It’s springtime in April and time to remember that JULIE stands for ‘Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators.’ Learn the color codes for safe-digging flags and paint marks.
April is National Safe Digging Month. Communities are reminding people planning digging projects to call JULIE at 8-1-1 prior to beginning any work.
In fact, folks at Nicor Gas, one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, sent a timely news release to remind the community that “with millions sheltering in place, many homeowners and do-it-yourselfers are taking this time to tackle household projects. As the weather warms, projects may move outdoors – from planting a tree to installing a new fence or mailbox.
“Knowing where underground utility lines are before any individual digs helps prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient service outages, which is critical with more people at home and dependent on the energy they need to fuel their lives and bring comfort during this time,” the news release advised.
J.U.L.I.E. stands for “Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators.” The nonprofit business provides homeowners and professional excavators with one number to call before digging. Workers representing different utilities then arrive to plant colorful flags along matching spray-painted lines to mark the underground facilities in the area proposed for excavation.
Common Ground Alliance (CGA) reports that underground utility lines often are damaged because digging work was done without first calling 811. Underground cables for various utilities, including cable, water and sewer, are located throughout Naperville. These items can be damaged or ruptured by an assortment of digging instruments; a small bend or dent can create problems months later. Damaged cable can endanger property and public safety, in addition to being expensive and time consuming to repair.
Above / Some parkways along neighborhood streets (25 mph, please) have signs that JULIE has marked the spots for proposed tree locations. According to the stake in the ground, a honey locust soon will be planted here.
Planning to dig? Call JULIE at 8-1-1, accessible around the clock
Before beginning outdoor work such as planting trees or shrubs, erecting a fence or undertaking any construction work, state law requires anyone digging to call JULIE for cable locations. JULIE alerts utility members in the area of your intent to dig. The number for JULIE is 8-1-1 and may be reached 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Anyone digging in Naperville, including homeowners and contractors, must call JULIE at least two working days before digging. Lines located in and around the planned dig area will be marked with different colors:
Yellow (yellow) for gas or oil
Red (red) for electric
Orange (orange) for communications
Blue (blue) for water
Green (green) for sewer
Color-coded flags and spray-painted color-coordinated markings such as the ones shown in the photos are reminders of where not to dig.
This time of year, folks are planning new gardens, decks, patios and other landscaping projects.
If your lawn or parkway is marked without your knowledge, then likely your neighbors are planning some work or a utility operator is preparing for maintenance or repair. For instance, the City of Naperville has marked plenty of spots for new parkway trees.
Let us repeat… Spread the word… Before any dig, call JULIE at 8-1-1
The goal of JULIE and the “Call 8-1-1” campaign is to reduce the risk of striking underground utility lines and potentially causing environmental or property damage, costly power outages or personal injury.
Note that JULIE is a free call and service. There is no good reason not to call 8-1-1 unless you just don’t know about JULIE.
If it appears your neighbors are preparing a big outdoor project such as a new fence or deck and there is no sign of colorful flags, be sure to ask them if they know about JULIE.
For complete details, visit www.illinois1call.com.
One more thing… Become a ‘Safe Digging Champion’
To help children learn more about underground utilities, visit the Safe Digging Arcade for fun, interactive games. Complete all eight activities to become a Safe Digging champion, suggests Jennifer Golz for Southern Company Gas.
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