'Call before you dig' OHIO811 celebrates 50 years

It was a celebration for OHIO811 as they celebrate 50 years of safe digging in Ohio. Thousands of lives have been saved in continued public outreach efforts through OHIO811.

Dozens gathering in North Jackson Wednesday to celebrate OHIO811's 50-year anniversary with the well-known slogan, 'call before you dig.'

"This organization prevents injuries and fatalities to Ohioans," said Jennifer French, Chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. "There's a lot of digging that goes on in Ohio, so we have to make sure that's done safely."

OHIO811 is an independent, non-profit organization that has 1,600 members of utility companies, municipalities and those involved in the excavating community.

OHIO811 takes information from people about to excavate and/or dig and notifies utility companies. It is the responsibility of OHIO811's member utilities under Ohio Revised Code 3781 to mark the location of their respective underground facilities with flags or paint.

"We're that communications link between those who have a need to excavate and those who own and operate and maintain buried utilities in the State of Ohio," said Roger Lipscomb, President and Executive Director of OHIO811.

By calling 811 before a project, OHIO811 notifies the appropriate utility companies who then come out to mark where your utility lines are on your property. OHIO811 works to protect people from injuries resulting in digging, continuing to improve its outreach efforts to Ohio communities.

"The reasons are that people need to avoid underground utilities, and the difference is they can do so safely by utilizing 811, and to not do that is very unsafe," French explained. 

The event featured a time capsule filled with goods representing Mahoning Valley and Ohio history, all from the first 50 years of OHIO811.

"With the technology, they're utilizing these days, it's allowing for the safety when excavating, and it's allowing for speedy development," said Al Cutrona, State Representative for the 59th District.  

OHIO811 also plans to unveil a timeline wall at its headquarters, celebrating the story of OHIO811's development and featuring notable events in Ohio and Mahoning Valley history.

OHIO811 was founded here in the Mahoning Valley. The time capsule will be opened in 100 years' time.