It’s National 811 Day: Contact 811 Before Any Digging Project – Big or Small

(KNSI) — Today is National 811 Call Before You Dig Day, reminding the public to call ahead to have lines marked before putting shovels in the ground.

At least three business days before starting any outdoor digging project, a call must be placed to 811. This is a requirement regardless of the project size, including gardening, building, or repairing a fence, installing a deck, or any other work.

The service is free, and the local utility company will send someone out to locate and mark underground lines such as natural gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecom.

In 2025 so far, CenterPoint Energy says it has experienced more than 3,700 calls for damages to natural gas lines within its four-state service area because digging occurred without underground utility lines being located and marked.

“On 811 day and throughout the year, we want to remind everyone of the importance of having utilities located and marked to know what’s below prior to digging,” said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President of Natural Gas Business at CenterPoint. “No matter how shallow or minor a project, everyone can take steps to prevent safety incidents and loss of utility service for their communities by contacting 811 to have underground utility lines located and marked.”

Over time, the utility says weather and ground cover can change, leaving lines as shallow as just a few inches below the surface. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injury, including death, as well as service disruptions, fines, and costly repairs.

Before starting, CenterPoint says to make sure all lines are marked, and if a proposed project is too close to marked utility lines, adjustments must be made. If a contractor is doing any work, verify that they have contacted 811. The utility says that utility locates expire, so digging needs to be done within the timeframe required by law. If work can’t be completed within that timeframe, a new request must be made.

Experts say if a gas line is struck, leave the area immediately on foot and do not try to restart or move powered equipment or use any device that could cause a spark. Once in a safe area, call 911 and your utility company, and stay put until told otherwise.

For more information, click here.

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