Annually there are about 10,000 dig-in damages to underground utility lines in Michigan. If you dig up underground utilities, you could disrupt service to your home or your neighbors' homes. You could be fined for the damages. Most importantly of all, you could be putting your safety at risk.

If you plan to use power equipment to dig foundations or post holes, install an in-ground pool or sprinkler system, or plant landscaping, it's important you follow these four steps to Raise the Flags and dig safely.

1. Call MISS DIG at 811 or 800.482.7171
   It's fast, it's free, it's the law. Calling MISS DIG before every job that involves excavating is your first step toward finishing the job safely!
   
   
2. Wait until the flags are raised
   Wait at least three business days after calling MISS DIG for local utilities to locate and raise flags over their underground lines.
   
   
3. Expose utility lines by hand digging
   Don't make assumptions about the depth and location of utility lines. Dig by hand to expose the lines before using power equipment. Be sure to dig carefully; a sharp shovel can do a lot of unintentional damage.
   
   
4. Respect the flags
   Leave the flags in place until your underground work is complete. Make sure children and neighbors know not to remove the flags until the work is done. Avoid driving or parking heavy vehicles or storing construction materials over utility lines when possible.

Keep your work crews safe, keep the public safe and help protect our underground lines. Raise the Flags before you dig!

For more information, download our safety bulletin* about underground line work safety.

* To view and print this information, you need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.