Digging In

MISS DIG 811's community-focused Educational Mobile Unit (EMU) has been making the rounds this summer. We'll look at several events that the EMU has been a part of and give you a heads up on future dates where you can find MISS DIG 811 spreading its safety messaging.

A recent article in the Detroit News introduces information that some of the area-wide flooding that hit Metro Detroit in late June could have ties back to the 811, excavation, and utility damage prevention process. We'll discuss some of what the article says, and how it serves as a reminder of the importance of the 811 process for all stakeholders.

It's a holiday week and summer is in full swing. In this brief episode, we take a break from utility topics to cover just a few interesting "This Day in History" fun facts for your listening pleasure.

Digging In is joined by Katie Gruzwalski, MISS DIG 811 IT Systems Manager, to discuss the important role technology plays in the Notification Center being able to service all of its Stakeholders, as well as some important changes the IT department is working on.

We happy to be joined by Patrick Carr to discuss Construction Angels, a charitable organization that helps families of those who are lost in worksite incidents. Learn how to get involved with their wonderful cause.

We're joined by Gail Wyckhouse, MISS DIG 811 Education & Marketing Manager to discuss not only what campaigns and projects are happening, but also some of the strategies and mechanics that go into the public awareness activities we participate in.

April is National Safe Digging Month. In this brief episode we'll highlight the campaigns and contests available on MISS DIG 811's social media resources. Learn how to get involved to win a nice prize for yourself or your community.

In this Episode, we're joined by MISS DIG 811 Web Ticket Manager, Stephanie Boe, to discuss how using Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) can benefit any and all excavators that communicate with MISS DIG 811 on a consistent basis. A wide variety of functions, tailored training, and an easy sign-up process. If you dig for a living, RTE is the program for you.

We're joined by Kay Lancour with Consumers Energy's Public Safety Outreach and Damage Prevention Team to discuss the damage prevention initiatives taking place at Consumers Energy, and how they may be able to assist in your project's success.

With digging season around the corner, MISSDIG 811 will soon begin to roll out its public awareness campaigns and activities. In this episode we preview what Michigan residents should expect to see and hear from the Notification Center in 2021.

In this episode, we're joined by Harry Carr, Project Manager at Utility Resource Group. With his help we hope to offer excavators, homeowners, and all stakeholders, a better understanding of what goes into the challenging and important work of underground facility locating.

MISS DIG 811 tickets don't find their way to Michigan's facility owners and operators via magic. In this episode, we're joined by Laura Arnold, Member Services Director, to discuss how her department works with each member to ensure that tickets find their way to the appropriate party at the appropriate time, and how they can help you with your damage prevention needs.

Millions of calls have been processed by MISS DIG 811 over the years. Not all of them are straight forward. In this episode, several current and former Notification System Representatives share their accounts of unique, bizarre, and humorous calls they have taken.

In this episode we preview three updates to the MISS DIG 811 ticket creation process that will be rolled out in 2021. We'll discuss how Locate Demand Management, Complex Ticket, and E-Mod, can help streamline the damage prevention process for excavator and locator alike.

Digging In kicks off 2021 by looking at three utility and excavation stories that made headlines both nationally and in Michigan. Sources: WDIV, Detroit | KUSA- 9 News, Denver | Reuters

We thankfully reached the end of this crazy year! In this episode we'll take a quick look back at some of the new initiatives undertaken at MISS DIG 811 in 2020.

Buried facilities are struck thousands of times a year across the state. In this episode we'll take a look at some available statistics that highlight some of the underlying causes, as well as how to enhance the reporting of damage data that that is ultimately used to develop strategies to reduce these incidents.

MISS DIG 811's Pat Goddard joins the show to discuss Marine Ticket, a program offered by the Notification Center to help protect facilities submerged in water, as well as the environment and Michigan's aquatic ecosystems.

Remote Ticket Entry (RTE) is MISS DIG 811's primary online tool for professional excavators to create dig notices. In this episode, we'll quickly highlight the benefits that come with utilizing RTE when compared to calling in each job. With this information, we hope that you'll join the over 2100 active RTE users and move your tickets online.

MISS DIG 811 CEO, Bruce Campbell joins the show to discuss his experiences that led to him assuming his leadership role at the Notification Center, how MISS DIG 811's Board of Directors operates, and what's next for damage prevention in Michigan.

When talking about 811 and the damage prevention process, we throw a lot of times around: 3 days, 21 day, 3 hours, 24 hours. It can all get a little confusing. In this episode we’ll break down what the wait and response times are for you based on your circumstances.

Our Lives are online. There’s an app, a website, or some online service for just about everything we do. That holds true for MISS DIG 811. We’ll discuss the online programs and offerings that can simplify your interaction with Michigan’s Utility Notification Center.

Professional excavators work with MISS DIG 811 every day and know the rules for safely working near underground lines. As a do-it-yourselfer, you may have never contacted MISSS DIG 811 before and are not sure what to expect. In this episode, we’ll cover what steps you need to take to stay safe, and keep the lights on, when digging in your yard.

You’ve contacted MISS DIG 811 in preparation for your upcoming digging project. Many are not aware that not all underground line will be located and marked by the local utility providers. Learn what will, and will not, be located prior to your job and what you can do about those ‘private’ lines that may still put your project at risk.

Public Act 174 of 2014, otherwise known as the ‘MISS DIG Law’ governs all aspects of utility damage prevention in Michigan. In this episode we will discuss the requirements and regulations for excavators, utility providers, as well as how the State enforces the various aspects of this legislation.

In our first episode, we will cover how MISS DIG 811 started as a small pilot hotline number in Oakland County 50 years ago, and how it’s evolved to become Michigan’s leader in utility damage prevention and excavation safety.