STORM CLEANUP & RECOVERY
DON’T ADD TO THE AFTERMATH
811 BEFOREYOU DIG.
Recovery and cleanup after a hurricane often take center stage with little thought of anything else for all involved. Repairing fences, cutting up trees, and even cleaning up debris are necessary and seemingly harmless actions. But if done incorrectly or without proper steps taken beforehand, an underground gas, electric or communications line could be hit and result in serious injuries, more service disruptions (think longer time without internet, tv or phone) and costly repairs.
Please don’t add to the aftermath.
A utility locate request to Sunshine 811 by phone or internet is the first step for anyone digging or disturbing the earth in any way. Once notified, the utilities will visit your site to locate and mark their public utilities. Before beginning your project, check utility responses to see if any have been cleared or requested more information from you. You will need your ticket number and the contact phone number you provided.
Scroll down for common reasons you need 811 before storm clean up.
DOWNED TREES
Before cutting away tree debris, check for buried lines tangled in the roots. That buried line could be gas, electric or communications. In this photo the lines are irrigation (see the water rushing). But there might be more under there and you won’t know for sure unless you contact 811 before you do any digging.
STUMP GRINDING
If a storm took your tree and all you have left is a stump, call 811 before you take a stump grinder to it. This photo shows a yellow flag and paint mark. That indicates a gas line runs near or directly underneath the stump. Getting these lines located and marked can help you avoid serious injury. Remember to contact 811.
FENCE REPAIR
Fences are typically placed on property lines or easements. That’s also where underground utilities can run. Get these lines marked before you begin replacing that fence, even if you’re putting new fence posts where the old posts were. Why? The previous installation could have been inches away from a facility. If you have to widen the existing hole, you could hit that line.
HELPFUL STORM CLEANUP INFO
Debris Piles
Don’t place debris over any utility structures such as boxes, pedestals and transformers. Underground utility lines run underground to these structures, placing them in danger of being pulled up by cleanup crews using claw type equipment.
Lines in Trees & on the Ground
Don’t cut above-ground lines running through trees or on the ground for quick cleanup. These could still be live! Cut phone lines will further limit your ability to stay connected and cut electric or gas lines could have deadly results. Contact your neighborhood utility companies for more information.
Utility flags and boxes or pedestals help identify underground lines.
Equipment used to pick up storm debris can accidentally dig into the ground and pull up utility lines. If you operate this equipment watch for permanent utility structure or markers and even temporary marks that could indicate underground utilities are nearby. Scoop carefully!