“Gotta Dig? Gotta Call!” Nicor Gas reminds customers to call 811 during safe digging month
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – April 1, 2026 – With warmer temperatures finally here, many Illinois residents are ready to begin spring home improvement projects. Nicor Gas reminds customers and communities to follow safe digging guidelines and always Dig with C.A.R.E.:
Call before you dig. Contact 811 or visit illinois1call.com at least two business days before digging, excluding the day of the notice, but no more than 10 days prior to excavation.
Allow time for marking. Utility companies will mark the approximate location of underground lines with color-coded paint, flags or stakes — yellow indicates natural gas lines.
Respect the marks. Use hand tools only when digging near utility line markings.
Excavate carefully. Keep markings visible throughout the project. If they fade or are disturbed, contact 811 for a re-mark. If a natural gas line is damaged or you smell the distinctive rotten-egg odor, immediately call 911 or Nicor Gas’ 24-hour emergency line at 1-888-642-6748 from a safe location.
Whether installing a mailbox or fence, planting trees or putting in a pool, to professional excavators performing work such as paving, tunneling or blasting, contacting 811 before digging is essential. The call is free and there’s no cost to have underground utility lines marked. It’s also required by law to help protect people, property and the underground infrastructure that keeps communities safe and connected.
Customer pre-marking required
Before submitting a locate request, customers must pre-mark their proposed excavation area using white paint, flags or chalk or through electronic white lining when available. A clear verbal description may also be accepted if it precisely defines the excavation area.
Protecting Illinois communities
Nicor Gas maintains more than 34,300 miles of natural gas infrastructure across Northern Illinois. In addition to those lines, properties may contain underground communications cables, water and sewer lines and other utilities. Knowing what’s below before digging helps prevent injuries, property damage and service interruptions.
For more information on natural gas safety and safe digging practices, visit nicorgas.com/811.
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About 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 Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.
Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
nfrett@southernco.com