Joliet, Illinois – With a growing national trend of homeowners focusing on outdoor beautification and home improvement projects instead of selling their homes, JULIE, Inc.’s safety and education campaign reminds do-it-yourselfers about the importance of calling the Illinois One-Call System before starting any projects that involve digging.  May is also designated as National Safe Digging Month by the Common Ground Alliance.

 “Not only do homeowners need the proper tools and materials, but the first step to planning any successful project is to call JULIE,” said Kevin Chmura, director of public relations for JULIE, Inc.  “Safe digging is no accident. When homeowners inadvertently cut or damage lines during so-called routine projects, the results can still take a staggering toll, in terms of costly delays, environmental or property damage, liability, personal injury and even loss of life.”

 JULIE, Inc. recently introduced E-Request, a free, web based program for homeowners with Internet access who want to enter their own utility locate requests via www.illinois1call.com. In addition, JULIE’s friendly and helpful call center representatives are available to receive and process requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week at either 811 or 800-892-0123.

“There is no reason to take a chance.  With more utility companies delivering critical services underground, homeowners are encouraged to simply call JULIE at 811 or visit our Web site to enter their own request,” continued Chmura.  

Common examples of do-it-yourself projects that require a call to JULIE before digging include putting up a fence; installing a swing set, a mail box post or water feature such as a pool, pond or fountain; building a deck or room addition; preparing a new garden or landscape area; or planting trees, bushes or shrubs.

Here’s how it works.  To ensure that underground utility lines in the work area are marked, call 811 or send an E-Request to JULIE at least two working days before digging.  JULIE, Inc. will arrange for its member utility operators to have the underground lines at the project site marked, free of charge, so that homeowners can dig safely.  JULIE neither owns nor marks any underground lines.

As one of the largest industry one-call systems in the nation, the not-for-profit organization represents 1,730 members and annually receives 1.2 million locate requests. For a copy of JULIE’s Homeowner’s Guide, an explanation of the color-code markings and information about the one-call process, visit www.illinois1call.com.

###