News Summary
On August 11th, National Call 811 Day reminds Las Vegas residents to prioritize safety by calling 811 before any excavation work. This effort aims to prevent damage to underground utilities, which is crucial for community safety. With significant decreases in reported utility damages linked to increased 811 requests, Southwest Gas emphasizes the importance of adhering to safe digging practices. Training and resources are offered to contractors and homeowners to ensure compliance with legal excavation requirements and to recognize potential risks. The commitment to safe digging is essential to maintain community infrastructure reliability.
Las Vegas, NV – August 11th is recognized as National Call 811 Day, a significant reminder from Southwest Gas to residents of the Las Vegas valley to prioritize safety by calling 811 before initiating any excavation activities, including digging or planting projects. This call is essential to avoid damaging critical underground utilities such as natural gas, electricity, water, and other vital services.
As part of their ongoing safety campaign, Southwest Gas stresses the importance of contacting 811 at least two business days prior to any digging. This practice plays a crucial role in preventing incidents that could lead to service outages, accidents, and even injuries. In 2024, the Las Vegas area saw a 15% decrease in reported underground utility damages, coinciding with a 10% increase in 811 requests, highlighting the positive impact of this vital communication.
However, despite these advancements, officials report that more than 25% of natural gas incidents are still connected to excavations done without prior consultation with 811. This statistic emphasizes the need for continued public education on safe digging practices. Southwest Gas provides essential tips and guidelines for homeowners and contractors to ensure safe excavation, including recognizing the signs of a natural gas leak.
Training and Resources
To further assist in preventing utility damage, Southwest Gas offers free damage prevention training designed for contractors, landscapers, plumbers, and homeowners. These training sessions comprehensively cover excavation laws, safe digging techniques, and appropriate emergency responses in case of Gas line strikes. It is of utmost importance for all involved parties to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and requirements.
Legal Necessity of Calling 811
According to state regulations, any individuals or contractors planning to conduct excavation work are legally mandated to contact 811 to locate existing utility lines prior to digging. Failing to make this call not only poses a risk for accidents and utility outages but also holds individuals accountable for any resultant damages or injuries. Failures to contact 811 have led to serious incidents, including emergency responses that often result in evacuations and substantial traffic disruptions.
Risks and Consequences
The presence of yellow markers typically indicates where gas pipelines are located; however, they do not indicate their precise positions, as smaller gas lines may remain unmarked. Furthermore, the locations of underground lines might shift due to erosion or past utility work, increasing the risks associated with unconsulted digging.
Statistics reveal that in 2025, neglecting to reach out to 811 led to up to 30% of damages in Utah alone, with a significant number of these events attributed to professional contractors who failed to inquire beforehand. This oversight underscores the importance of diligence and safety protocol adherence across the construction and landscaping industries.
Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that striking a gas line can lead to the release of hazardous substances, creating perilous environments for workers and surrounding communities. Historical incidents, such as the tragic gas leak explosion in 1998 that resulted in four fatalities, eleven injuries, and extensive damage to six buildings, amplify the importance of preventive measures.
Emergency Protocols
In the event of a gas line strike, individuals are advised to contact emergency services immediately by dialing 911 and halt all excavation activities. Prompt action is critical to ensure safety and mitigate further risks following such incidents. The responsibility for any resulting damages or injuries falls on individuals who fail to contact 811 prior to their excavation efforts.
As National Call 811 Day approaches, the significance of this annual reminder resonates deeply with the community as Southwest Gas endeavors to foster a culture of safety and awareness among all residents and contractors involved in excavation work. Adhering to these safety protocols is a critical step in preserving the ongoing safety and reliability of community infrastructure.
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Additional Resources
- 8 News Now
- Wikipedia: Utility Locating
- News 3 LV
- Google Search: Call 811 Before Digging
- Gila Herald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Digging
- ABC 4 News
- Google News: Safe Digging Practices
- WWLP
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
