On April 3, in recognition of National Safe Digging Month, Mississippi 811 partnered with
the Mississippi Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Board (MUFDPB), Kinder Morgan, Atmos Energy, and MidSouth Vermeer to provide a free day of locator and damage investigation training for all stakeholders across the state. Additionally, MidSouth Vermeer demonstrated how to safely vacuum excavate buried utilities. Simultaneously, a successful blood drive was hosted by Mississippi 811 on site.
Participants from across the state engaged in hands-on training, learning various techniques to enhance their skills in locating and investigating damages. Attendees included representatives from numerous utility companies and municipalities, making it an excellent occasion for both training and networking among utility representatives, excavators, and locators.
As the first annual event, it is set to grow over the years, fostering new training opportunities, relationships, and communication. The significance of Safe Digging Month lies in raising awareness, encouraging engagement, providing training, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting technologies like hydro excavation. All these elements were integral to the training provided at this year’s event.
Plans are already underway for expanding next year’s event at Safety City. Hope to see you there. Until then, remember to call 811 and then safe digging!