Save Lives -- Call 811 Before You Dig
April is National Safe Digging Month
ST. LOUIS, April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Warm temperatures are here and outdoor projects are likely sprouting to the top of your list. If that project includes digging, Laclede Gas reminds residents and excavators to "Call Before You Dig" by dialing 811 before any digging project. It is the quickest and easiest way to prevent serious pipeline accidents – and save lives and property. Both the call and the service are free.
Every digging project – even a small one like installing a mailbox, building a deck or planting a tree or garden – warrants a call.
Excavation damage is the leading cause of pipeline accidents in the United States, and that is why Laclede Gas is urging excavators and the public to follow safe digging protocol. Anyone can call between three and 10 days before a project date to have the area marked for utilities.
"The safety of our customers, employees and communities is our top priority," said Craig Hoeferlin, vice president of operations services for Laclede Gas. "Before we perform any work in a community, Laclede Gas calls 811 to have all underground facilities located. We need excavators and the public to participate as well. It's a free service and the easiest thing people can do to prevent unnecessary pipeline accidents."
"Every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged nationwide because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. Striking a single line can cause injury and outages, and incur repair costs and fines. Calling this free service is easy to do and can prevent lots of headaches," Hoeferlin added.
Residents can call 811 or visit www.mo1call.com.
Visit www.LacledeGas.com for more natural gas safety tips.
ABOUT LACLEDE GAS COMPANY
The Laclede Gas Company has provided safe and reliable natural gas service to Missouri for more than 150 years. Now including customers from Missouri Gas Energy, we are the largest gas distribution company in Missouri, delivering some of the nation's cleanest energy to more than 1.13 million customers. Laclede serves residential, commercial and industrial customers in St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas and 40 counties throughout Missouri. Laclede Gas Company is a subsidiary of The Laclede Group, Inc., traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LG (NYSE:LG). For more information, please visit www.LacledeGas.com.
SOURCE Laclede Gas Company
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