Remember to call 811 before you dig

Middle Tennessee Natural Gas and Tennessee One-Call want to remind homeowners to call 811 before they dig holes, big or small.

One free call three days before a groundbreaking project can keep away a world of heart-breaking problems.

As warmer weather approaches, homeowners may start to get the home-improvement itch, with outdoor projects at the top of their to-do lists. Weekend warriors may have been making plans all winter to build a new deck, plant shrubs, or and even add a white, picket fence.

Here’s a reminder: Not only do homeowners need the proper tools and materials to successfully complete a project, they also need Tennessee One-Call to ensure that surrounding underground utility lines are safe.

That’s why 811, a federally mandated and easy-to-remember national ‘Call Before You Dig’ number, was created to help do-it-yourselfers ensure that utility lines are marked before digging, eliminating unintentional encounters with underground utility lines.

Here’s how it works. To ensure that all underground utility lines in the work area are marked, call Tennessee One-Call by dialing 811 at least three days before digging. Tennessee One-Call will arrange for member utility operators to have the underground lines at the project site investigated and marked, free of charge, so homeowners can carefully excavate around them and protect the lines during construction.

Making the free call can save money, prevent personal and property damage and protect homeowners from legal ramifications.

Call despite the project size. Those digging often incorrectly assume that projects such as planting a tree, building a deck and installing a new mailbox or fence don’t break ground deep enough to require a visit from utility locators.

Though natural gas incidents are uncommon, especially when utilizing 811, homeowners should know the telltale signs:

‘ Look ‘ Blowing dirt, bubbling water, dry spots in moist areas, or dead vegetation may indicate a gas leak.

‘ Listen ‘ A hissing sound near a natural gas pipeline or appliance may indicate a leak.

‘ Smell ‘ Natural gas has a unique odor added to it so you can be aware of a leak.

If a leak is suspected, leave immediately. Do not try and find or stop the leak. Do not smoke, use phones, turn appliances or lights on or off, or operate any equipment that could spark. Report the suspected leak.

For more information regarding Tennessee One-Call Center services, please feel free to call 811 or visit www.tnonecall.com. Further information on natural gas can be obtained at www.mntg.com.