National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder to call 811 before any outdoor project that involves digging. As warmer temperatures arrive and outdoor projects pick up, Atmos Energy is reminding homeowners, contractors, and professional excavators to prioritize safety during National Safe Digging Month by contacting 811 before beginning any digging project.

Common projects that require a call include:

• Planting trees or shrubs
• Installing fences or mailboxes
• Building decks or patios
• Installing pools or sprinkler systems

Each April, National Safe Digging Month highlights the importance of protecting underground utility infrastructure and preventing avoidable damage. Digging without the approximate location of buried utility lines can result in service disruptions, costly repairs, and even serious injury.

Spring is a time when many people begin landscaping, home improvement, and construction projects. Before putting a shovel in the ground, it’s critical to make sure underground utilities have been properly located and marked.

Damage to underground pipelines remains the leading cause of natural gas leaks, with even minor contact such as scrape or dent potentially leading to future safety risks.

Call 811 Before You Dig

Calling 811 is a simple, free step that connects you to a local notification center. From there, utility companies are alerted and will send professional locators to mark the approximate location of underground lines using flags or paint. This service is required by law, and contacting 811 at least a few business days before digging helps protect not only your property but also your entire community.

Commitment to Safety

This April, Atmos Energy encourages everyone to take an active role in damage prevention by making safe digging practices part of every project.

Call 811 before you dig, because safety starts below the surface.