June marks the start of hurricane season, a time when Floridians are gearing up with supplies, preparedness plans and home protections. But as residents brace for potential storms, experts remind them that some of the greatest dangers emerge after the skies clear, hidden below the surface.
“What you do after a storm is just as important as preparing for it,” said Wendy Schaefer, education and awareness manager for Sunshine 811.
Post-storm cleanup often involves digging around fallen trees, broken fences and scattered debris. While it may seem routine, digging blindly can lead to striking underground utility lines, triggering service outages, expensive repairs, serious injuries or worse.
In Florida, contacting Sunshine 811 before you dig isn’t just smart — it’s the law.
Sunshine 811 is a free service that notifies member utility companies of your planned dig so they can mark underground facilities on your property. Homeowners can submit an online request at sunshine811.com or simply dial 811 at least two full business days before digging begins. And if you hire a contractor, confirm they contact 811, too.
“When a storm leaves behind toppled trees, broken fences and outages, safety can take a back seat to the rush to recover,” said Schaefer. “But safety is a shared responsibility. Calling 811 protects the people doing the digging — along with neighbors and essential utility services. One quick call or online request can prevent a tough situation from becoming a dangerous one.”
Storm Clean-Up & Restoration Safety Tips
Sunshine 811 offers these important reminders to help prevent further outages, injuries and hazards after a storm:
By using Sunshine 811 and following these safety guidelines, Floridians can protect themselves, their families and their communities from avoidable harm.
