NAPERVILLE, ILL. / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 10, 2026 / Nicor Gas is reminding homeowners, contractors and communities across Northern Illinois to prioritize safety by contacting 811 before beginning any digging project. National 811 Day, observed each year on Aug. 11, highlights the importance of knowing what's below before breaking ground.

Whether planting trees, installing a fence, building a deck or completing larger excavation work, even small digging projects can result in damage to underground utility lines if proper precautions are not taken.

“At Nicor Gas, safety is at the center of everything we do,” said Pat Whiteside, senior vice president of operations at Nicor Gas. “National 811 Day serves as an important reminder that every digging project — no matter the size — begins with contacting 811. Taking this simple, free step helps protect people, property and the critical underground infrastructure our communities rely on every day.”

Despite ongoing awareness efforts, millions of Americans still plan digging projects each year without contacting 811 first, increasing the risk of utility damage, service interruptions, personal injury and costly repairs.

To help promote safe digging, Nicor Gas encourages everyone to dig with CARE:

• Call or click before you dig – Always contact JULIE, Illinois’ one call center, by dialing 811 or visiting illinois1call.com at least three business days before starting any digging project. This free service ensures underground utility lines, including natural gas, electric, water, sewer and telecommunications lines, are properly marked.

• Allow time for marking – After submitting a request, wait for professional locators to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines using color-coded paint or flags. Yellow indicates natural gas facilities.

• Respect the marks – Use only hand tools when digging near marked utility lines to help prevent accidental damage.

• Excavate carefully – Keep utility markings visible throughout your project. If markings become faded or are disturbed, contact 811 to have them refreshed.

If a natural gas line is damaged, or if you smell natural gas, which is often described as a rotten-egg odor, leave the area immediately. Then call 911 and the Nicor Gas emergency line at 1-888-642-6748. 

For more information about safe digging and natural gas safety, visit nicorgas.com/811.

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About Nicor Gas

Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across Northern Illinois. Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit NicorGas.com.