Chattanooga Gas urges customers to contact TN811 before starting any digging project this 8-1-1 Day

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – August 11, 2023 – Summertime is here and for many homeowners, that means starting home improvement projects and digging in the dirt. August = 11 is National 8-1-1 Day, and Chattanooga Gas reminds residents and professional excavators across the region that the date serves as an important cue to always contact TN811 before starting any outdoor digging project.

As per Tennessee law, property owners and professionals’ excavators must make a call to 811 prior to commencing work. This call serves as a notification to the appropriate utility companies prompting professional locators to visit the site for free and mark the approximate locations of underground lines using flags, paint, or both.

Contacting Tennessee 811 prior to digging is the simplest way to prevent damage to buried utilities. However, according to Tennessee 811, 40 percent of active diggers don’t contact 811 before digging because they think their project

To promote safe digging practices, Chattanooga Gas encourages homeowners and contractors to adhere to the following guidelines, emphasizing the acronym CARE

1. Call or Click Before You Dig: Customers should contact 811 or visit Tennessee 811 at least three days in advance to request the marking of underground utility lines before commencing any outdoor digging project. The service is provided free of charge.
2. Allow the Required Time for Marking: After notifying Tennessee 811, it is crucial to wait for locators to mark the approximate positions of underground utility lines before digging (about three business days). The lines will be marked with color-coded spray paint, flags, or stakes corresponding to the respective utility. Natural gas lines are designated by the color yellow.
3. Respect the Marks: When digging near location markers, only utilize hand digging tools to ensure the integrity of the markings.
4. Excavate Carefully: Throughout the project, ensure that the marks remain visible. If the markings are damaged or removed, customers are advised to contact Tennessee 811 to request remarking of the lines.

In the event of accidental damage to a natural gas line or if the distinct rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas is detected, individuals should immediately call 911 or the 24-hour emergency phone line of Chattanooga Gas at 1-866-643-4170 from a safe location. It is essential to refrain from operating any machinery or equipment that could potentially cause a spark or create an open flame.

For more information on natural gas safety, please visit https://www.chattanoogagas.com/safety.html