2016 National Safe Digging Day (8/11) Is a Reminder to Call 811 Before Digging

811August 11 (8/11) is National Safe Digging Day, and NIPSCO wants to remind customers to call 811 before any digging project to have underground utilities marked.

“As end of the summer projects begin to wrap up, today is that extra reminder for everyone to make the important phone call to 811,” said Andy Stone, Vice President of Gas Operations. “Fencing and landscaping are the two top causes of gas line damages.”

Digging into underground lines is the biggest risk to NIPSCO’s gas system. According to Common Ground Alliance (CGA), an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes because someone decides to dig “blindly.” Striking an underground utility line while digging can cause harm to you or those around you, disrupt service to an entire community, and potentially result in fines up to $10,000 or more, plus the cost to repair damages.

How 811 works:

  • 811 is a free national service.
  • Everyone from homeowners to businesses should call or enter a request online at www.811NOW.com two business days before the start of any digging project.
  • A representative will answer the call to find out the location and description of the digging site.
  • The affected utility companies will be notified of the intent to dig.
  • The utility companies will each send a professional locator to the digging site to identify and mark the approximate location of the underground lines.
  • Once lines have been marked, the project can start—remember to dig carefully.

For more information on 811 visit NIPSCO.com/811.