Call 811 Before You Dig
Did you know that an underground utility line is damaged once every three minutes nationwide?
The good news is that nearly all these accidents can be prevented by calling 811 before digging.
When you proactively call 811 before breaking ground, crews visit the site free of charge to mark the land where underground pipelines exist. That way, you know the spots to avoid and limit the need to call emergency repair crews, all while respecting your neighbors and the area around you.
Excavation work is the most common cause of natural gas emergencies. This includes something as small as digging or plowing around a home for an improvement project to breaking ground on a new building development.
Safe digging makes safe communities. Do your part. Call 811 before you dig!
Easy as 1-2-3
Calling 811 before digging on any property is the law. Knowing where to dig is as easy as:
- Call 811 to schedule your appointment.
- Professional locators will survey the site, then identify and mark underground lines for free.
- Break ground!
Show Your Support
Ready to be an advocate for calling 811 and encourage your peers to do the same? Download our 811 Toolkit to share on your social media accounts!
Businessowners, future customers and the general public want to know that you’re a responsible member of the community where you operate. Show them you respect the law and follow proper protocol by calling 811 before digging.
Prefer to schedule online over calling?
Request a marking by setting up an 811 account and e-ticket.
You'll receive an email confirmation with helpful information on when your marking will take place, how to prepare and what to expect next.
Schedule Your Marking Online
How 811 Works
- It takes less than two minutes. Call 811 at least three working days before you plan to dig. Provide your address, project type and approximate dig date. A dispatcher will determine whether or not you need to have your property checked for lines, and if so, schedule a marking window. Utility company representatives will be notified that your project site needs to be marked for safe digging.
- Within three working days, utility locator companies will arrive to spray or flag your yard, allowing you to avoid problem areas where lines are present. Markers will use a wand that detects line locations without any alteration to your property. You're not even required to be present while your project site is marked. If you end up getting busy and are unable to complete your digging before your marks fade, simply call 811 again and request a re-mark.
Respect the Marks
Once the lines are marked, use the appropriate digging methods and hand dig within 24 inches of the marked utility lines. This will help prevent any damage to underground utility lines.
Excavate Carefully
Make sure the marks remain visible during the entire project. If the marks are damaged or removed, customers are encouraged to call 811 to have lines re-marked. Excavation work, including hand digging with a spade or shovel or plowing around a home or business is the most common cause of natural gas emergencies. If a natural gas line is damaged accidentally or the distinct odor of natural gas is present, call 911 and the Chattanooga Gas 24-hour emergency phone line at 866.643.4170 from a safe location. Do not operate any machinery or any equipment that might cause a spark.
