Southwest Gas Highlights National Call 811 Day to Promote Safe Digging Practices
- Southwest Gas promotes National Call 811 Day, urging contact before any digging to prevent utility damage.
- In 2024, the company saw a 15% decrease in underground utility damage incidents due to increased 811 requests.
- Southwest Gas offers free damage prevention training and emphasizes safe digging techniques to enhance community safety.
Promoting Safe Digging: Southwest Gas Highlights National Call 811 Day
Southwest Gas Corporation underscores the critical significance of National Call 811 Day, which emphasizes the necessity of contacting 811 before commencing any digging activities, irrespective of their scale. This initiative, celebrated on August 11, 2025, serves as a reminder for individuals to call 811 or visit call811.com at least two working days prior to any excavation. By doing so, they can have utility-owned underground lines marked at no cost, effectively safeguarding essential services such as natural gas, electricity, and water. The company’s proactive stance aims to minimize the risk of service disruptions and enhance community safety.
In 2024, Southwest Gas reports a commendable 15 percent decrease in incidents of underground utility damage, a positive outcome attributed to a 10 percent rise in requests made to 811. Despite this progress, the data reveals a concerning trend where over 25 percent of natural gas-related incidents still result from unreported digging activities. This statistic highlights the ongoing need for heightened public awareness regarding safe digging practices. Southwest Gas emphasizes that even small excavation projects can inadvertently damage underground utilities, and thus, the call to 811 is a crucial step for everyone involved in any digging work.
To bolster safety measures, Southwest Gas encourages the adoption of safe digging techniques, such as using blunt tools and hand digging near marked lines. Additionally, the company provides complimentary damage prevention training tailored for contractors, landscapers, and homeowners. This training encompasses state-specific excavation regulations and promotes best practices for safe digging, available through their website. Should a gas leak occur, Southwest Gas instructs individuals to evacuate the vicinity immediately and contact emergency services. Indicators of a potential leak include a sulfur-like odor, hissing sounds, or signs of disturbed soil.
In related initiatives, Southwest Gas remains dedicated to fostering community safety and ensuring reliable natural gas service for its over two million customers in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The company prioritizes sustainability and innovation, reinforcing its commitment to the communities it serves. For additional resources on natural gas safety and guidelines for safe digging, customers are encouraged to explore the Southwest Gas website.