The mission of the Damage Prevention Council of Texas is to provide a communication network and an education program that foster collaboration among facility owners, contractors, and other public entities to minimize the risk of damage, injury, or death.
As a collective of industry leaders and stakeholders, including contractors, utility operators, pipeline operators, municipalities, utility locators, excavators, engineers, and other industry-focused volunteers, we strive to provide the most relevant education and networking opportunities to our membership.
With that in mind, the DPC of Texas board worked together to develop an annual plan for 2026 that improves the safety of all stakeholders who work around underground utilities.
There are four areas where we are focusing our efforts in 2026. As members of the DPC of Texas, we invite you to get involved in helping us move these forward and meet our mission.
Homeowner Education
Overview
The Homeowner 2026 Initiative is a statewide effort by the Damage Prevention Council of Texas (DPC) to engage directly with homeowners, HOAs, and community organizations. The initiative promotes the “Contact 811 Before You Dig” message through targeted education, partnerships, and local outreach in counties where homeowner-related damages remain above the state average.
Objective
Increase homeowner awareness and engagement in safe digging practices to reduce utility damages in Texas’s highest-risk areas by the end of Q4 2026.
How Can You Help?
Share our new homeowner education video series
Attend a community event with your regional Damage Prevention Manager and spread the Contact 811 message
Education Committee
Overview
Creating a guide for training topics that ensures that all presenters cover key aspects when presenting to DPC membership. This will help foster collaborations among stakeholders, excavators, and homeowners who attend our training sessions. The objective of the committee is to build the foundation and structure for consistent content development and CEU alignment for use at chapter meetings and excavation safety events.
How Can You Help?
As a subject-matter expert in our industry, your feedback on the presentation template structure would be a valuable asset to the DPC of Texas. Reach out to Ruben Mendez, Damage Prevention Manager with Texas, at rubenmendez@texas811.org to provide your input.
Construction Standards
Objective
By December 31, 2026, refine and execute an outreach strategy that encourages municipalities in Texas to adopt the Construction Standards Blueprint to reach at least 50 targeted municipalities and secure at least 25 full or partial adoptions in pursuit of lower damages to all underground utilities.
How Can You Help?
Are you a municipality within the State of Texas and want to hear more about how the construction standards blueprint helps reduce damages within city limits? Contact Sam Littrell by email at samuellittrell@texas811.org for more information.
Together, these initiatives represent our shared commitment to strengthening damage prevention efforts across Texas. By lending your voice, expertise, and time, you help turn plans into action and education into measurable safety outcomes. We encourage every member to get involved, stay engaged, and partner with us in advancing our mission—because safety is built through collaboration.