... while digging.

Just contact 811 first!

We want to spread the word to contact 811 before you dig, and guess what? The National Excavator Initiative is right there with us in the trenches and is bringing along executive producer, host, bestselling author, podcaster and skilled-trades advocate Mike Rowe and his animated alter ego, "Micro Mike Rowe."

Known for the hit TV series, “Dirty Jobs,” “Deadliest Catch” and his groundbreaking Facebook show, “Returning the Favor,” Rowe and his animated sidekick highlight the importance of the pipes, wires and cables buried underground. With some earthy humor, they share what can — and likely will — go wrong if homeowners and contractors don't contact 811 before digging.

Calling 811 before digging on any property is the law.

Nicor Gas encourages homeowners and contractors to follow these safe digging guidelines and always dig with C.A.R.E.:

• Call Before You Dig: Before starting any outdoor digging project, customers should contact 811 at least three days in advance to request to have underground utility lines marked. Requests to have utility operators locate underground lines, including natural gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone and cable lines, can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free.
• Allow the Required Time for Marking: After contacting 811, wait for underground utility lines to be marked before digging. Locators will mark the approximate location of buried lines with color-coded spray paint, flags or stakes corresponding to the utility. The color used for natural gas is yellow.
• Respect the Marks: Once the lines are marked, only use hand digging tools to carefully uncover the area around a utility line. When you need to dig near location markers use the appropriate digging methods and hand dig within 24 inches of the marked utility lines. This will help prevent any damage to underground utility lines.
• Excavate Carefully: Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If the lines are damaged or removed, customers are encouraged to contact 811 to have lines remarked. Excavation work, including hand digging with a spade or shovel or plowing around a home or business is the most common cause of natural gas emergencies. If a natural gas line is damaged accidentally or the distinct odor of natural gas (rotten eggs) is present, call 911 and the Nicor Gas 24-hour emergency phone line at 888.Nicor4U (888.642.6748) from a safe location. Do not operate any machinery or any equipment that might cause a spark.
  *Residents within the city of Chicago dial 312.744.7000.