PUBLIC SAFETY CAMPAIGN REMINDS EXCAVATORS TO DIG SAFELY IN ILLINOIS THIS SUMMER

Consequences of Unsafe Digging Practices Can Take A Staggering Toll

CONTACT:  Kevin T. Chmura
815/741-5005
chmura@julie1call.com

JOLIET, ILLINOIS – What is buried in your yard may surprise you.  Today, more and more utility companies that supply power, heat, water and telecommunications are delivering those services underground.

As more people spend time working on home improvement projects and entertaining guests outdoors this summer, representatives of the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE) remind homeowners and professional excavators about the importance of making a free call to the Illinois One-Call System (1-800-892-0123) before starting any digging projects, regardless of depth.

“Many people are making plans for outdoor parties with tents or beautification projects around their homes,” said Mark Frost, executive director of JULIE, Inc.  “If a project involves any type of digging, drilling or inserting posts or tent stakes into the ground, a call to JULIE should be on the priority list.”

Common examples of projects that require a call to JULIE before digging include putting up a fence or tent; 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.

“Illinois law requires all persons 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,” Frost continued.  “Call center operators are available to receive and process calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators), also known as the “Illinois One-Call System,” is a not-for-profit corporation that provides professional and non-professional (i.e. homeowners) 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. 

Established in 1974, JULIE represents over 1,680 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.julie1call.com.