10 Years of 811

By: Lareina Taing, Marketing Communications Specialist
 
In 2007, the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), a member-driven association that promotes the safety of underground facilities, spearheaded the 811 National Awareness Campaign. 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of this important achievement for the underground damage prevention industry!

​When 811 became the universal three-digit dial code for America’s notification centers, it set the stage for a unified approach of safe digging efforts that could be easily recognized by professional excavators and homeowners across the country. Many states recognize August 11th as 811 Day, which serves as a great reminder for everyone to contact their local notification center prior to starting any digging projects.
 
            This year, Montana 811 celebrated 811 Day by hosting a display at the MontanaFair from August 11-19, 2017. It is the region’s largest event with an annual attendance of nearly a quarter of a million. The 811 Car and 811 Bike, two damage prevention icons, also made an appearance from August 14-16. While the two 811 icons were there, we gave away $8.11 gas cards to the first 50 people who told us the number of excavation-related items on the vehicles. We also gave away kid’s superhero capes, sunflower seed packets, and other 811 promotional items during the rest of the fair. We had a blast spreading the 811 message to everyone who had stopped by! 

​“Click or Call” before you dig to keep your community safe and connected. If you are planning an excavation project in Montana, take the first important step in the safe digging process by contacting Montana 811 two business days in advance, excluding weekends and holidays, before you start any digging project, large or small!