Digging into gas pipelines can have serious safety consequences that can be avoided by calling 811 or using 811express.com. 811 is the federally-designated call-before-you-dig number that helps homeowners and professionals avoid damaging vital utilities. Calling 811 before digging helps prevent unintended consequences such as injuries, property damage, utility service outages to the entire neighborhood and potential fines and repair costs. Even if residents are planting a tree or planning other yard work digging, the City of Modesto encourages calling 811 prior to starting the project. It’s free and required by state law.
Call 811 or use 811express.com at least two working days before digging and mark your project area in white using white paint, flags or even baking flour. Local utilities will come out and mark where gas, electrical and other utility lines exist underground.
Last year, the City of Modesto had the sixth highest number of dig-ins across PG&E’s service area in California. PG&E wants to partner with the City of Modesto to reduce the number of dig-ins within the city. There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that are vital to everyday living like water, electricity and natural gas that need to be protected.
If we can work together to reduce the number of dig-ins by 10% this year (compared to the number of dig-ins that occurred in 2016), the city will earn a $20,000 financial contribution.
811 is a FREE service that notifies local utility companies to locate and mark their underground facilities to prepare for safe digging. Learn more safety tips at pge.com/digsafely.
