Alliant Energy encourages residents and contractors to call 811 before any digging projects.
A quick call to 811 or click on call811.com prior to planting trees or shrubs, fencing a yard or building a playset can prevent a fine or a potentially dangerous accident with gas or electric lines.
The announcement coincides with National Safe Digging Month. Spring is a popular time for digging projects, and April is a month to acknowledge the hazards and raise awareness of safe digging practices.
It’s not just about the call, it’s the law and it can keep people safe, according to an Alliant Energy press release. 811 is a national, free service available year-round.
“Everyone is excited to get outside and start working on outdoor projects this time of year,” said Adam Marxen, manager of gas integrity and standards for Alliant Energy. “Not knowing what’s below the surface can lead to a major disaster. Please slow down and call to have your underground lines marked before you dig.”
After calling 811 to describe where and when digging is planned, utilities mark the locations of buried lines with high-visibility paint or flags. Yellow paint or markings indicate buried natural gas lines; red paint or markings identify electric lines.
Alliant Energy advises to stay 18 inches away from the marked lines when digging. Digging within the 18-inch tolerance zone should be done by hand with extreme caution.
For anyone who makes contact with natural gas pipelines or electric lines, call 800-255-4268. Even minor damage such as nicks, cuts or dents can result in pipeline failure, electrical shock or a major incident, if not properly addressed. Never attempt to fix damaged lines yourself. If you hear blowing gas or begin to smell gas, get to a safe distance and call 911 immediately.
“Safety is at the center of everything we do here at Alliant Energy,” Marxen said. “It’s important that our customers use the 811 service to make safety their priority as well.”
Visit alliantenergy.com/811 for more information.
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