Florida Panhandle: Storm Preparation and Excavation Safety Reminders
Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane, potentially bringing heavy rain, storm surge flooding and high winds to the Florida Panhandle. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 25 North Florida counties, extending from Escambia to Baker.
Sunshine 811 is here to help its members communicate with excavators before and after the storm.
Information for Members
Declare Extraordinary Circumstances early
If you expect conditions that make it impractical to comply with Chapter 556, F.S., declare Extraordinary Circumstances and include an estimated rescind date.
Watch for operating updates
Sunshine 811 may offer extended hours to support storm recovery. Check our website and Exactix login page for announcements.
Share recovery resources
Visit our After the Storm page for information and links to share with your customers.
Information for Excavators
Check declarations and positive responses
View the list of members declaring Extraordinary Circumstances . Members that declare will initially show positive response code 3T, directing you to contact the utility owner/operator.
Some members may continue locating, marking and updating their responses as conditions allow. Continue requesting locate tickets and verifying positive responses before digging.
Follow the required waiting period
Wait until all member facilities are marked or confirmed clear, or the applicable marking deadline has passed, whichever occurs first.
The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on the second full business day; the day the ticket is requested does not count. Check the due date shown on your ticket.
If facilities remain unmarked after the deadline:
- Contact the member directly using the information on your ticket.
- Proceed only with reasonable care and use detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate underground facilities, as provided in section 556.105(6)(a), F.S.
- Consider hiring a private locate company to help identify and mark underground facilities at your job site. Visit our Private Locate Companies page.