JOLIET, ILLINOIS – What is buried in your yard may surprise you.  Today, more utility companies that supply power, gas, water and telecommunications are delivering these services underground.  With this in mind, representatives of the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE, Inc.) recently announced the spring kick-off of a statewide public safety campaign that stresses the importance of calling the one-call system before starting any digging projects.  April is also designated as “Dig Safely Illinois” Month.

“According to state law, anyone planning an outdoor project that requires digging, regardless of the depth or the size of the outdoor project, should call JULIE at 1-800-892-0123,” said Kevin Chmura, director of public relations at JULIE, Inc.  “The call to JULIE and service provided by members are free to the excavator. Call center operators are available to receive and process calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” 

TYPES OF OUTDOOR PROJECTS

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 new water feature; building a deck or room addition; preparing a new garden area; or adding new trees, bushes or shrubs.

Safety Tips

Loss of utilities can leave communities without such vital services as police, fire and medical protection.  JULIE’s tips for outdoor digging projects include:

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

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

3.       Respect the marks; and

4.       Dig with care.

“The far-reaching consequences of unsafe or careless digging practices can take a staggering toll, in terms of costly delays, environmental or property damage, liability, personal injury and even loss of life.  Digging responsibly is the only way to dig,” Chmura continued.

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.

JULIE, Inc. promotes an easier, safer digging environment and serves the entire state of Illinois outside of the city of Chicago, which is covered by DIGGER.  Illinois law requires anyone digging to call JULIE 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. 

Established in 1974, JULIE represents 1,750 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.