What must be done before calling Dig Safe?

Pre-marking the area with white paint serves as a visual indication of where excavation is intended to take place. This practice is critical because it helps to inform the utility companies about the specific areas that may require investigation for underground utilities. When Dig Safe is notified, this pre-marking assists in ensuring that the utilities can accurately identify and locate their lines, which ultimately helps avoid disruptions and accidents during excavation activities.

The other options are not necessary preparatory steps. For example, submitting a detailed map or disconnecting utilities is not required before calling Dig Safe. Additionally, having the site already excavated is impractical, as the purpose of notifying Dig Safe is to prevent accidental damage from occurring during the excavation process. These actions do not align with the protocol intended to mitigate risks associated with underground utilities, further emphasizing the importance of pre-marking.