Damage Prevention

Calling 811 before excavating

Excavation damage is the leading cause of pipeline accidents.  Before you start any excavation activity on your property, you are required by state law to call 811: the national toll-free number for people to call before they begin any excavation project.

This pertains to EVERYONE.  Homeowners putting in pools, clotheslines, mail boxes, flowers, and playground equipment need to also consider that there could be underground lines that could be tapped into.  ANYTIME you dig for any reason a call needs to be placed to the City building official at (850) 482-2786 to see if a building permit will be required for the job.

When you call 811 from anywhere in the country, your call will be routed to your State One-Call Center.  One easy FREE phone call to 811 starts the process to get your underground pipelines and utility lines marked. In fact, natural gas operators will mark the location of their lines at no cost to you.  Once your underground lines have been marked for your project, you will know the approximate location of your pipelines and utility lines.  This means you can dig safely!

Here's what the flags or other physical markings mean to guide you before you dig:

Call 811 before you dig or visit the Sunshine 811 website. This is a free service to help keep Marianna safe!

Who is required to notify Sunshine 811?

Anyone who intends to excavate (disturb the surface of the earth) in Florida, unless a specific exemption listed in s. 556.108, F.S., applies.

I’ve hit a gas line; what do I do now?

Whether there is visible damage or not, you must stop excavating.  If lives or property are in danger, call 911 immediately.  Then notify the owner of the affected underground facility directly.  Excavators and members may access the emergency contact book using Internet Ticket Entry.  Others can call Sunshine State One Call at (800) 638-4097.