Call 811 before you dig to keep your family and neighbors safe

Alliant Energy encourages residents and contractors to call 811 before any digging projects. A quick call to 811 or click on call811.com prior to planting trees or shrubs, fencing a yard or building a playset can prevent a fine or a potentially dangerous accident with gas or electric lines.

The announcement coincides with National Safe Digging Month. Spring is a popular time for digging projects, and April is a month to acknowledge the hazards and raise awareness of safe digging practices.

It’s not just about the call, it’s the law and it can keep you and your neighbors safe. 811 is a national, free service available year-round.

“Everyone is excited to get outside and start working on outdoor projects this time of year,” said Adam Marxen, manager of gas integrity and standards for Alliant Energy. “Not knowing what’s below the surface can lead to a major disaster. Please slow down and call to have your underground lines marked before you dig.”

After you call 811 to describe where and when you plan to dig, utilities mark the locations of buried lines with high-visibility paint or flags. Yellow paint or markings indicate buried natural gas lines; red paint or markings identify electric lines.

When you dig, Alliant Energy advises you to stay 18 inches away from the marked lines. If you must work within the 18-inch tolerance zone, dig by hand with extreme caution.

If you happen to contact natural gas pipelines or electric lines, call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268). Even minor damage such as nicks, cuts or dents can result in pipeline failure, electrical shock or a major incident, if not properly addressed. Never attempt to fix damaged lines yourself. If you hear blowing gas or begin to smell gas, get to a safe distance and call 911 immediately.

“Safety is at the center of everything we do here at Alliant Energy,” Marxen said. “It’s important that our customers use the 811 service to make safety their priority as well.”

Visit alliantenergy.com/811 for more information.