April is National Safe Digging Month
Published 04-12-22
Submitted by Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)
Originally published on PSEG NewsRoom
NEWARK, N.J., April 12, 2022 /CSRwire/ – Spring is in the air bringing with it the scent of wildflowers and freshly cut grass, the return of outdoor family activities and that strange urge to dig. But before you get your fingers dirty, be safe and Call 811.
April is National Safe Digging Month when, according to Call 811, some 31 million homeowners will undertake home improvement projects that involve digging. Yet more than 11 million people will risk their safety and that of their neighbors by digging without knowing what is below.
“Underground power lines and natural gas systems are often buried close to the surface, plus buried objects shift over time,” said Brian Clark, vice president, Gas Operations. “You might be surprised to learn that you need to call us before planting something small, like a bush or tree, but it’s worth it to be safe. Striking a natural gas pipeline is extremely dangerous and we want you, our customers, to remain safe.”
PSE&G urges contractors, excavators and customers to call 811 before digging to help prevent natural gas emergencies. When an individual calls 811 to request a free, utility markout, they must wait three business days for the utility company to properly mark underground lines with paint and flags. The markout is valid for 45 business days.
Digging before knowing the location of underground pipes and cables can result in serious injuries, utility disruption, costly repairs and environmental or property damage. In 2021, PSE&G responded to 844 calls concerning excavation damages (713 gas, 171 electric). The best way to prevent damaging underground equipment is to call 811 before any digging project this spring and to use caution around marked facilities.
Prevention is key:
What to do if you smell gas:
More information about 811 is available at nj1-call.org or on the PSE&G website. #Call811 #CallBeforeYouDig
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PSE&G
Public Service Electric & Gas Co. (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest gas and electric delivery public utility, serving three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability in the Mid-Atlantic region. In 2021, PSE&G was named the most trusted combined gas & electric utility in the East Region, by the Cogent Syndicated Brand Trust Index. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company. PSEG has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 14 consecutive years (www.pseg.com).
Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a publicly traded diversified energy company with approximately 13,000 employees. Headquartered in Newark, N.J., PSEG's principal operating subsidiaries are: Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island. PSEG is a Fortune 500 company included in the S&P 500 Index and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America for 11 consecutive years (https://corporate.pseg.com/).
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