What action must be taken before calling the One Call?

Marking out the work area with flags or paint is an essential step before calling the One Call. This action visually indicates the area where you plan to dig or conduct any excavation work, which helps the One Call service identify the exact location when they send out utility companies to locate and mark underground utilities.

By marking the area, you provide clear and precise information about where the work will occur, ensuring the safety of both the workers and the public. It enhances communication between the excavator and the utility companies, facilitating a more efficient response and reducing the risk of damaging buried utilities. This practice is crucial for preventing accidents and potential service disruptions.

Gathering necessary permits or notifying local authorities is important, but these tasks may not directly precede a call to One Call. Submitting a formal request online can also be a step in the process, but marking the work area with flags or paint remains a foundational step that ensures clarity and safety in excavation activities.