Free 811 hotline can prevent injuries, property damage and outages

New Orleans, La. – Spring means landscaping and home-improvement projects -- tasks that often involve digging in yards. That's why April is National Safe Digging Month.

Whether it's planting a shrub or installing a swimming pool, digging without knowing what's beneath the surface can lead to serious consequences, ranging from utility outages to injuries and even fatalities. Before grabbing the shovel this spring, Entergy New Orleans, Inc., reminds you to grab the phone first and call 811.

"The 811 hotline is a free service that allows people to obtain information about what may be buried beneath the ground, including natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other services," said  Don Vinci, vice president of Entergy's Gas Distribution Business. "When you call 811 before you dig, all utilities, including Entergy, are required to respond within 48 hours to locate and mark underground utility lines."

In addition to injuries, unsafe digging can cause property damage and service interruptions. Those who accidently disrupt utility services to neighborhoods by damaging or severing underground lines can be responsible for expensive repairs and fines.

If you suspect utility damage of any kind, leave the area immediately and call 1-800-ENTERGY (368-3749) or 911. A gas leak could be occurring if you smell the distinctive natural gas odor, hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance or see dead vegetation or bubbles near a gas line.

For more utility safety tips, visit www.entergy-neworleans.com/your_home/safety/safety.aspx.

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility serving Orleans Parish and is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. The company provides electricity to more than 160,000 customers and natural gas to more than 100,000 customers in Orleans Parish.