North Carolina 811, commonly referred to as NC811, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting damage prevention and ensuring safe digging practices across the state. Established in 1978, NC811 serves as a critical communication link between individuals involved in excavation activities—such as contractors, utility companies, municipalities, universities, and homeowners—and utility facility operators. The primary mission of NC811 is to educate the public and excavation professionals on the importance of notifying utility providers before any digging takes place to avoid damaging underground utilities.
The organization operates by collecting information about proposed excavation activities and promptly relaying this information to relevant member facility owners. These facilities then have three working days to mark any underground utility lines or inform the excavator of any conflicts. While NC811 does not conduct the actual markings, it facilitates the communication necessary for safe excavation. The service provided by NC811 is entirely free of charge for those who seek utility locates, ensuring accessibility to all excavators in North Carolina.
In addition to providing locate requests, NC811 emphasizes education through various campaigns, including 'National Safe Digging Month' and the 'Dare to Dig 811 Day.' These initiatives aim to raise awareness about safe digging practices and the legal requirement to contact NC811 before commencing any excavation work.
NC811 also offers resources such as training, educational literature, and a user-friendly web platform for submitting requests and checking the status of locate tickets. As a fully funded non-profit, NC811 relies on member contributions while being managed by a dedicated board of directors. The organization's commitment to safety, communication, and education is paramount in fostering a culture of responsible digging throughout North Carolina.
