National Safe Digging Month

April is National Safe Digging Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the potential dangers of digging without first detecting utility lines. Each year, countless injuries, fatalities, and property damage occur as a result of negligence in this area. To prevent such incidents, it is crucial to contact your state's 811 center before undertaking any digging activities.

The purpose of National Safe Digging Month is to educate the public about the importance of safe digging practices. By calling 811, individuals can request utility line locations, ensuring that they dig safely and avoid any potential harm. This simple step can save lives, prevent outages, and minimize costly penalties.

Digging without first detecting utility lines can have severe consequences. Damage to gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecommunications lines can disrupt essential services, causing inconvenience and potential hazards. Repairing these damages can be time-consuming and expensive, impacting not only the digger but also the entire community.

By promoting National Safe Digging Month, we aim to emphasize the significance of responsible digging. Whether you are a homeowner planning a landscaping project or a professional contractor working on a construction site, it is essential to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions.

When planning a dig, start by reaching out to your state's 811 center. By providing them with the necessary information about your project, they can help identify any underground utility lines that may be present. This valuable service is free and can be accessed by simply dialing 811.

Once you have contacted the 811 center, they will notify the appropriate utility companies, who will then send representatives to mark the locations of their lines. These markings will indicate where it is safe to dig, helping you avoid potential hazards and costly damages.

Remember, it is essential to wait for the utility lines to be marked before starting any excavation work. Rushing into a project without proper detection can have severe consequences, both for your safety and the well-being of your community.

National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder that responsible digging is everyone's responsibility. By raising awareness and promoting safe practices, we can prevent accidents, protect our infrastructure, and ensure a safer environment for all.

In conclusion, National Safe Digging Month is an important initiative that aims to educate individuals about the potential hazards of digging without first detecting utility lines. By contacting your state's 811 center, you can ensure a safe and successful dig, avoiding injuries, outages, and penalties. Let us all join hands in promoting safe digging practices and making our communities safer places to live and work.


 

National Surveyors Week

National Surveyors Week, which begins every third Sunday in March, is an important event that aims to educate the public through media and viable public services. This week-long celebration of the surveying profession was officially proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan on February 13, 1984, making it a significant occasion for surveyors across the nation.

During National Surveyors Week, professionals in the field of surveying come together to raise awareness about their work and the crucial role they play in various industries. Surveyors are responsible for accurately measuring and mapping the physical features of the Earth's surface, which is essential for a wide range of activities, including land development, construction, and resource management.

One of the primary objectives of National Surveyors Week is to educate the public about the importance of surveying and the impact it has on their daily lives. Through various media channels, such as newspapers, television, and online platforms, surveyors strive to inform the public about the significance of accurate measurements and mapping in ensuring the safety and efficiency of infrastructure projects.

In addition to media outreach, National Surveyors Week also focuses on providing viable public services. Surveyors organize events and activities that allow the public to learn more about the profession and interact with professionals in the field. These events may include open houses, educational workshops, and community outreach programs, all aimed at fostering a better understanding of surveying and its applications.

By actively engaging with the public, surveyors hope to inspire the next generation of professionals in the field. National Surveyors Week serves as a platform to showcase the exciting opportunities that surveying offers, encouraging young individuals to pursue careers in this dynamic and essential industry.

President Ronald Reagan's proclamation of National Surveyors Week in 1984 recognized the invaluable contributions of surveyors to society. Since then, this annual celebration has continued to grow, with surveyors from all corners of the country coming together to promote their profession and educate the public about its significance.

In conclusion, National Surveyors Week, which commences every third Sunday in March, is a vital event that aims to educate the public through media and viable public services. President Ronald Reagan's proclamation in 1984 marked the official recognition of the surveying profession and its importance to society. Through various initiatives and activities, surveyors strive to raise awareness about their work and inspire the next generation of professionals. As we celebrate National Surveyors Week, let us acknowledge the crucial role surveyors play in shaping our world and ensuring its continued progress.


 

National Engineers Week: Celebrating the Impact of Engineers in Our World

Engineers play a crucial role in shaping our world. From designing innovative technologies to solving complex problems, their contributions are invaluable. This year, National Engineers Week begins next week and is a time to celebrate their achievements and increase public dialogue about the need for engineers.

Engineers are the driving force behind our modern society. They are responsible for creating and improving the infrastructure that we rely on every day, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Without their expertise, our cities would not function as efficiently as they do now.

In addition to infrastructure, engineers are also at the forefront of technological advancements. They develop cutting-edge software, design advanced medical devices, and pioneer breakthroughs in renewable energy. Their work directly impacts our quality of life and helps us tackle global challenges such as climate change and healthcare.

One of the key goals of National Engineers Week is to increase public awareness about the importance of engineering. By highlighting the incredible impact engineers have on our lives, we can inspire the next generation to pursue careers in this field. Encouraging young minds to explore engineering can lead to innovative solutions and a brighter future for our world.

To achieve this, various events and activities are organized during National Engineers Week. These include career fairs, workshops, and competitions that showcase the diverse opportunities available in engineering. By engaging with the public, engineers can share their passion and inspire others to join their ranks.

Furthermore, National Engineers Week serves as a platform to recognize and honor the accomplishments of engineers. Awards and ceremonies are held to celebrate their contributions and highlight their achievements. This recognition not only motivates engineers to continue their important work but also raises awareness about the impact they have on society.

However, the need for engineers extends beyond National Engineers Week. As our world becomes increasingly complex, the demand for skilled engineers continues to grow. From addressing infrastructure issues to developing sustainable solutions, engineers are essential in shaping a better future.

In conclusion, National Engineers Week is a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of engineers. Their work has a profound impact on our world, from improving infrastructure to driving technological advancements. By increasing public dialogue about the need for engineers, we can inspire future generations to pursue careers in this field. Let us recognize and appreciate the invaluable role engineers play in shaping our world and creating a brighter future for all.


 

National Safe Digging Month

This is the time of year when people start to make landscaping and gardening plans. April is not only the first full month of spring, it is also National Safe Digging Month. Throughout April, National Safe Digging Month is commemorated. This observed month was created to encourage all Common Ground Alliance (CGA) stakeholders to highlight the safe digging message during a vital month when digging operations commence throughout the United States.

While many homeowners may be thinking about planning gardens, starting home improvement projects, and sprucing up their properties, it’s important to remember to call 811 before ANY dig.

811 is a national hotline that allows property owners, landscapers, and others to find out where they can safely dig.

Whether you’re getting ready to excavate your backyard in order to add an in-ground pool or want to plant some flowers, no digging project – no matter how small – should be started without first calling 811.

Why? Because utility lines can be buried just a few inches underground, without ensuring that the spot you’re digging in is free of utility lines, you could unintentionally damage them. In doing so, you could wind up damaging property, inadvertently causing power outages, and incurring costly fines and fees.

So how does calling 811 work?

First, make the call at least a few days before you dig. Let the representative know exactly where you plan to dig. They will then notify your local utility operators. The utility workers will come to your property and mark out where any utility lines are buried.

Once any utility line locations have been marked, you can plan to avoid these areas and safely proceed with your project.

Once your project is complete, you can enjoy the results of your hard work!

For more information about safe digging, visit http://call811.com/.


 

National Engineers Week

This week is National Engineers Week!

This week-long event recognizes engineers as a central asset to our world and celebrates their “positive contributions to quality of life,” according to the National Society of Engineers.

Engineers created structures like the Hoover Dam, the Panama Canal, and even the Great Wall of China! Without engineers, these massive and impressive feats would have never come to be.

Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951, National Engineers Week has coincided for over 50 years with the week of President George Washington’s birthday (February 22nd) to pay homage to the USA’s first engineer. Washington was introduced to engineering at an early age, often partaking in land surveying opportunities and ultimately going on to design a country estate on a plantation he’d inherited — Mount Vernon.

Each year, DiscoverE (http://www.discovere.org/), an organization focused on supporting and promoting growth of the engineering and technology communities, encourages children to explore the STEM community through interactive lessons, child-friendly activities, and involvement with their own local engineering communities.

Across the nation in cities like Port Jefferson, NY; Raleigh, NC; and Los Angeles, CA, DiscoverE hosts a series of workshops and presentations to promote the importance of engineering. Children are able to meet and speak with veteran engineers, participate in fun, educational activities, and learn about the global scale of engineered contributions.

For more information on upcoming STEM events sponsored by DiscoverE, visit https://discovere.org/engage/engineers-week/