Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a mailbox, building a fence, or tackling a landscaping project, a successful project starts with knowing what’s below before digging begins. National 811 Day, recognized each year on Aug. 11, serves as an important reminder that one simple, free step can help keep you, your family, and your community safe: Contact 811 before you dig.
By calling the number or placing an online request at call811.com at least two working days before beginning your project, you can help prevent accidents, service outages, and avoidable damage.
Plus, it’s the law.
Know what’s below
Many people are surprised to learn that underground utility lines can be buried only a few inches below the surface. Natural gas, electric, water, sewer, and communications lines may all be located where you least expect them. Even small projects completed with a shovel can accidentally strike buried infrastructure, leading to injuries, costly repairs, service interruptions, and dangerous situations.
The good news is that one simple step—contacting 811—can make a significant difference. Southwest Gas responded to approximately 980,000 requests in 2025, helping homeowners and contractors safely complete projects throughout its service territory. Those efforts contributed to a 4.5 percent reduction in damage to underground natural gas infrastructure compared to 2024.
The data also shows that homeowners performing digging projects without first contacting 811 caused more damage to underground natural gas lines than any other group across Southwest Gas’ service territory. Most of those damages involved hand tools, proving that even seemingly simple projects can create safety risks.
Safe digging 101
After you’ve called 811 and before you start digging, it is important to remember the following:
- Verify that all lines have been marked.
- Do not allow work to begin if the lines are not marked.
- Consider moving the project location if it is near utility line markings.
If you suspect a natural gas line has been damaged, even if you’re not a Southwest Gas customer, evacuate the area immediately and call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020.
Be alert for these common signs of a gas leak:
- A strong odor, similar to sulfur or rotten eggs
- Hissing or roaring sounds from the ground
- Dirt blowing into the air
- Bubbling water
- Vegetation that appears discolored or dying
No project is too small to warrant taking this simple precaution. Contacting 811 is free, easy, and can help prevent injuries, protect critical infrastructure, avoid costly repairs, and keep essential utility services flowing to homes and businesses throughout our communities.
Safe digging education
While homeowners play a vital role in safe digging, Southwest Gas also partners with professionals in construction, landscaping, plumbing, and other industries to promote safe excavation practices.
To support this, Southwest Gas offers free, specialized damage prevention training for excavators, plumbers, landscapers, DIYers, and anyone planning to dig within the utility’s service territory.
This training includes essential topics such as:
- State-specific excavation laws.
- How to properly request utility line markings.
- Steps for conducting a safe excavation.
- Emergency considerations before starting a project.
Learn more at: swgas.com/damage-prevention-training.
Contact 811 today
As we recognize National 811 Day this Aug. 11, remember that safe digging starts long before the shovel enters the ground—and that it’s a year-round responsibility.
Taking a few minutes to contact 811 before every digging project helps protect this critical infrastructure while reducing unnecessary risks for everyone.
For more information about natural gas safety, visit swgas.com/safety. To learn more about safe digging practices, visit swgas.com/dig-safe.
