Safe Digging Month

WHEREAS, April marks the start of the spring construction, gardening, and digging season for homeowners, landscapers, and construction companies; and

WHEREAS, each year, Alaska’s underground utility infrastructure is jeopardized by unintentional damage by those who fail to click or call 811 to have underground utility lines located prior to digging; 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 injuries and fatalities; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission designated 811 as the national Call-Before-You-Dig number that helps prevent excavation accidents, providing one simple number to reach your local One Call Center; and

WHEREAS, Alaskans can save time, money, and help keep our state safe and connected by following best practices for damage prevention, starting with a simple call to 811; and

WHEREAS, safe digging is a shared responsibility. To prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and ensure public safety, we must become aware of, and follow, safe digging practices and remember to always click or call 811 before digging.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April, 2022 as:

Safe Digging Month

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to follow and spread awareness about safe digging practices.

Dated:  April 1, 2022