Louisiana 811 encourages people to make a free request at least 2 full business days before digging to avoid damaging buried utilities.Baton Rouge, Louisiana (August 2026) – Aug. 11 is almost here, and Louisiana 811 hopes that the 8/11 date on the calendar will serve as a natural reminder for residents to contact 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. Every few minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first contacting 811.When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to Louisiana 811, the local 811 center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants contacting 811 by phone or online. “On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of striking an underground utility line,” said Brent Saltzman, Executive Director for Louisiana 811. ”The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces.