Integrys Energy : August 11th, a Good Time for a Digging Safety Reminder

For Release: 08/11/2015

August 11th, a Good Time for a Digging Safety Reminder Monroe, MI - It's August 11th and Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) reminds everyone to be safe and call 8-1-1 before attempting any projects that require digging. Calling the "8-1-1 Miss Dig Hotline" should be the homeowner and contractor's first step before putting a shovel in the ground and performing any excavation, construction, farming or digging. The 8-1-1 Miss Dig Hotline network is a part of a coordinated nationwide underground utility location system that is set up for everyone's safety. MGU has about 3,800 miles of underground natural gas pipelines and 168,000 natural gas customers in about 148 communities it serves. Last year, Michigan Gas Utilities experienced about 205 accidental dig-ins on its natural gas system, causing disruption of service. Records indicate a very high percentage of accidental dig-ins result from people not calling "8-1-1" before they dig. Most customers are aware of the "8-1-1" system, but do not think it applies unless they are using larger power digging equipment. The unfortunate result may be serious injuries and disruption of utility service to entire neighborhoods. To request that underground lines be located, people should call the 8-1-1 Miss Dig Hotline or log on to their website. Customers will be asked a few questions about their location and project. Specialists using sophisticated equipment will respond to the site and mark the location of all buried facilities (natural gas, electric, cable, telecommunications) on your property within three working days. For more information, visit the MGU website.