The following steps can prevent an interruption of service or a potentially hazardous situation:

• Call 811 before you dig.
  
• Give two working days' notice before digging. 
  
• Utility companies will mark the location of underground utility lines.
  
• Respect the utility markers (see chart below) and dig carefully.

For more information on natural gas safety, tour our natural gas safety section by navigating through the links on the left or related sites on the right.

Homeowners and contractors who are going to undertake projects involving excavation or digging must provide at least 48 hours' notice. This service will connect you with the state one call center, which will alert participating utility companies such as electric, gas, cable and phone about the planned digging so they can mark the appropriate location of their underground lines if necessary. Remember, you are responsible for marking your private lines such as invisible pet fences, sprinkler systems, yard lights and gas grill lines.

Texas (Outside of Houston):   1-800-545-6005

Local utilities will then come to your home or work site and mark the location of their underground lines using the following color codes:

Utilities Location & Coordination Council Uniform Color Code.

	RED - Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lighting Cables.
	YELLOW - Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum or Gaseous Materials.
	ORANGE - Communications, Alarm or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit.
	BLUE - Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines.
	GREEN - Sewers and Drain Lines.