CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES HOMEOWNERS TO DIG SAFELY
Simple Precautions Can Help Avoid Painful and Costly Accidents in Illinois

CONTACT:  Kevin T. Chmura
815/741-5005
chmura@illinois1call.com

JOLIET, ILLINOIS – When do-it-yourselfers inspired by “extreme” home makeovers inadvertently cut electrical lines or sever gas pipes during outdoor improvement projects, the results can take a staggering toll, in terms of costly delays, environmental or property damage, liability, personal injury and even loss of life.

With this in mind, representatives of the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE, Inc.) announced the kick-off of a statewide public safety campaign that stresses the importance of calling the one-call system (1-800-892-0123) before starting any digging projects.  April is also “Dig Safely Illinois Month.”

“Springtime and warmer weather bring about a flurry of activity outside the home,” said Kevin Chmura, director of public relations at JULIE, Inc. “Homeowners can avoid injuries and save time with one simple phone call before doing any work that requires digging, regardless of the depth or size of the project. The call to JULIE and service provided by members are free to the excavator.”

Today, more utility companies that supply power, gas, water and telecommunications are delivering these services underground.  Illinois law requires anyone digging, regardless of depth, to call JULIE, Inc. at least two working days prior to the start of excavation and to begin that project within 14 calendar days from the call. The 48 hour notice does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

“Call center operators are available to receive and process calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Chmura continued.

TYPES OF OUTDOOR PROJECTS

For residents considering any improvement repairs outside the home, following a few precautions can help avoid a painful and costly accident.  Common examples of homeowner 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 area; or planting trees, bushes or shrubs.

Safety Tips

Know what precautions are needed before digging in! Following are a few simple safety tips when planning outdoor projects:

·        Call JULIE (1-800-892-0123) before you dig;

·        Wait the required amount of time (two working days);

·        Respect the marks; and

·        Dig with care.

JULIE, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation that provides excavators with a toll-free number (1-800-892-0123) for the free locating and marking of underground facilities.  JULIE serves as a notification service for underground facility owners, taking information about planned excavations and distributing this information to its membership.  It is then the responsibility of each facility owner to mark the location of their underground facilities at the excavation site. JULIE neither owns nor marks any underground facilities.

The Illinois One-Call System received a record 1.2 million underground utility locate requests from professional excavators and homeowners in 2004.  Established in 1974, JULIE represents 1,775 members.  JULIE has 100 employees during peak periods and is located in a state-of-the-art facility in Joliet, Illinois.  For more information, visit www.illinois1call.com.