National 811 Day highlights importance of safe digging practices
PORTLAND, Ore. — With warm weather drawing homeowners and contractors outdoors for yard work and home improvement projects, NW Natural is reminding everyone across Oregon and Southwest Washington to call 811 before digging.
National 811 Day—recognized annually on August 11—is a timely reminder about the importance of safe digging. Each year, NW Natural crews respond to nearly 500 incidents involving damage to underground natural gas lines. Many of these accidents could have been avoided with a simple, free call to 811.
“Striking a utility line while digging can be dangerous and costly,” said a spokesperson for NW Natural. “Calling 811 before you dig is not only smart—it’s the law.”
The 811 service helps locate underground utility lines—including natural gas, water, and electric—before excavation begins. Anyone planning a project that involves digging, from planting a tree to building a fence, should call 811 at least two business days in advance. The service is free and available to homeowners and contractors alike.
For shallow gardening work involving small hand tools to a depth of less than 12 inches, a call to 811 is not required. But for anything deeper—or using mechanical equipment—it’s essential to get a locate.
To make safe digging even easier, NW Natural encourages customers to download the free NW Natural Safety App. The app allows users to call 811 with one tap, report a rotten egg odor (a possible sign of a gas leak), and store key safety contacts.
NW Natural serves nearly 2 million people in over 140 communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington through more than 800,000 meters. The company operates one of the most modern pipeline systems in the country, delivering safe, reliable energy for homes and businesses alike.
For more information, visit Oregon811.com, DigSafeWA.com, or nwnatural.com/safety.
