NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage Celebrates Fourth Annual National Safe Digging Month
NGT&S Contact
Jen Browne – Communications Specialist
(713) 331-7474
HOUSTON (March 31, 2011) – Marking the fourth annual National Safe Digging Month
this April, NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage (NGT&S) reminds
residents to always call 811 before any digging project. National Safe
Digging Month is formally recognized by the U.S. House of
Representatives and Senate and has traditionally earned the support from
more than 40 state governors across the country.
According to the Common Ground Alliance, a utility line is damaged by
digging once every three minutes nationwide, and one-third of these
incidents are caused by failure of the professional excavator or
homeowner to call 811 before beginning their digging project.
One free, simple phone call to 811 connects homeowners and contractors
with their local one call center, which notifies the appropriate utility
companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent
to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of
underground lines with flags, paint or both.
Don’t gamble with your safety—striking a single line can cause injury or
death, significant repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages, which
is why every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a
call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck and planting a tree
or garden are all examples of digging projects that should begin only
after underground utility lines are marked by a professional locator.
“Safe digging is no accident,” said Christopher A. Helms, executive vice
president and group CEO for NGT&S. “At NGT&S, safety is our top
priority, and as April marks the start of spring digging season, we
encourage all homeowners and professionals to make the call to 811 to
have underground utility lines in their area marked. Please join us in
an effort to keep our communities safe and connected.”
The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as
erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines
need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches,
the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.
Throughout April, NGT&S will be promoting National Safe Digging
Month through community outreach and local events across its areas of
operation.
For more information, please visit www.call811.com.