COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) – Columbia Gas of Ohio is honoring National 811 Day by reminding homeowners to contact 811 before beginning any digging project.
National 811 day is Tuesday, August 11 and promotes safe digging practices by calling the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) to prevent damage to critical infrastructure.
Contacting 811 at least two days before digging allows utility professionals to mark the locations of underground lines to avoid striking them. The service is free to customers and reduces the risk of injuries by digging unsafely.
“Contacting 811 is not only quick and easy – it’s the law and it protects people and property,” said Columbia Gas of Ohio President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Heidorn. “Even a small project can lead to serious consequences if underground lines are damaged.”
Common projects like installing fences, planting trees or building decks all require a locate request.
Anyone who damages a natural gas line or suspects a gas leak should stop work immediately and get to a safe location before calling 911.
