Nicor Gas Urges Residents to Call 811 Ahead of Spring Projects During Safe Digging Month (Naperville, IL) – As spring home improvement season ramps up across Illinois, Nicor Gas is reminding residents and contractors alike to prioritize safety by calling 811 before starting any digging projects.
In observance of Safe Digging Month this April, the company is promoting its “Dig with C.A.R.E.” message, encouraging precautions that can help prevent injuries, property damage and costly service disruptions.
State law requires anyone planning to dig — from homeowners installing mailboxes or planting trees to contractors performing large-scale excavation — to contact 811 at least two business days before starting work. The service is free and ensures that underground utility lines are properly marked.
Nicor Gas emphasized four key steps for safe digging:
- Call before you dig: Submit a request through 811 or illinois1call.com between two and 10 days before excavation.
- Allow time for marking: Utility companies will mark underground lines using color-coded paint, flags or stakes. Yellow markings indicate natural gas lines.
- Respect the marks: Dig carefully around marked areas, using only hand tools when working near utility lines.
- Excavate carefully: Keep markings visible and request a re-mark if they fade. If a gas line is struck or the smell of gas is detected, residents should leave the area immediately and call 911 or Nicor Gas’ emergency line.
Officials also noted that customers must pre-mark their intended digging areas with white paint, flags or chalk — or use electronic white lining when available — before submitting a locate request.
Nicor Gas maintains more than 34,300 miles of natural gas infrastructure across northern Illinois. In addition to gas lines, underground utilities may include water, sewer and communication lines, making it critical to identify what lies below before digging begins.
The company says following proper procedures not only complies with the law but also plays a vital role in protecting communities and maintaining essential services.
More information on safe digging practices and natural gas safety is available at nicorgas.com/811.
Nicor Gas Urges Residents to Call 811 Ahead of Spring Projects During Safe Digging Month
