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With the warmer months approaching, green thumbs emerge from their winter gloves and many Michigan residents will embark on outdoor projects. However, at our Gas company, there is cause for concern: since the beginning of the pandemic, homeowner damage to our underground natural gas equipment has been on the rise. We all play a role in preventing digging damage, which can result in serious injuries and service disruptions. 

It’s common sense—the more time we spend at home, the more likely we are to confront those long-overdue outdoor projects, whether planting trees, installing a fence or building a patio. Before starting any project that disturbs the ground, it’s important to contact MISS DIG at 8-1-1 or missdig811.org. 

Our Damage Prevention group, led by Scot Runke, manager of Gas Operations, has been recognized by the American Gas Association as a top performing team. The group has strong partnerships in place with contractors, whose work requires them to disturb the ground frequently. 

Homeowners, on the other hand, are a more widespread audience. We can’t predict when a local resident might decide to begin an outdoor project. We can, however, look out for ourselves and others by spreading the word about MISS DIG.  

As you attend family gatherings and socialize with friends, help us spread the word: contacting MISS DIG at 8-1-1 or missdig811.org isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s free and it’s the law. Almost 90% of homeowner damages occur when the occupant fails to contact MISS DIG, so it’s important we all do our part. 

Dig safely using five simple steps:  

  • Contact MISS DIG at 811 or missdig811.org at least three business days before digging.  
  • Wait until the flags are placed. Utility companies have three business days to go out to your property and mark where facilities are located. We use paint and/or flags to identify the approximate location of our lines.  
  • Check status online to confirm all utilities have been marked. After the three business days, go online to status.missdig811.org to verify that all facilities have been marked. Enter your ticket number and review the responses from the utilities.  
  • Begin your project. Congratulations! You are ready to begin your project if all facilities are marked, your start work date and time has arrived, and Positive Response statuses are all green.  
  • Dig with care. Most importantly, keep yourself, your family, and friends safe. Make sure you are digging in the Safe Zone (more than four feet out on either side of facility markings). If you are closer than four feet out from facility markings, you must first hand-expose the facility lines to determine their exact location to ensure you do not harm yourself or cut off service.  

The same rule applies for contractors. If you’re working with an outside expert on a last-minute outdoor project, make sure they call 8-1-1 before getting started. It’s simple, fast and it’s the law.