National 811 Day, observed each year on August 11 (8/11), will also be celebrated as Tennessee 811’s 40th anniversary. Call 811 Day reminds everyone to always call 811 before you or your contractor start any digging or construction projects to prevent damage to underground utilities such as gas, electric and water lines and to keep you and your family safe. It’s a number you should memorize, and it reminds us to always Call 811 Before You Dig!

This year, Tennessee 811 will display the Mighty Lights over the Mississippi River on the beams and cables of Big River Crossing and the Hernando de Soto Bridge to colorfully light up the night of August 11 in recognition of its 40th Anniversary of formation on National 811 Day in 1983. The colors of the Mighty Lights will be Blue Water, Safety Green, Green Grass and Brown Dirt.

When you call 811, your underground utility lines will be located and marked free of charge. Tennessee law requires that you call the Tennessee 811 call center three business days before any digging begins. Damage to utilities can occur during installation of a fence or mailbox, building a deck or additional room, and even gardening or planting trees.

“It’s all about safety,” says MLGW President and CEO Doug McGowen. “We want everyone in Memphis and Shelby County to realize that underground utility lines can be disturbed or damaged by common home improvement projects. We promote National 811 Day to increase awareness of the importance of calling 811 before you dig, as well as increase knowledge of natural gas safety.” Digging without calling can result in damage to underground utility lines, gas leaks, explosions, harm to residents, disruption of neighborhood service, and fines and repair costs for those responsible.

Did you know that 42 percent of homeowners who plan to dig each year won’t call 811? Don’t be someone who puts their families, neighbors and communities at risk of a fire or explosion.

If you or your contractor hit or damage a utility line in the process of excavation, immediately stop digging and call MLGW. Remember that natural gas smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you smell this strong odor, evacuate the area immediately and call MLGW’s emergency line (528-4465) and call 911. MLGW reminds everyone that the best way to avoid these dangerous situations is to always call 811 before you dig.

National 811 Day is promoted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), an association dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices. More information on Call 811 and natural gas safety can be found on MLGW’s website at mlgw.com or at commongroundalliance.com.

 

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving the residents of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee since 1939. MLGW consistently provides customers with rates that are amongst the lowest in the nation and stewards a water supply from artesian wells that is minimally treated. Actively engaged in promoting the prosperity of Memphis and Shelby County, MLGW supports the seven local chambers in its service area and makes doing business with local, minority- and women-owned business a priority. Deeply rooted in the community, its employees generously donate time and money in support of bettering the Greater Memphis area.