Get Started with the 811 Damage Prevention Portal in 5 Easy Steps
When it comes to digging safely, the first step is to dial 811. The number has been established as a national “Call Before You Dig” hotline for homeowners, excavators, and utilities to contact their local notification center before they start digging. The purpose of this hotline is to help prevent damage to underground utilities.
Now, the 811 Damage Prevention Portal is a tool that enables the public to request locates and access underground utility damage prevention resources without making a phone call. As a result, excavators have an easier way to identify potential hazards and reduce accidents.
If you’re a beginner, this article will outline the five easy steps to using the 811 Damage Prevention Portal successfully.
Step 1: Visit the 811 Damage Prevention Portal website
To access the 811 Damage Prevention Portal, you must first go to their official website. Go to https://www.811dpp.com/ to reach the portal’s home page. Once you’ve arrived at the homepage, you’ll notice a few sections, such as “Search”, “Locate Request”, and “Resources”. Click on the “Locate Request” button to proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Enter your desired location
After you’ve reached the locate request page, enter the location where you intend to dig, either by selecting “Use my Location” or entering an address manually.
If you go for the “Use my Location” option, your device’s GPS should identify your current location automatically.
Alternatively, you can still use this option to enter your coordinates manually if you don’t have access to a mobile device.
Remember that using your current location is the most accurate way to ensure proper identification of your digging area.
Step 3: Describe your dig site
What kind of digging will you be doing? What kind of tools or equipment will you be using? It’s crucial to describe your digging activity to ensure that all utilities are marked as accurately as possible.
If you’re a homeowner doing routine landscaping maintenance, for example, you might only need a simple utility locate. However, suppose you’re a professional excavator who needs to dig for a construction project. In that case, you might require more precise information and a larger scope of utility markings.
Be as detailed as possible when filling out the form to request the utility locate. Always double-check the information you entered before submitting your application.
Step 4: Submit the application and wait
When all the required areas are correctly filled out, you can click on the “Submit” button and wait for a confirmation email to come back to you.
Based on the given information, the 811 Damage Prevention Portal will generate a widespread locate request that will notify the local utilities to check, identify, and mark their underground facilities, including water, phone, power, gas, and other pipes.
The ticket created by the portal has an expiration date and may vary by the location you are seeking to excavate.
Step 5: Check the marking before you dig
Once the utility locate request is approved, the task now shifts to utility companies to mark the underground facilities. They will usually mark the area approximately 48 hours before the excavation.
After the marking is complete, it’s the excavator’s responsibility to check if the area is adequately marked, and confirm whether the excavation can proceed as planned.
If the facility has not been marked correctly, or there is inadequate marking, it’s essential to notify the facility owner or call the 811 Damage Prevention Center immediately. It’s critical to respect the safety measures and protocols implemented to avoid any accidents.
Conclusion
The 811 Damage Prevention Portal is a valuable tool for excavation, giving you the ability to request a locate without having to use your phone. By following the five easy steps outlined in this article, you can quickly obtain utility locates, identify potential hazards, and carry out your digging safely and efficiently. Remember, it’s essential to adhere to the safety guidelines to ensure that digging activities do not result in property damage, bodily injury, or loss of life.
