SAFETY CAMPAIGN OFFERS SUMMER TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

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

JOLIET, ILLINOIS – Summer is here and representatives of the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE, Inc.) encourage homeowners to keep safety in mind when planning outdoor activities and improvement projects.

“Many homeowners are undertaking beautification projects and preparing for parties in their yards during the summer months,” said Kevin T. Chmura, director of public relations at JULIE, Inc.  “If the planning involves any type of digging, drilling or inserting posts or tent stakes into the ground, a free call to JULIE should be on top of the priority list.  Call center representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist with the quick and easy locate request process.”

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

JULIE, Inc. offers the following tips to keep your family safe this summer:

1)    The most basic:  Call JULIE Before You Dig (1-800-892-0123), regardless of the depth or size of the project.  The call to JULIE and service provided by members are free;

2)    Wait for the excavation site to be marked with paint, flags or stakes (two working days);

3)    Respect the utility marks; and

4)    Dig with care—always hand dig within 18” of marked lines.

Illinois law requires anyone digging 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.

JULIE, Inc. serves as a notification service for underground facility owners and operators, taking information about planned excavations and distributing this information to its membership. It is then the responsibility of each member facility owner to mark the location of their underground utility facilities at the excavation site.  JULIE, Inc. neither owns nor marks any underground facilities. 

Established in 1974, the not-for-profit organization represents 1,770 members and offers a free guide that includes additional tips to help homeowners enjoy a safe summer. For a copy of this guide, an explanation of the color-code markings and more information, visit www.illinois1call.com.