Gastonia, N.C. (Aug. 11, 2017) – National 811 Day is observed nationwide today to remind residents and contractors to always call 811 before starting projects that involve digging.

North Carolina law requires those intending to dig to call to 811 at least three full business days before doing so. The call and locate service are free.

Follow these important steps after calling 811:

• Wait. At no cost, technicians will mark the location of the utility lines. Yellow flags or paint will be used to mark natural gas lines. Digging can begin once all lines are marked.
• Respect the markings and dig with care. If a natural gas line is accidentally hit, no matter how minor it may seem, leave the area and call 911; then call PSNC Energy at 1-877-776-2427.

To learn more about NC811 and safe digging practices, visit http://nc811.org.

“By calling 811, you reduce the chance of causing damage, and this can help prevent service disruptions, serious injuries and costly repairs,” said Scott Swindler, general manager of operations and maintenance for PSNC Energy.

About PSNC Energy

PSNC Energy, headquartered in Gastonia, N.C., is franchised to serve a 28-county service area in North Carolina. The utility distributes natural gas to more than 550,000 customers in 96 cities and communities, including the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas in the north central part of the state; the Concord, Statesville, Gastonia, and Forest City areas in the Piedmont; and the Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, and Sylva areas in the western part of the state. More information about PSNC Energy is available through the company’s web site at psncenergy.com, Twitter and Facebook.