Page 22 - Louisiana 811 Magazine 2021 Issue 1

April is Safe Digging Month
Info from CGA, can be downloaded at www.louisiana811.com under Resource Center
SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES – National Safe Digging Month (NSDM) 2021
CGA recommends the following social media messages for NSDM 2021.
First week of NSDM
4/1: Today is the first day of National Safe Digging Month! If you’re planning any DIY projects this spring, remember to always #Call811 before you dig to #KnowWhatsBelow!
Second week of NSDM
4/6: With more of us working and learning from home these days, we all know how important our internet and other #utilities are. Don’t knock out utility service in your community—always #Call811 before you dig to get utilities marked! #CallBeforeYouDig
4/7: Did you know that the first National Safe Digging Month was in 2008? This important observance that’s celebrated each April reminds everyone to always #Call811 before digging projects to keep communities safe! #ThrowbackThursday
Third week of NSDM
4/15: With #EarthDay just one week away, remember to #Call811 today if your celebrations for the planet involve planting trees or other greenery. Always #KnowWhat’sBelow by taking advantage of the free 811 service before disturbing the ground in any way.
4/17: Do your #FridayVibes have you dreaming up your next home improvement project? Remember to add calling 811 to your to-do list for any digging projects! If you don’t #Call811 before digging, you could knock out utility service, injure yourself or face fines.
Fourth week of NSDM
4/19: Did you know? Before 811 was designated as the national #CallBeforeYouDig phone number, you had to know the 1-800 number for your local notification center. Now it’s as easy as dialing 811 to have your #utilities marked! #Call811
20 • Louisiana 811 2021, Issue 1
4/22: Happy #EarthDay! No matter what day of the year, if you’re planting trees, shrubs or other greenery, always #Call811 before you dig to keep yourself and your community safe.
Fifth week of NSDM
4/27: #ArborDay is this Friday, so make sure you #Call811 TODAY if your celebrations involve planting trees! Protect yourself and underground #utilities by contacting 811 before disturbing the ground.
4/30: Happy #ArborDay! Thank you to all the folks who called 811 before planting trees to make the world a little greener today, while keeping themselves and their communities safe. National Safe Digging Month may be ending, but always remember to #Call811 before you dig!
REMOTE INTERVIEW TIPS – April National Safe Digging Month
During this difficult time, it’s important to have spokespeople prepared for potential media interviews while remaining compliant with social distancing restrictions. Below are some tips for spokespeople to be prepared in the event of a remote interview during this outbreak.
Phone interviews are an option, but you should also be prepared for a video interview using video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts, Skype or Zoom. Some conferencing tools require you to create a username, so be prepared for the station to add you as a contact ahead of time.
Double check the strength of your internet connection. If possible, use a wired connection rather than Wi-Fi for more reliable internet access.
Do a trial run with the video conferencing software before the interview to confirm that your video and microphone are working well.
Have the producer’s contact information on-hand, and share your cell phone number with the station, in case of any connectivity issues during the interview.
Ensure your backdrop is clear and uncluttered, and set up in an area away from any potential noise disruptions.
Dress in business casual attire as you would for an in-person interview, and avoid distracting prints or patterns. If available, wear a branded polo or button-down shirt.