You`ve chosen your fence, purchased the materials and rounded up posthole diggers, a power auger and other fence installation equipment. But 48 hours before you dig in, you`ll need to use another important tool: the telephone.
In January, the state legislature passed the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act, which requires anyone planning to dig more than a few inches deep to call JULIE (800-892-0123), except in the City of Chicago, where residents should call DIGGER (744-7000), 48 hours before excavating.
Both JULIE and DIGGER are message centers that contact the appropriate utility companies, which will send out crews to mark locations on your property where you should not dig. JULIE operates 24 hours per day and serves the entire state, excluding Chicago. DIGGER is open during regular city business hours. There is no charge for either service.
Lyann Croy, call center manager for JULIE, notes that Monday is the busiest day and 8:30 to 11 a.m. is the busiest time. When calling either number, have the following information on hand:
– County and city or county and township.
– Address and description of the project.
– Date and time work will begin.
– Your name, address and telephone number.
