As warmer weather brings Hoosiers outdoors for spring home improvement and landscaping projects, NIPSCO is recognizing April as National Safe Digging Month and urging everyone to contact 811 before putting a shovel in the ground.
From planting trees and installing mailboxes to building decks and fences, even small digging projects can pose serious risks if underground natural gas, electric, or other utility lines are accidentally damaged. Contacting 811 at least two full business days before digging allows utilities to mark underground lines at no cost to the homeowner.
“Our natural gas and electric infrastructure is safely delivering energy beneath neighborhoods across Indiana every day,” said NIPSCO President and Chief Operating Officer Vince Parisi. “A simple call to 811 helps protect people, property and the essential services our customers rely on.”
After an 811 request is made by phone or online at Indiana811.org, utility crews mark buried lines using color-coded paint or flags. Because erosion, landscaping and prior construction can change ground conditions, pipelines and other underground utilities may be much closer to the surface than expected.
If a natural gas line is damaged or a gas odor is detected, individuals should STOP work immediately, LEAVE the area and CALL 911 and NIPSCO at 1-800-634-3524 from a safe location.
For more information about safe digging practices, visit Indiana811.org or NIPSCO.com/811.
Sumner seeking water project grant
Parkside Elementary School opening delayed
2026 Illinois prevailing wage rates released
U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts fraud forum, announces creation of fraud task force in Southern District of Indiana
IDNR seeking office coordinator for Red Hill State Park
Lawrence County Board votes to regulate synthetic intoxicants
Lawrence Correctional officers plead guilty to inmate civil rights violations
AARP Indiana celebrates YMCA Vincennes Community Challenge grants with check presentation
Lawrence County Democrats to host candidate town hall meeting
Niemerg appointed to Illinois House investigative committee
Lawrenceville Police release June activity report
Two arrested by Lawrence County law enforcement
New Miss Lawrence County Fair Queen crowned
Annual Lawrence County 4-H Dog and General Project Show awards announced
City Council says no to side-by-sides in Lawrenceville
Brocksmith named 2026 Indiana Master Farmer
Unit 10 Board studying student cellphone policy
St Francisville prepares for bridge closure
Dylan Jones facing multiple first degree murder charges in Olney deaths
