Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national association working to prevent damage to underground infrastructure, today released a new radio PSA to highlight the importance of contacting 811 before beginning digging projects. Nearly 200,000 times each year, buried power, water, internet, natural gas and other utility lines are damaged by digging, costing the U.S. $30 billion annually.
The 30-second spot entitled “Problem” features a homeowner and contractor discussing the construction of a new deck, the contractor’s failure to contact 811 beforehand, and the sound of a struck utility line. CGA President and CEO Sarah K. Magruder Lyle reminds listeners what’s at stake – communities, property, and lives – and encourages listeners to visit 811beforeyoudig.com to find their state 811 one-call center.
The PSA will be distributed to radio stations nationwide beginning today, and will also be available on streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Pandora, and others. The spot was specifically released today, Aug. 11, to mark National 8/11 Day – the national awareness campaign day that reminds Americans to contact 811 before digging.
“Nearly 200,000 times each year, the buried utilities upon which all Americans rely are damaged through digging by homeowners, contractors and others. This year, we’re taking to the airwaves to remind everyone that contacting 811 before digging is free, easy, and in many places, it’s the law,” said CGA President and CEO Sarah K. Magruder Lyle. “On 8/11 Day and every day, those three simple numbers can help prevent utility outages, community disruptions, injuries and worse. Whether major construction or a small DIY backyard project, it takes just moments to contact 811. Doing so may save lives – including your own.”
About CGA: Common Ground Alliance is a member-driven association of nearly 4,000 damage prevention professionals spanning every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective best practices. CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage prevention data and information in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
