Atlanta Gas Light reminds communities to "Call Before You Dig" during Safe Digging Month

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Atlanta Gas Light emphasizes the importance of safe digging as warmer weather arrives, urging communities to 'Call Before You Dig' during Safe Digging Month this April. Customers are encouraged to dial 811 to have underground utility lines marked before starting any outdoor digging projects. This service is free and legally required. The company offers guidelines for safe digging, including respecting marked lines and excavating carefully. Atlanta Gas Light serves over 1.6 million customers in Georgia and operates under Southern Company (NYSE: SO).

ATLANTA, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Warmer temperatures have finally arrived and before customers spring into outdoor home projects, Atlanta Gas Light is reminding communities to "Call Before You Dig" in honor of Safe Digging Month this April.  

Atlanta Gas Light encourages customers to dial 811 to have underground utility lines marked before any digging project. This includes fence installation, paving projects, or installing a pool. It also applies to professional excavators when performing any work such as tunneling, grading, boring or blasting. Contacting 811 is also recommended for smaller, manual jobs such as planting trees or installing mailboxes.

To protect underground utilities and help ensure communities stay safe and connected, Atlanta Gas Light offers the following safe digging guidelines:

• Contact 811 Before You Dig: Before starting an outdoor digging project, contact 811 or visit georgia811.com to request having underground utility lines marked at least three days prior to digging. This service is free and required by law.
• Allow the Required Time for Marking: After contacting 811, allow time for the underground utility lines to be marked before digging. The approximate location of the lines will be marked with color-coded spray paint, flags or stakes that correspond to the utility. The natural gas markings will be yellow.
• Respect the Marks: Only use hand digging tools in areas near the utility line markings.
• Excavate Carefully: Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If the markings are no longer visible, contact 811 to have lines remarked. If a natural gas line is damaged accidentally or the distinctive rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas is present, call 911 or the Atlanta Gas Light 24-hour emergency phone line at 1-877-427-4321 from a safe location.

Atlanta Gas Light's Safe Digging Arcade  is another way for families to learn more about the importance of safe digging.  Complete all eight activities to become a Safe Digging champion! The arcade uses science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) to educate children about how their families can stay safe and avoid damaging a utility line when digging around their homes.

About Atlanta Gas Light

Atlanta Gas Light is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Atlanta Gas Light provides natural gas delivery service to more than 1.6 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit atlantagaslight.com.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 666,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

 

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SOURCE Atlanta Gas Light

FAQ

What is the significance of 'Call Before You Dig' campaign by Atlanta Gas Light?

The campaign raises awareness about safe digging practices to prevent damage to underground utility lines.

How can customers ensure safety before digging?

Customers should call 811 to have underground utility lines marked at least three days before digging.

What are the guidelines provided by Atlanta Gas Light for safe digging?

The guidelines include contacting 811, allowing time for marking, respecting the marks, and excavating carefully.

Who is the parent company of Atlanta Gas Light?

Atlanta Gas Light is a subsidiary of Southern Company, which is traded under the stock symbol SO.

How many customers does Atlanta Gas Light serve?

Atlanta Gas Light provides natural gas delivery service to over 1.6 million customers in Georgia.