://call811.com/811-In-Your-State