Do you know where lines are buried on your property?

Although accidents are relatively rare, damage from digging is the most common cause of underground natural gas leaks.

Follow these three steps before you dig:

1. Contact 811.
   Submit a ticket at 811beforeyoudig.com or call 811. This is the national phone number for locating and marking underground utility lines in your yard or at your job. Visit 811beforeyoudig.com at least three business days before you dig.
2. Wait for professionals to mark utility lines.
   811 center personnel notify area utilities such as Alliant Energy to mark the approximate locations of buried gas or electric lines with high-visibility safety paint and/or flags. There is no charge for this service. Locators will not mark privately owned fuel lines, like those running to a garage, pool or fireplace.
3. Respect the marks or flags and dig with care.
   When you dig, stay at least 18 inches away from the marked lines. Hand dig with extreme caution in the 18-inch tolerance zone.