According to Georgia Power Public Relations and Communication Specialist Amanda Arnold, April is recognized as Safe Digging Month across the country. Georgia Power is marking 50 years of helping keep Georgians safe through its longstanding partnership with Georgia811. The company was a founding member of Georgia811, alongside seven other companies. The creation of Georgia811 was due to a tragic incident in 1968 which claimed the lives of several people at a daycare center in Hapeville, Georgia.
The first locate tickets were issued in 1974. In 50 years, Georgia 811 now has over 850 utility members and processes more than 1.3 million tickets annually. Georgia 811 continues to provide notification services and educational resources to promote damage prevention of underground utility facilities. See more about the history of Georgia811 here.
In 2023, Georgia Power alone completed over 700,000 service tickets throughout the state and over 4.1 million in the past five years. To prioritize safety and navigate the complexity of underground infrastructure, both customers and excavators should call 811 at least three business days before starting any digging projects.
Safety before digging
Georgia Power Vice President of Distribution Field Operations John Cornelius states, “Safety is a core value at Georgia Power, and across the Southern Company system, and an intentional focus for our thousands of team members working in our communities to serve customers every day,”.
He adds, “Nothing is more important than safety and, as Georgians get out in the yard this spring to garden or landscape, we encourage them to use the Georgia811 service and have utilities marked before they dig.”
The company works every day to help educate and inform customers about the importance of calling before you dig through public service announcements like this one featuring Georgia811 mascot Digger Dog.
When customers call or visit online, they will be connected to their local 811 center. Georgia Power and other utilities will receive details about the project and proper next steps will be explained. Professional locators will mark the areas of underground facilities with spray paint or flags to help prevent damage and injury.
To learn more, visit www.georgiapower.com/dig.
