Chattanooga Gas encourages Tennesseans to Call TN811 before they dig

Nearly 40% of incidents that damaged Chattanooga Gas’ underground natural gas pipelines in 2025 did not have a TN811 request associated with them.

Chattanooga, TN – April 1, 2026 – As warmer weather arrives and more Tennesseans begin spring landscaping and construction projects, Chattanooga Gas is recognizing Safe Digging Month this April by reminding homeowners and contractors to contact Tennessee 811 before starting any project that requires digging.

From planting trees and starting a garden to installing fences and building decks, digging activity increases significantly as temperatures rise across Tennessee. Unfortunately, many people start digging without first checking for underground utility lines.

According to data from Chattanooga Gas, nearly 40% of incidents that damaged the company’s underground natural gas pipelines did not have a TN811 request associated with them in 2025.

Tennessee law requires anyone who engages in excavation to notify 811 at least three full business days before digging. Damage to underground natural gas pipelines can disrupt services and pose safety risks. Contacting 811 before digging allows  utility professionals to locate the underground systems and mark them so homeowners and contractors can work more safely and confidently.

To help promote safe digging this spring, Chattanooga Gas encourages residents and contractors to dig with C.A.R.E.:

Call or Click Before You Dig – Always contact Tennessee 811 by dialing 811 or visiting tenn811.com at least three business days before starting any digging project. This free service allows underground utility lines to be properly marked.

Allow Time for Marking – After submitting a request, wait for professional locators to mark the approximate location of underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. Yellow markings indicate natural gas lines.
Respect the Marks – Use only hand tools when digging near marked utility lines to help prevent accidental damage.
Excavate Carefully – Keep utility markings visible throughout your project. If they fade or are disturbed, contact Tennessee 811 to have them refreshed.
If a natural gas line is damaged or the smell of natural gas is detected, leave the area immediately, call 911, and then contact the Chattanooga Gas emergency line at 866-643-4170.

For more information on safe digging and natural gas safety, visit www.chattanoogagas.com/safedigging.

###

About Chattanooga Gas
Chattanooga Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Chattanooga Gas provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 72,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties in southeast Tennessee. The Chattanooga Gas service area includes the communities of Chattanooga, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. For more information, visit chattanoogagas.com. 

Media Contact: 
Ashley Hoffman
c: 678.357.1685
ahoffman@southernco.com