April is National Safe Digging Month, and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is encouraging homeowners and contractors to help protect their communities by contacting 811 before digging.
Underground natural gas pipelines and other utilities are located throughout neighborhoods across the commonwealth. Digging without proper marking can result in serious injury, service interruptions and property damage, even during routine outdoor projects.
Contacting 811 by phone or through PAOneCall.org at least three business days before digging allows utilities to mark underground lines. These markings help ensure projects are completed safely while protecting critical infrastructure.
“Safe digging is a shared responsibility,” said Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Kempic. “Calling 811 before every dig helps keep our customers, employees and first responders safe. It’s the law, and it’s free for homeowners.”
Because underground lines may be closer to the surface than expected, all digging projects, regardless of size or scope, require an 811 request. It’s not just safe practice, it’s the law.
Anyone who damages a gas line or suspects a leak should STOP work immediately, LEAVE the area, and CALL 911 and Columbia Gas at 1‑888-460-4332 from a safe location.
For more information about safe digging practices, visit www.PAOneCall.org or www.ColumbiaGasPA.com.
