FALL SAFETY CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES EXCAVATORS TO
"CALL JULIE BEFORE YOU DIG"

Safety tips promote safe-digging practices in Illinois

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

JOLIET, ILLINOIS – As part of JULIE’s “Dig Safely Illinois” education campaign, representatives of the Illinois One-Call System are stressing the importance of safe-digging practices to homeowners and professional excavators planning outdoor projects this fall.

“Fall is an excellent time to plant and transplant trees and shrubs,” said Mark Frost, executive director of JULIE, Inc.  “Before digging, it is important to call JULIE at 1-800-892-0123.  Whether it is a small or large outdoor project, state law requires anyone digging to call JULIE at least two working days before the start of excavation.”

“The impact of unsafe or careless digging practices is real and often costly-in terms of personal injury and damage to underground utility lines, property and the environment,” continued Frost.  “The call to JULIE and service provided by members are free to the excavator.”  

COMMON DIGGING PROJECTS
Common examples of fall outdoor projects that require a call to JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 before digging (regardless of depth) include putting up a fence; installing a swing set, a mail box post, new water feature or clothes line pole; building a deck or room addition; preparing a new garden area; or adding new trees or shrubs. 

Safety Tips

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.

 JULIE, Inc. (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides professional and non-professional 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 1,700 members.  For more information, visit www.julie1call.com.