‘Call before you dig’ – Spire reminds customers about National ‘811 Day’

August 11 is an annual reminder to make a free call to 811 before digging.

ST. LOUIS (August 7, 2025) — August 11 marks “811 Day,” a great reminder from utilities like Spire to highlight the importance of calling 811 to mark underground utilities before starting any digging project, regardless how small. From installing a mailbox, to installing a deck, to starting a big construction project, calling 811 is an important first step.

“Making a free phone call to 811 at least a few days before picking up a shovel helps to prevent accidents and outages, and most importantly, keeps you and your neighbors safe,” said Alan Meyer, Spire damage prevention manager. “Bottom line: call before you dig.”

The annual “811 Day” initiative is led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to ensure the practice of safe digging is echoed in communities across the country. Every few minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone digs without calling 811, according to Common Ground Alliance, an organization aimed at preventing damage to underground infrastructure.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, there’s a 99% chance of avoiding contact with a utility pipeline by calling 811.

Spire recommends these steps for safe digging:

• Dial 811 to request a site be marked. The call and the locating services are free.
• Call at least three days before digging. A locator will mark lines that could be impacted by your project. Spire lines will be marked with yellow flags and/or spray paint.
• Be careful when digging around the markers to avoid accidentally damaging buried natural gas or other utility lines.
• Double check the lines have been marked and ask your contractor if you hired one. Do not allow digging to begin until you have confirmation.

If a pipeline is ever damaged:

• Never try to stop or slow down the flow of natural gas
• Move to a safe distance upwind of the damage
• Keep others away from the area
• Never try to move equipment from the area
• Call 911, call Spire and call 811 to report the damage

For more information about safe digging and excavation, visit spireenergy.com/call-you-dig or contact Spire’s Damage Prevention Department at Alan.Meyer@spireenergy.com.