Man shares near-death experience to promote safe digging practices

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A man who nearly died after striking underground power lines is urging Georgians to call before they dig as outdoor projects pick up in April.

Cliff Meidl was 20 years old and working in construction when he struck three power lines while operating a jackhammer. The incident caused a massive electrical shock and cardiac arrest.

“I also sustained burns throughout my body. I was burned over 15 percent of my body,” Meidl said.

At one point, doctors feared his legs might have to be amputated. But he recovered and went on to carry the American flag during the opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Now he is sharing his story with Georgia 811 to warn others about the importance of digging safely.

“It is very critical. We want to make sure that our community is safe,” Meidl said.

April is Safe Digging Month. Meidl said as more people take on outdoor projects, the risk increases. He said there is no such thing as shallow digging and even a few inches can hit a buried line and cause serious harm.

“It’s the law to contact Georgia 811 three business days before you dig,” Meidl said.

Georgia 811 is a nonprofit that works to protect underground utilities and keep Georgians safe.

How to dig safely

Submit a dig ticket online or call 811 at least three business days before digging.

Wait for utilities to mark underground lines.

Check responses in the Positive Response Information System.

Only begin digging once all utilities have responded and no unmarked lines are visible.

“It’s very important that you always dig safely, and that’s our mission at Georgia 811—to make sure our community is safe,” Meidl said.

Georgia 811 can be reached by phone or through the Georgia 811 app. Utility crews have at least two full business days to mark underground lines after a ticket is submitted. Updates are posted in the system when the marking is complete.