811 is a national number established to contact notification centers to have underground facilities located prior to the start of excavation work.
When you dial 811, dependent on your location, you will be directed to the appropriate 811 center for where you are. Anyone who plans to dig should contact 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be marked with paint or flags so that you don’t unintentionally dig into an underground utility line.
Alabama 811 services are FREE of charge for all users.
Our goal is to promote safe digging practices and protect underground utilities across the state.
You should contact 811 any time you plan to dig, whether it’s for landscaping, building, or other projects.
You should submit a locate request a minimum of 2 – 10 working days, not counting the day of notification, prior to the proposed start of excavation. Online requests received after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays may be processed on the next business day.
You’ll need the following information handy when you contact us:
• Company Name/Name, area code, phone number, address of entity doing the work, the county, city, address, and nearest cross streets of the proposed excavation site.
• Type of work to be done.
• Date and start time digging is scheduled to begin.
• On-site contact person and phone number.
• Where on the property you want marking done.
• Specific directions to your property – landmarks, etc.
Yes, absolutely! It makes the locating process more efficient.
Alabama 811 recommends marking the area in white paint, flags, or stakes. Please, only use WHITE PAINT to pre-mark where you plan to dig — do not use any other colors as they represent the presence of underground utility lines.
Utility companies mark their own lines (Alabama 811 does NOT mark lines) .
Alabama 811 functions as a communications link between our member utility owners/operators and individuals planning to dig on their property or work site. We electronically notify our members who are operating utility lines in the proposed digging area once we have received a locate request. Keep in mind that companies often hire locating services to mark the lines for them.
Our member underground facility owners must provide positive response, or give the “all clear,” before you can begin digging.
You can check the status of your request online HERE by clicking the “Find Locate Request” option. You will need your locate request number to access the system. If a facility has not responded, we suggest that you contact Alabama 811 to have a second notice sent to members to let them know it has not been marked so that they can get it marked for your safety and protection.
Stop work immediately and move to a safe area. If a line is damaged or you suspect a gas leak, call 911 right away. Do not attempt repairs and follow instructions from emergency responders or the utility provider.
