MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- It doesn't matter how big or small a digging project on your property is, it's the law to call 8-1-1 before you dig.
The free service detects what utility lines are underground and marks where the lines are located. "All of the different markings that are different colors for different utilities and that is for your safety." said Atmos Energy representative Ann Hayward.
Hitting an underground line can cause anything from gas leaks resulting in serious injuries or death to even just simple inconveniences. "You may not have Internet service if you were to hit a phone line, you may not have your TV or cable if you hit a cable line. You might be without your electricity." said Hayward.
Calling the 8-1-1 number will alert all utility companies with one phone call. But if the call isn't made in a timely manner, you will be slapped with a fine. "As long as you call us within 48 hours, you will be good to go with any home project." But with utility lines damaged every three minutes in the United States, Atmos Energy's message isn't reaching everyone. Which is one of the reasons why the company is preparing for a nationwide media blitz on Saturday.
"8-1-1 day is a national awareness program, by participating in this national campaign we feel like we are getting the message out to our customers." said Hayward.
Although the strictness of the 8-1-1 law varies in some states, the law is on the books in every state.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:27:30 GMT
BATON ROUGE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Police say a 27-year-old Baton Rouge man accused of punching a man during a bar fight who later died of his injuries has surrendered to authorities.
BATON ROUGE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Police say a 27-year-old Baton Rouge man accused of punching a man during a bar fight who later died of his injuries has surrendered to authorities.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:31 AM EDT2013-05-22 09:31:57 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Thousands of customers across north Louisiana and southern Arkansas are without power Tuesday evening.An Entergy spokesman tells KNOE 8 News that heavy winds are making for
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Thousands of customers across north Louisiana and southern Arkansas are without power Tuesday evening.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-07 23:51:36 GMT
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:06:05 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
