“I Dig Summer” Contest – Save Time. Go Online!
Want to spend less time on the phone and more time on the job? With Indiana and Kentucky 811’s Web Ticket Entry system, excavators can do just that and submit information about their planned excavation online. This summer, by using Web Ticket Entry, excavators are automatically entering for a chance to win in the “I Dig Summer” contest. The users who complete the highest percentage of eligible tickets online between May 29, 2018 and Sept. 3, 2018 have the chance to win a two-night conference package to the Midwest Damage Prevention Training Conference, or monetary prizes in the form of Visa gift cards totaling $1,400. Plus, while supplies last, all new Web Ticket Entry users will receive a free “I Dig Summer” contest T-shirt. For official rules and links to helpful information and resources, visit idigsummer.com.
Colts Fans Learn About Safe Digging
For the 15th consecutive summer, the Indianapolis Colts traveled across Indiana for the 2018 Colts Fan Fests, which featured players, cheerleaders and the team’s mascot, Blue. Indiana 811 members the City of Huntingburg and Vectren joined in the festivities on May 23 and June 7, where fans enjoyed autographs, photos, giveaways, music and more. Indiana 811 hosted a booth at both events to promote the importance of contacting 811 before digging, how to prevent a pipeline leak, what to do in an emergency and more.
Update to Indiana’s “Call Before You Dig” Law
On March 15, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act 125 into law. The bill made changes to Indiana Code regarding new responsibilities and requirements for certain underground utility excavators and underground facility operators, and became effective as Indiana Code chapter 8-1-26.5 on July 1. Senate Enrolled Act 125 was developed in consultation with the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office. With the new law in effect, any contractor that is required to register with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office must include a signed statement saying that the entity and its employees will comply with Indiana 811’s “Call Before You Dig” law. Contractors already registered must also file a signed statement.
Are you registered for the 2018 MWDPTC?
Early bird registration is currently open for the sixth annual Midwest Damage Prevention Training Conference (MWDPTC). Hosted by title sponsors Indiana and Kentucky 811, the 2018 MWDPTC will return to the iconic French Lick Resort in French Link, Ind., Wednesday, Nov. 14 through Friday, Nov. 16. MWDPTC attendees will have the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker David Miguel, who will present a compelling speech on the importance of safety. Attendees can also look forward to networking opportunities, including a golf tournament, turkey shoot and horseback riding event. Register by Aug. 24 to take advantage of early bird discounts, which could save your organization hundreds of dollars if you’re sending multiple people to the conference. Visit www.midwest811conference.com to learn more about the 2018 MWDPTC and to register now.
INPAA CORNER
INPAA Attends 72nd IVFA State Convention
The Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association (IVFA) convention proved to be another successful event for the Indiana Pipeline Awareness Association (INPAA). Many firefighters stopped at the table and raved about the pipeline safety trainings held in January and February and what an improvement the new table top scenario format has been. The conference had strong attendance from all over the state of Indiana; the specific number of attendees will be released shortly.
The ever-popular 3-in-1 coaster, bottle-opener and magnet was a hit yet again, and the color code card graphic on the item went over extremely well. Many questions were fielded regarding tickets, the color code, and 811 in general. The INPAA booth also displayed a banner to showcase how firefighters and other emergency management professionals are true partners in underground safety by featuring some of the entries INPAA and Indiana 811 received from the Firehouse Marquee contest held in the spring.
Lastly, a special thank you goes out to Mike Hummel from Ohio Valley Gas, who took the time to help work the booth. The next IVFA Convention will take place in June 2019 at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that you can submit locate requests at all stages of your excavation design planning process? Before you’re even ready to dig, take advantage of Indiana 811’s new design tools. Design Tool Inquiries and Design Tickets provide excavators with the information they need to plan away from buried utilities. The inquiries and tickets can both be completed online and used for advanced planning purposes. To learn more, or to get started, visit Indiana811.org/design-notice-excavators.