Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, NIPSCO urges northern Indiana residents and businesses to put safety ahead of shovels by calling 811 at least two working days before starting any digging projects.
In 2012, there were more than 1,000 instances where NIPSCO’s underground natural gas lines were struck by contractors, homeowners or other outside parties. Of the more than 30 counties served by the utility, the highest incidences of damages to NIPSCO gas lines in 2012 occurred in Lake, St. Joseph and Allen counties.
One toll-free call to 811 gets all underground utility lines marked free of charge and helps avoid injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Calling 811 is required by law. Damage that occurs without such a call can result in civil penalties to homeowners and businesses alike.
Once a call is made, a professional utility line locator will visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with paint or flags. After the site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging carefully around the marked areas.
“NIPSCO has more than 18,000 miles of gas transmission and distribution pipelines and 1,900 miles of underground electric lines across northern Indiana,” said Keith Wooldridge, senior vice president of field operations for NIPSCO. “Whether you’re planting a garden or installing a fence, it’s important to call 811 to find out what utilities might impact your next digging project.”
