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Safe Digging

Dig Smart, Dig Safe: Call 811 Before You Dig

Planning a project that involves digging? Underground gas lines can be closer to the surface than you think and damaging them can lead to serious safety risks.

Before starting any digging project, state law requires Pennsylvania residents to call 811, or contact PA One Call at 1-800-242-1776 at least three business days in advance.

This free service notifies utility companies to mark underground lines, helping you avoid dangerous and costly accidents.

Line hits are the leading cause of gas incidents, so it’s critical to respect the markings and excavate with care. Whether you’re working on a small project or a major installation, always ensure PA One Call markings or flags are in place.

Call before you dig for projects like:

  • Installing a fence, mailbox, yard sign, flagpole, or basketball hoop
  • Building a deck, porch, patio, swimming pool, or garage
  • Installing a sprinkler system, pet perimeter fence, septic tank, leach bed, or sand mound
  • Planting trees, bushes, shrubs, or a garden

If a contractor is working on your property, confirm they’ve followed these safety steps. Remember, safe digging starts with a call to 811.

Protect your community, your property, and yourself by making the call!

Did You Know?

An underground utility line is damaged every six minutes nationwide because someone didn’t call 811.

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One Call Markings

If digging is happening in your neighborhood or on your property, always look for One Call markings or flags. If you’ve hired a contractor, ensure they work carefully around these markings to avoid damaging underground lines.

Remember, colored flags or painted letters mark the location of underground utilities—protecting you from injury and preventing damage. Leave them undisturbed! Here’s what each color represents:

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Pipeline Markers

Pipeline markers are another important safety precaution.

Since pipelines are buried underground, pipeline markers are used to help identify them. They are found where a pipeline intersects with a street, highway, railway, river, heavily congested area, or along a pipeline’s right-of-way.

Markers DO show:

  • Where the pipeline is in the area
  • The product being transported
  • The natural gas company’s name and emergency phone number

Markers DO NOT show:

  • The depth of the pipelines
  • The number of pipelines
  • The exact location of the pipelines (remember to always call 811 to have pipelines marked and prevent damage)
  • The path of the pipeline