National Safe Digging Month
NIPSCO marks National Safe Digging Month, reminds Hoosiers to call 811 beforespring projectsNIPSCO urges homeowners and professionals to contact811 before any digging project to avoid damaging buried utility lines
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – As warmer weather brings Hoosiers outdoors for spring homeimprovement and landscaping projects, NIPSCO is recognizing April as National Safe DiggingMonth and urging everyone to contact 811 before putting a shovel in the ground.From planting trees and installing mailboxes to building decks and fences, even small diggingprojects can pose serious risks if underground natural gas, electric, or other utility lines areaccidentally damaged. Contacting 811 at least two full business days before digging allowsutilities to mark underground lines at no cost to the homeowner.“Our natural gas and electric infrastructure is safely delivering energy beneath neighborhoodsacross Indiana every day,” said NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Parisi.“A simple call to 811 helps protect people, property and the essential services our customersrely on.”After an 811 request is made by phone or online at Indiana811.org, utility crews mark buriedlines using color-coded paint or flags. Because erosion, landscaping and prior construction canchange ground conditions, pipelines and other underground utilities may be much closer to thesurface than expected.If a natural gas line is damaged or a gas odor is detected, individuals should STOP workimmediately, LEAVE the area and CALL 911 and NIPSCO at 1-800-634-3524 from a safelocation.For more information about safe digging practices, visit Indiana811.org or NIPSCO.com/811.