ABOUT US

Established in 1972, the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (O.U.P.S.) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a communication link between utility companies and individuals planning any digging activity. Though O.U.P.S. does not physically mark lines, we do relay digging and excavation requests to our member network of utilities and underground facility owners. This network includes, but not limited to: cable television, natural gas, electrical, water, sewer and telecommunications companies.

 

Our continued commitment to advanced technologies has given our organization an advantage, recognized both statewide and nationally. We also devote a significant portion of our time and resources to promoting safe digging throughout the state, through presentations, special events, partnerships, and public education and outreach initiatives.

 

Call before you dig

By law, everyone MUST contact O.U.P.S., 1-800-362-2764 or 8-1-1, at least 48 hours but no more than 10 working days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) before beginning any digging or excavation work. This regulation also applies to smaller or personal projects to include but not limited to digging fencepost holes, anchoring supports for decks and swing sets, planting trees, removing tree roots and driving landscaping stakes into the ground.

When in doubt, don't make a judgment call—call O.U.P.S.!