SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed August 11, 2026 as 811 day in Illinois to support the Illinois Commerce Commission's (ICC) efforts to raise awareness about the need for safe digging.
The governor's office said that every few minutes in the U.S., underground utility lines are unintentionally struck by someone who failed to have utility lines marked, causing service interruptions, environmental damage, personal injury, or even death.Â
"Illinois law requires all homeowners and professional excavators to call JULIE at the statewide number, 811, to have utility lines marked before digging starts on any project — large or small," ICC Chairman Doug Scott said. "Protect yourself, your family, and neighbors by making the call. This free service is incredibly effective in excavation safety and damage prevention."
Anyone looking to learn more about 811 or file a written request to have utility lines marked is asked to visit call811.com.
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