Safe Digging Month
Effective Date: Sunday, April 1st, 2012
WHEREAS, each year, Alaska’s underground utility infrastructure is accidentally damaged due to failure to follow safe digging practices; and
WHEREAS, the consequences of damage to buried facilities can include the interruption of electric, gas, communications, and water and sewer utility services; costly damage repairs, fines, and penalties; and serious personal injuries and even fatalities; and
WHEREAS, 811 is the national call-before-you-dig number that helps protect contractors, municipal workers, homeowners, landowners, and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility infrastructure while working on digging projects; and
WHEREAS, 811 provides a simple number to reach your local One Call Center to request the marking of utility line locations at your intended dig site; and
WHEREAS, Alaskans can save time and money and help keep our state safe and connected by following best practices for damage prevention, starting with making one simple call to 811; and
WHEREAS, safe digging is a shared responsibility. To prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and ensure public safety and environmental protection, all parties must call 811 before they dig.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as:
Safe Digging Month
in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans to spread awareness about safe digging practices and to always call 811 before digging.
Dated: March 27, 2012
