Texas811 Celebrates 40 Years of Serving the Texas Community and National Safe Digging Month with Sam Houston Race Park

Houston, Texas (April 30, 2024) – Every year in April, National Safe Digging Month is an opportunity to spread safety awareness to homeowners, contractors, and any professional excavator. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number, and it is a free and easy service required by law. By making a request online or over the phone by calling 811 a few days before digging, you are helping communities maintain essential utility services, promoting safety, and reducing the likelihood of accidentally digging into buried utility lines.

This year marks a milestone celebration as Texas811 proudly marks its 40-year anniversary and commitment to damage prevention, promoting public safety, and protecting the environment. “Any time there is digging in Texas, a quick call to 811 or visit to the Texas811 portal on the website can prevent a cascade of consequences. From avoiding injury to averting costly damage to critical infrastructure, utilizing 811 is not just a precaution, it’s a responsibility that safeguards lives.” said John Sparks, Director of Damage Prevention and Marketing Texas811. “We are excited to partner with Sam Houston Race Park to communicate the importance of safe digging to the public and to showcase our 40-year dedication to the Texas community.” 

“811 protects individuals and the community” said Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Texas Racing Operations. “Whether you are planning a DIY project in your backyard or are a professional contractor, you need to know what’s below. We are excited to partner with Texas811 for a great month of education and fun at Sam Houston Race Park!” 

As part of National Safe Digging Month and the 40-year celebration, Texas811 encourages everyone to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring:
 

• Always contact 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property. 
• Plan ahead. Make a free 811 request on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
• Confirm that all lines have been marked. 
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings. 
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811. Don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked. 
• Visit www.texas811.org for complete information.

About Texas811

Founded in 1984, the non-profit Texas811 is the largest one-call notification center in the country. We protect billions of dollars of underground utilities and the people who live and work around them. Our mission is to facilitate damage prevention, promote public safety and protect the environment through stakeholder education and communication. Visit www.texas811.org to learn more. 

About Sam Houston Race Park

Operated by Penn Entertainment Inc., Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing and

entertainment facility, located just 15 miles northwest of downtown Houston. The racetrack, which opened in 1994, offers a variety of attractions for businesses, group outings and families during racing and the off-season. The track is best known for its award-winning dining and features multiple areas for fans looking for casual to upscale dining options including its Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Jockey Club, Luxury Suites and Pavilion Centre. For more information or tickets to upcoming live racing, shows and events, please visit www.shrp.com or follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube.

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