As spring projects and outdoor construction pick up, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (National Fuel) is reminding residents, contractors and homeowners to call 8-1-1 before digging. New York customers can also visit udigNY.org, while Pennsylvania customers can visit pa1call.org to understand the meaning of the colored flags and paint markings that appear on lawns, sidewalks and driveways after a request is made.

Underground natural gas pipelines, electric lines, water mains and communication cables are often closer to the surface than expected. Even small projects, such as planting trees, installing mailboxes or building fences, can result in serious safety hazards if utility lines are damaged.

“Calling 8-1-1, a completely free service, before digging is easy and could prevent injuries, service interruptions or worse,” said Karen L. Merkel, National Fuel’s spokesperson. “Just as important is understanding what the colored markings mean and respecting them once they’re in place. You can go online to make an appointment at udigny.org (for New York customers) or pa1call.org (for Pennsylvania customers).”

When a call is placed to 8-1-1, utility companies, cable providers or their local contractors mark the approximate locations of underground lines using nationally recognized color codes:

• Yellow – Natural gas, oil, steam or other flammable materials
• Red – Electric power lines
• Orange – Communications lines (cable, phone, internet, fiber)
• Blue – Drinking water
• Green – Sewer and drain lines
• Purple – Reclaimed water or irrigation
• Pink – Temporary survey markings
• White – Proposed excavation area (marked by the person planning to dig)

Yellow markings are especially important, as they indicate natural gas infrastructure, which requires extreme caution when digging nearby.

National Fuel urges everyone planning to dig to follow these critical safety steps:

• Call 8-1-1 or visit udigny.org (NY customers) or pa1call.org (PA customers) at least two to three business days before digging.
• Do not begin work until all utilities have responded and lines are marked.
• Treat markings as approximate locations – dig carefully by hand near them.
• Never remove or ignore flags or paint.
• If a line is struck or a gas odor is detected, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1 and National Fuel at 1-800-444-3130.

Damage to underground utilities can lead to gas leaks, fires, environmental harm and service disruptions that impact entire neighborhoods.

Calling 8-1-1 or visiting udigny.org or pa1call.org before every digging project and understanding the markings that follow helps keep workers, families and communities safe.

For more information about safe digging and natural gas safety, visit nationalfuel.com or call 1-800-365-3234.

National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation is the Utility segment of National Fuel Gas Company, an integrated energy company that is engaged in a number of gas-related activities. The Utility provides natural gas service for a total of 2.2 million residents in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania and is committed to providing safe, reliable natural gas service and promoting public safety across the communities it serves.