April is National Safe Digging Month!
Damage Prevention Stakeholders,
National Safe Digging Month (NSDM) kicked off on Saturday! As warm weather approaches and the digging season accelerates for both professionals and homeowners, millions of Americans will plan to dig, and following the safe digging process is crucial to keeping communities safe and connected. National Safe Digging Month is an essential reminder to everyone to always 811 before you dig!
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb recently proclaimed April as Indiana Safe Digging Month in the Hoosier state, reminding both professional excavators and homeowners to contact Indiana 811 at least two full working days before starting any outdoor digging projects.
How Your Organization Can Make an Impact This NSDM
Indiana 811’s marketing toolkit is a free resource that can help Indiana damage prevention stakeholders promote National Safe Digging Month. The toolkit contains sample media materials, template news releases, logos, social media messages and more that will help you effectively spread the safe digging message. We encourage you to leverage these resources to effectively educate both professionals and homeowners on the importance of adhering to the 811 process for a safe and successful dig.
Indiana 811’s Marketing Tool Kit
Do Your Part. Show Us The Marks: How Indiana 811 is Celebrating NSDM
Indiana 811 has chosen to focus our NSDM efforts on a vital part of the 811 process, white lining! White lining is a key step that both homeowners and professionals can take when preparing to dig. White paint or flags can be used to mark the intended dig site prior to contacting 811, which saves time and money. After laying down your marks, you can submit your online ticket at Indiana811.org and utility locators will know precisely where your project will take place.
To kick off National Safe Digging Month, Indiana 811 is launching our NSDM billboard campaign, which promotes the importance of white lining for an effective and efficient 811 system. The billboards will be showcased this April across high-traffic areas of Indiana, so be on the lookout and remember to do your part and white line for 811!
Our white lining message will also be featured through artwork in several rural publications, including Indiana Connection and My Indiana Home, as well as on social media, so be sure to follow Indiana 811’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to learn more about white lining and the important role it plays in streamlining the 811 process for all those involved.
Finally, Indiana 811 will also partner with the Indianapolis Indians baseball team this National Safe Digging Month to promote the 811 Before You Dig message. Throughout the season, Indiana 811’s educational video series will be featured between innings, in which Indiana 811 mascot Holey Moley and Indians’ mascot Rowdie will educate baseball fans about the 811 process, including white lining and its significance.
The Indians will launch their annual Home Lawn Makeover Sweepstakes in April, which runs through the end of June and will award one lucky homeowner with a lawn makeover, courtesy of the Indians ground crew and sponsored by Indiana 811!
We can’t wait to see what you have planned for National Safe Digging Month! Share your photos with us at [email protected], and be sure to tag Indiana 811 on Facebook and Twitter.
Safe Digging,
Indiana 811