Tennessee 811 is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization that was established in 1983 to help prevent damage to underground utilities. When an excavator uses 811 to submit a locate request, we notify member utilities in the area of excavation so that they can locate and mark their underground infrastructure. Our service is free to anyone excavating in Tennessee.

Damage to underground utility lines can cause far-reaching consequences, from serious injury and environmental damage to the loss of vital services we depend on every day. An estimated 532,000 excavation damages in 2019 resulted in $30 million of societal cost, so preventing damage to buried lines is a responsibility shared by all stakeholders.

Tennessee law requires anyone who will be performing excavation (including demolition or blasting) to contact 811 at least three (3) working days prior to the start of work. You can contact us by dialing 811 or 800.351.1111; you can also use remote ticket entry or e-ticket to submit a request online. Click www.tn811.com to learn more.

Our free mobile app is a great way to check the status of your locate request in the field. It also contains helpful resources like our digital “Damage Prevention Guide”. Just search “TN811” in Google Play or the App Store on your smart device.

Our free in-person or online education classes are a great way to learn more about 811, safe digging, and the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. Damage Prevention Liaisons travel the state to provide this training and the classes can be tailored to meet the needs of your company. Visit www.tn811.com and click “Contact Us” to schedule training for your crews.