August 11 marks National 811 Day which spotlights the importance of safe digging to prevent damaging any underground utility lines.
Atmos Energy is a natural gas service provider headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has a facility in Hopkinsville. Kay Coomes, the company’s public affairs manager issued a press release urging people to call 811 before starting any excavation project no matter the size of it.
She says striking a utility line can lead to injuries, costly repairs, service outages and fines. By calling 811 before any digging, she says local utility companies can come to the site to mark utility lines and determine if the excavation area would impact those lines.
Coomes shared that Kentucky law requires homeowners, excavation companies and contractors to call 811 two business days before any digging occurs. Some examples of projects that would require a call to 811 include installing mailboxes, planting trees or constructing a deck.
To award safe digging efforts, Atmos Energy established The Gold Cup of Safe Digging Award and this year’s winner is Owensboro Municipal Utilities.
Calling 811 is free and more information about the service is available at kentucky811.org.
Graphics courtesy of Atmos Energy