In the tenting industry, safe digging and staking are more than just best practices; they’re non-negotiable. Improper staking can lead to serious injuries, costly damage or worse. That’s where the 811 Underground Service Alert program comes in. This free nationwide service marks underground utilities to help you avoid service outages, injuries and expensive property damage. Whether you’re a contractor, homeowner or anyone involved in digging or staking, 811 keeps things safe and simple.
Jose Huerta, a valued member of the Made in the Shade team since October 2006, has seen firsthand how critical 811 Dig is to the success of every job. Over his nearly two decades with the Sacramento, Calif.-based company, his role has evolved, but one thing has always stayed the same—the importance of using 811 Dig. Today, Huerta is responsible for ensuring 811 requests are made for every project involving staking.
A major turning point came in spring 2015, when Made in the Shade crews were setting up a 100-by-120-foot Series 2000 tent at the Dixon Fairgrounds in Dixon, Calif. During installation, over 120 stakes were driven into the asphalt. Unfortunately, 40 of those stakes punctured a main water line, causing a massive water outage that affected the entire fairgrounds. This incident was a wake-up call for the company, prompting a complete shift in how we approach staking. Since then, 811 Dig has been an essential part of every project.
Huerta explains that the 811 Dig process requires at least three days’ notice before starting any work. “You’ve got to submit the request 48 hours ahead of time,” he says, “but weekends and holidays don’t count as part of the 48 hours.” He recommends giving five days’ notice whenever possible. The extra time provides flexibility in case adjustments need to be made—whether that’s relocating the tent or adjusting its weight and/or size requirements.
While 811 Dig is a powerful tool, it has its limitations. For private properties, the service will only mark public utilities up to the meter, leaving anything beyond that unmarked. To ensure total safety, Huerta suggests working with a private underground scanning service like GRPS Scanning to locate all public and private utilities. It’s an added cost, but the peace of mind it provides and the extra layer of protection against accidental damage make it worthwhile.
Cost is another important factor to consider. Staking a 40-by-80-foot tent typically costs around $250. But if you need to ballast the same tent, you’re looking at upwards of $1,250—not including the cost of transporting the weights. The real risk, though, is liability. Without 811 Dig, damaging underground utilities could result in repair costs that run into tens of thousands of dollars.
Huerta can’t stress this enough: always dial 811 before any digging or staking project—whether it’s installing a fence, planting a tree, digging up a stump or working on a construction site. “It’s quick, easy and free,” he says. “Just dial 811 or go online to usanorth811.org.”
One quick phone call can protect yourself, your team and your business from unexpected risks and costs. It’s the smart, responsible choice and it could save you from serious financial and safety headaches down the road.
Lauren Vasquez is the recruiting manager for Made in the Shade Tent Rentals.
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