How To Contact JULIE Before You Dig: Your Free Safety Guide
Planning any outdoor project? Whether you're planting a tree, installing a fence, or building a deck, contacting JULIE before you dig is essential for your safety and the safety of your community's underground utilities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this free service that protects both homeowners and professional excavators.
What is JULIE and Why Does It Matter?
JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) works tirelessly to prevent damage to Illinois underground utilities by connecting homeowners and professional excavators with member utility companies through their free and easy facility notification center. This vital service performs the essential role of connecting homeowners like you with utility companies so they can mark their underground lines and indicate where it's safe to dig.
Underground utility lines include gas pipes, electrical cables, water lines, sewer pipes, and telecommunications infrastructure. Damaging these can lead to serious consequences including service disruptions, costly repairs, legal liabilities, and even life-threatening situations. According to the Common Ground Alliance, there are thousands of utility line strikes annually in the United States, many of which could have been prevented with proper notification.
How to Contact JULIE: Multiple Convenient Options
Contacting JULIE before you dig is simple and accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You have several convenient options to choose from:
Online Portal Access
Enter your own information directly into the locate request form using the same maps and drop-down tools as JULIE agents. The online system provides a user-friendly interface where you can:
- Input your project location using interactive maps
- Select the type of work you'll be performing
- Specify the area where you'll be digging
- Receive immediate confirmation of your request
Phone Service
Call 811 to speak with a JULIE agent who will guide you through the process. This option is perfect if you prefer personal assistance or have questions about your specific project.
Remote Ticket Entry
For professional excavators and contractors, remote ticket entry provides an efficient way to submit multiple locate requests electronically, streamlining the process for frequent users.
Important Timeline: When to Contact JULIE
Call at least 2 days, not including the day you contact JULIE, before you plan to dig and an agent will assist you with your locate request. This timeline ensures that:
- Utility companies have adequate time to respond to your request
- Locators can schedule their visit to your property
- You receive all necessary markings before starting your project
For example, if you plan to dig on Saturday, you should contact JULIE by Wednesday at the latest. This two-business-day window is crucial for proper coordination and safety.
Adding Attachments to Your Request
When submitting your locate request, you have the option to add attachments (photos or maps of the proposed dig area) — available exclusively to registered users. This feature enhances communication by allowing you to:
- Upload photos showing the exact digging location
- Provide detailed maps of your property
- Mark specific areas of concern
- Share additional context that helps utility locators
These attachments can significantly improve the accuracy of utility markings and prevent misunderstandings about your project scope.
The Marking Process: What to Expect
After you've contacted JULIE and submitted your locate request, member utility companies will be notified of your planned excavation. Members must post locate request statuses, keeping excavators informed before digging. This positive response system ensures transparency throughout the process.
Utility locators will visit your property to mark underground lines using color-coded paint or flags:
- Red: Electric power lines
- Yellow: Gas, oil, or steam lines
- Orange: Communications, cable TV, or alarm lines
- Blue: Potable water
- Purple: Reclaimed water or irrigation
- Green: Sewer and drain lines
These markings typically remain visible for approximately 30 days, giving you ample time to complete your project safely.
Safety First: The Core Mission of JULIE
Safe, free, and easy for homeowners and excavators before any digging work is more than just a slogan—it's the foundation of JULIE's mission. The service exists to protect you, your property, and the essential infrastructure that keeps your community functioning.
Every year, preventable accidents occur when people skip this crucial step. Whether you're planting, building, adding, or fixing anything outdoors, all you have to do is to contact JULIE before you dig. The consequences of not doing so can include:
- Personal injury or death from gas explosions or electrical shocks
- Property damage from utility line strikes
- Service interruptions affecting your neighbors
- Legal and financial liability for damages and repairs
- Project delays while emergency repairs are made
Special Features and Future Developments
JULIE continues to innovate and improve its services. Learn about JULIE's positive response system launching in 2025, which will further enhance communication between excavators and utility companies. This system will provide real-time updates on locate request statuses, improving efficiency and safety for everyone involved.
The positive response system represents a significant advancement in the excavation notification process, allowing for better tracking, accountability, and communication throughout the utility marking process.
Common Scenarios Requiring JULIE Contact
Many homeowners are surprised to learn how many common activities require contacting JULIE first. Here are some typical scenarios:
Landscaping Projects
- Planting trees or large shrubs
- Installing irrigation systems
- Building retaining walls
- Creating garden beds
Home Improvement
- Installing fences or decks
- Building sheds or other structures
- Adding outdoor lighting
- Installing swimming pools or hot tubs
Maintenance and Repairs
- Replacing underground pipes
- Installing or repairing sewer lines
- Adding or repairing underground electrical service
- Installing geothermal heating systems
Professional Excavator Benefits
While homeowners benefit greatly from JULIE's services, professional excavators have additional advantages:
- Streamlined online request submission
- Bulk request capabilities for multiple projects
- Detailed documentation for liability protection
- Integration with project management systems
- Priority response for urgent requests
Conclusion: Your Safety Is Worth the Call
Contact JULIE before you dig and stay safe should be your mantra for any outdoor project, no matter how small. This free service is available 24/7 to help mark underground utility lines safely, providing peace of mind and protecting you from potentially catastrophic accidents.
Remember, utility lines can be much closer to the surface than you might expect, and their locations aren't always obvious from surface features. Even hand digging can damage utility lines, so every digging project requires this crucial first step.
By taking a few minutes to contact JULIE, you're not just protecting yourself—you're being a responsible member of your community. The service is completely free, incredibly easy to use, and could literally save lives. Don't take chances with underground utilities; make contacting JULIE part of your standard procedure for any digging project.
Your safety, your property, and your community's essential services are worth that simple phone call or online submission. Contact JULIE before you dig—it's the smart, safe, and responsible choice.
