Missouri 811 Damage Prevention Team – Responsibilities

At the core of Missouri 811’s mission is a dedicated group committed to protecting lives, property, and vital underground infrastructure: the Damage Prevention Team. Led by Damage Prevention Manager Charlie Peel, this team plays a pivotal role in educating, supporting, and engaging with excavators, utility personnel, homeowners, and locators across the state.

Expanding Coverage for Better Local Support

To strengthen its reach and effectiveness, Missouri 811 recently expanded the Damage Prevention Team with the addition of a fourth specialist. This strategic move allowed the state to be divided into more focused regions, improving local coverage and responsiveness. While each team member is assigned to a specific area, the team remains flexible and collaborative—ready to assist wherever support is needed throughout Missouri.

Damage Prevention Team’s Key Areas of Focus

1. Education and Outreach: The team delivers targeted education not only to excavators, but also to utility operators, homeowners, and municipal leaders. Through in-person training sessions, community events, and one-on-one consultations, the team helps all stakeholders better understand their responsibilities under Missouri’s Safe Digging Law (RSMO 319).

2. Training on the Ticket Management System: Missouri 811 offers hands-on training to help excavators correctly submit and manage locate tickets reducing delays and minimizing unnecessary reviews. The team highlights the digital tools available within the Missouri 811 Internet Ticketing System, which are designed to increase operational efficiency and reduce risk in the field.

3. Supporting Homeowners: Because most homeowners only dig occasionally, they’re often unfamiliar with the process of submitting a locate request and navigating the 811 system. The Damage Prevention Team helps bridge that gap by guiding homeowners step-by-step, explaining when and how to submit a request, ensuring they receive a positive response from all applicable utilities, and reinforcing the importance of digging with care. This personalized support helps prevent accidents and protects both property and lives.

A Proactive, Data-Driven Approach

The team utilizes a new state-wide dashboard that provides real-time data on ticket activity and project locations. This tool empowers the team to:

• Identify damage hotspots
• Track major projects across Missouri
• Engage with high-risk areas before issues arise
• Reach out directly to excavators and utility partners in the field
• Preparing for Legislative Changes

With new legislation on the horizon, Missouri 811 is preparing a statewide outreach and education effort. The goal is to ensure all stakeholders like excavators, utilities, homeowners, and locators, clearly understand how upcoming changes to the law will affect them. These efforts will strengthen communication, increase compliance, and reinforce Missouri 811’s commitment to safety through collaboration.

A Trusted Resource for Safe Digging

Missouri 811’s Damage Prevention Team is a trusted partner in damage prevention across the state. With a strong focus on education, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the team works tirelessly to ensure everyone from first-time homeowners to experienced contractors knows how to dig safely and responsibly.

As Missouri continues to grow, the team’s work remains essential in protecting the state’s underground infrastructure and the communities who depend on it every day.