Above / Nicor Gas highlights safe digging on National 8-1-1 Day, Aug. 11, also the last day of Dog Days. Summer temperatures extend outdoor work into fall, making now the perfect time to plan ahead and dig safely. (Adobe Image)
Nicor Gas Report
As warm temperatures continue, many outdoor improvement and excavation projects will continue into the fall season when cooler temperatures arrive. That makes this year’s National 8-1-1 Day, recognized on Aug. 11, an ideal time to revisit safe digging practices and understand the importance of contacting 811 before starting any digging work.
A homeowner using a shovel and a professional excavator using an earthmover are required by state law to contact 811. However, a survey of U.S. homeowners by Common Ground Alliance found 46% of Americans plan to dig without contacting 811 beforehand. This increases the risk of utility service disruptions, potential fines, repairs or even injury.
“Safety is our highest priority at Nicor Gas,” said Pat Whiteside, senior vice president of operations. “This summer’s intense heat has shifted many projects to later in the season, giving everyone an opportunity to plan ahead and ensure they’re digging safely and responsibly. Contacting JULIE, Illinois’ one-call center, is a simple and free step that ensures the safety of people, property and the essential services that make daily life possible.”
Nicor Gas encourages homeowners and contractors to follow these safe digging guidelines and always dig with CARE:
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Call or Click Before You Dig – Always contact JULIE, Illinois’ one call center, by dialing 811 or visiting illinois1call.com at least three business days before starting any digging project. This free service ensures all underground utility lines like gas, electric, water, sewer and cable are properly marked.
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Allow Time for Marking – After submitting a request, wait for professional locators to mark the approximate location of underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. Yellow indicates natural gas.
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Respect the Marks – Use only hand tools when digging near marked lines to avoid accidental damage.
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Excavate Carefully – Keep utility markings visible throughout the project. If they fade or are disturbed, contact JULIE to have them refreshed.
If a natural gas line is damaged or the distinctive rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas is detected, leave the area and immediately, call 911 and then the Nicor Gas 24-hour emergency phone line at 888.Nicor4U (888.642.6748) from a safe location. Do not operate any machinery or equipment that might cause a spark or create an open flame.
For more information on safe digging and natural gas safety, visit nicorgas.com/811.
Flag Colors and Markings
Anyone digging in Naperville, including homeowners and contractors, must call JULIE at least two working days before digging. Lines located in and around the planned dig area will be marked with different colors:
Yellow (yellow) for gas or oil
Red (red) for electric
Orange (orange) for communications
Blue (blue) for water
Green (green) for sewer
Color-coded flags and spray-painted color-coordinated markings such as the ones shown in the photos are reminders of where not to dig.
Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Crain’s 2024 Best Place to Work in Chicago and Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is committed to a goal of net zero emissions from its operations by 2050, and we are working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.
Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also owns and operates storage facilities within its regulated market and invests in interstate pipelines.
