(MERRILLVILLE) - As Hoosiers head outside for spring landscaping and home improvement work, NIPSCO is using National Safe Digging Month to remind residents to call 811 before digging.
The utility says even routine spring projects like planting trees, putting in a mailbox, building a deck or installing a fence can become dangerous if underground utility lines are hit.
By contacting 811 at least two full business days before digging, homeowners and contractors can have buried gas, electric and other utility lines marked at no charge.
NIPSCO says those markings are especially important because erosion, landscaping and past construction can leave underground lines much closer to the surface than expected.
After a request is made through Indiana 811 by phone or online, utility crews mark buried lines with color-coded flags or paint.
The company says if anyone strikes a gas line or smells natural gas, they should stop work immediately, leave the area and call 911 and NIPSCO from a safe location.
More safe digging information is available through Indiana 811 and NIPSCO's 811 safety page.