According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, research indicates there is a 99 percent chance of avoiding a utility service outage, property damage, personal injury or harm to the environment when someone dials 8-1-1 before digging.
Because excavation damage poses the greatest threat to its natural gas system, Atmos Energy has unveiled a “Pledge to Call 811” campaign to underscore the importance of safe digging. As an added incentive to aspiring 811 ambassadors – and to support a valued partner that often provides aid to communities affected by damaged utility lines – Atmos Energy will donate $1 to the American Red Cross for every pledge completed online.
“Natural gas safety is a partnership, so we want everyone to understand the importance of calling 811 before building a deck, planting a tree, installing a fence or digging for any other project,” said Bill Greer, Atmos Energy vice president of public affairs. “Calling 811 is free, it’s safe and it’s required by law – helping to protect millions of miles of underground utility lines that are vital to everyday life.”
When someone dials 8-1-1 before digging for any project, that caller will reach a local representative who will coordinate with Atmos Energy and other utilities to mark all underground pipes and cables. For specific state guidelines, visit here.
Click here to sign the pledge and become an 811 ambassador, helping Atmos Energy reach its goal of 811 signatures by Sept. 3 while also supporting the American Red Cross.
In Kentucky, Atmos Energy is partnering with Kentucky 811 to promote safe digging practices. Together they donated over 5000 golf balls to driving ranges in Franklin, Paducah, Hopkinsville and Owensboro. Each golf ball is a reminder to call 811 before digging. It is their hope every golfer takes the pledge and see the constant reminder, “if you are taking more than a divot, then call 811.”
Atmos Energy will be doing the donated golf ball presentations at The Pearl Club (formerly known as Summit) on Friday at 1:30 p.m.
