Consumers Energy Offers Safe Digging Tips and Reminders for National Safe Digging Day

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy (CMS) is promoting safe digging practices for National Safe Digging Day on August 11. Holly Bowers, VP of gas engineering and supply, emphasizes the importance of contacting 8-1-1 before any digging project, as it's both a safety measure and a legal requirement. Key tips include:

• Call MISS DIG (8-1-1) or visit MISSDIG811.org at least 3 business days before digging
• Avoid digging within 4 feet of marked lines
• Use hand tools near marked lines

The company also provides guidelines for dealing with natural gas leaks, including leaving the area immediately and calling 9-1-1 and 800-477-5050. MISS DIG has relocated to Lansing to expand its community education efforts on safe digging practices.

Positive

• Promotion of safety practices potentially reducing accidents and liability
• Partnership with MISS DIG for community education on safe digging

Negative

• None.

JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Safe Digging Day (Aug. 11 or 8-1-1 Day), Consumers Energy is offering tips and reminders for safe digging.

"Not only is contacting 8-1-1 before every dig project an easy and responsible way to ensure you're keeping yourself, your friends and your neighbors safe when you dig — it is also the law," said Holly Bowers, vice president of gas engineering and supply for Consumers Energy. "This free resource doesn't just protect from a minor inconvenience; it helps customers avoid injury, property damage, or even financial loss. Accidentally striking an underground pipeline or electric line can have serious and even fatal repercussions, so you should always know what is below."

Bowers reminds customers that safe digging tips include:

• Calling MISS DIG (8-1-1) or visiting MISSDIG811.org at least 3 business days before beginning a project.
• MISS DIG will contact the appropriate companies to have underground lines marked with stakes, flags or paint, at no cost to the customer.
• Remember that the stakes, flags or paint put down by MISS DIG show only a rough estimate of the location of underground utility facilities; avoid digging within 4 feet of marked lines if possible.
• If digging must occur within 4 feet of markers, use hand tools to carefully expose buried lines; only once they have been located can you utilize power equipment to complete the excavation.

MISS DIG recently announced the relocation of its headquarters to Lansing, where it can expand on its work to educate and train the community on safe digging through the use of its new facility.  

When it comes to dealing with natural gas lines, it is important to remember:

• If you smell natural gas (a rotten egg odor) or suspect a leak, leave the area right away.
• Don't try to find the source of the leak.
• Don't use an electrical device.
• Call 9-1-1 and 800-477-5050.

If you think you hit or nicked a natural gas line, you should immediately call 800-477-5050.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-energy-offers-safe-digging-tips-and-reminders-for-national-safe-digging-day-302219918.html

SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What is Consumers Energy's main message for National Safe Digging Day 2024?

Consumers Energy's main message for National Safe Digging Day 2024 is to always contact 8-1-1 before any digging project to ensure safety and comply with the law.

How many days in advance should customers contact MISS DIG before starting a digging project, according to CMS?

According to Consumers Energy (CMS), customers should contact MISS DIG at least 3 business days before beginning a digging project.

What should CMS customers do if they smell natural gas or suspect a leak?

If CMS customers smell natural gas or suspect a leak, they should leave the area immediately, not try to find the source, avoid using electrical devices, and call 9-1-1 and 800-477-5050.

Where has MISS DIG relocated its headquarters, as mentioned in the Consumers Energy press release?

According to the Consumers Energy press release, MISS DIG has relocated its headquarters to Lansing to expand its community education efforts on safe digging practices.