As spring weather settles into Western New York, residents from Buffalo to the Southtowns are shifting their focus toward home improvement and landscaping. Whether you are planting a new maple in Amherst or installing a privacy fence in Orchard Park, National Fuel is issuing a vital safety reminder for all homeowners and contractors: call 811 or visit udigNY.org before breaking ground.
The Critical Safety Mandate: Call 811 Before You Dig
Underground infrastructure is more complex than it appears from the surface. Vital utility lines—including high-pressure natural gas mains, electric cables, and water pipes—are often buried just inches below the grass. Accidentally striking these lines can lead to catastrophic injuries, expensive property damage, and widespread service outages across our local neighborhoods.
The 811 service is a free resource designed to prevent these avoidable emergencies. “Calling 811 before digging is easy and could prevent injuries, service interruptions, or worse,” stated Karen L. Merkel, spokesperson for National Fuel. In a region where many homes feature aging infrastructure, this simple step is a non-negotiable part of responsible property management.
Universal Utility Color Codes
Once a locate request is submitted via udigNY.org or by dialing 811, utility technicians will visit your property to mark the approximate location of buried lines. Understanding these standardized color codes is essential for your safety and the integrity of Western New York’s utility grid:
| Marking Color | Utility Type |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Natural Gas, Oil, Steam, or Flammable Materials |
| Red | Electric Power Lines, Cables, or Conduit |
| Orange | Communication, Cable TV, Alarm, or Signal Lines |
| Blue | Potable (Drinking) Water |
| Green | Sewers and Drain Lines |
| Purple | Reclaimed Water, Slurry, or Irrigation Lines |
| Pink | Temporary Survey Markings |
| White | Proposed Excavation Boundaries |
Best Practices for a Safe Project
To ensure your project proceeds without incident, follow these protocols recommended by National Fuel and local safety experts:
- Plan Ahead: Submit your locate request at least two to three business days before starting any excavation work.
- Wait for the Marks: Do not begin digging until every utility company has responded and provided clear indicators on your property.
- Dig with Care: Treat all flags and paint as approximate locations. Use hand tools and dig cautiously when working within the “tolerance zone” of the markings.
- Respect the Flags: Never remove utility markers until the project is entirely complete.
- Emergency Response: If you strike a line or detect a distinct “rotten egg” odor (indicative of a natural gas leak), evacuate the area immediately. Call 9-1-1 and then notify National Fuel at 1-800-444-3130.
By adhering to these simple guidelines, Western New York residents can enjoy their outdoor improvements while ensuring the safety of their families and the reliability of our community’s essential services.
