Excavators are required to maintain a safe distance from each side of a marked utility and hand dig in this area. This practice helps prevent damage and helps ensure safety. Learn more in our excavator manual and other resources: iowaonecall.com/resources/ #tolerancezone

Planting flowers? Installing a new garden bed? Your neighbors will thank you for contacting IOC first. Knowing what’s underground helps keep the power on, the internet connected, and the whole block smiling. #SafeDigging #BeAGoodNeighbor

We process 1000s of locate requests monthly—each helping to prevent costly dangerous underground utility damages. It's a big job that we can't do alone. When you contact IOC before you dig, you’re helping us move one step closer to zero damages and a safer community for everyone.

Did you know you can skip the CALL to 811? Embrace the ease of technology for a simple start to your excavation project by submitting your next locate request through our website or app. iowaonecall.com #Contact811

Friday, July 4th, (#IndependenceDay) will not count towards your standard notice required when filing a locate request, so please plan accordingly.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and firework-filled Fourth of July! We hope your day is full of family, friends, and festive celebrations. Enjoy your Independence Day from all of us at IOC!

July means BBQs, bonfires, and weekend projects. It also means more outdoor digging—and more potential for damage. Before setting up a fence post or digging out a new fire pit, file a ticket and wait for the markings. It’s just smart summer planning.

If you hit an underground utility line while digging,  never try to fix or cover up a strike. Immediately stop work and ensure everyone's safety.  Safety comes first, always. Be part of the solution, not another statistic.

Hitting a line isn’t just an inconvenience, it can lead to serious consequences. A free locate request now can save thousands later. It’s not an exaggeration—it’s damage prevention.

Ever wonder how your online order gets from your phone to the warehouse and then to your doorstep? It’s not just trucks and tracking numbers—there’s a network powered by hidden infrastructure. To prevent disruptions, Contact IOC before you dig.

Marking your intended dig area with white will help locators know exactly where to focus. So next time you’re out running errands, grab a can of white spray paint or a pack of utility flags—because being ready to white line means being ready to dig safely.

Myth Busted! Even small or shallow digs have the potential for underground utility damage. Don't risk hitting critical lines. Always contact 811 before you dig! #ShallowDigs #SafeDigging #FridayFacts

We offer multiple ways to request utility locates so you can choose the option that works best—whether that’s filing online, using a mobile app, or talking with one of our team members by phone. However you contact us, just make sure you do. Safe digging starts with 811.

We love partnering with schools, fairs, and local organizations to spread the safe-digging message. When people understand what’s underground, the whole community stays safer.Want us at your next event? Reach out—we love showing up for safety.

There are various colors and marking instruments used by locators to mark utilities, so let’s test your knowledge—which of these tools is NOT used to mark underground utilities? Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to LOCATE the correct answer.

Step 1 in safe digging? Mark where you plan to dig. Sounds simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked safety steps. When your dig site is clearly marked, utility locators know exactly where to mark, making the process smoother & more accurate. #WhiteLining #SafetyFirstDigSecond

That quick backyard project can get expensive fast if you hit a shallow buried utility line. Before you dig, even just a few inches, contact IOC to have buried utilities marked. It’s free, it’s easy, and it can save you from a costly lesson.

Did you know? Some utility lines on your property aren’t marked through IOC. To map those lines, you’ll need to hire a private utility locator. It’s a smart step toward building a complete picture of what’s underground and digging more safely. More at: iowaonecall.com

Even simple structures can mean deep posts and anchors. That’s why contacting IOC before you dig isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a smart start that protects your home, your timeline, and your wallet from a major oops. Safe projects start underground. Know what’s below, every time.

Monday, September 1, (#LaborDay) will not count towards your standard notice required when filing a locate request, so please plan accordingly.