Follow These Essential Guidelines Before You Dig
If you’re planning to dig on your property, hold that shovel for a moment. Federal and state laws mandate that all homeowners and contractors notify the relevant utility companies before starting any excavation work.
Understanding the Dig Safe System
To help you comply with excavation regulations, many utility companies have collaborated to create the Dig Safe system. By reaching out to this program, you can meet both state and federal notification requirements for digging, trenching, blasting, demolishing, boring, backfilling, grading, landscaping, and other similar projects on your property. Using the Dig Safe system helps you and your contractors avoid damaging underground utilities, ensure proper equipment usage, and reduce the risk of injury.
How to Make a Dig Request
Visit the Dig Safe website or call 1-888-DIG-SAFE to request a service person to mark the location of underground utilities on your property. When you call, you’ll receive a permit number as confirmation of your request. It’s best to contact the program well in advance of your planned start date to ensure there’s enough time for the utilities to be marked.
Adhering to Digging Regulations
Notifying the appropriate parties and marking utilities before beginning any excavation project is not only a legal requirement—it also protects you from potential accidents. Be sure to follow all local, state, and federal standards regarding property digging.
Even more importantly, consult your insurance agent when making changes to your property to adjust your homeowner’s policy accordingly and maintain adequate coverage. As your household evolves, your insurance should keep pace.
At RMC Group, we provide free comprehensive reviews of your current insurance policies. Our review includes an analysis of your existing insurance policies, providing a detailed evaluation of your existing coverage. We will identify gaps in your coverage and offer you several options for covering those gaps.
For comprehensive home safety guidance and homeowners’ insurance solutions, contact RMC Group today at 239.298.8210 or rmc@rmcgp.com.
