Virginia Natural Gas highlights safe digging on National 8-1-1 Day as summer heat delays outdoor projects
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Aug. 8, 2025 – With extreme summer temperatures sweeping across the region, many homeowners and contractors are delaying outdoor improvement and excavation projects until cooler fall weather arrives. That makes this year’s National 8-1-1 Day on Aug. 11 an ideal time to revisit safe digging practices and understand the importance of contacting VA811 before starting any digging work.
“At Virginia Natural Gas, safety is always our highest priority,” said Rus Hayslett, vice president operations. “This summer’s intense heat has shifted many projects to later in the season, giving everyone an opportunity to plan ahead and ensure they’re digging safely and responsibly. Contacting VA811 is a simple, free step that helps protect people, property and essential services.”
Despite ongoing awareness efforts, a recent national survey found that an estimated 27.2 million Americans planning digging projects in the next year may not contact 811 beforehand. This increases the risk of unintentional utility damage, service disruptions and costly repairs; risks that are easily avoidable with a quick call or click.
To help promote safe digging, Virginia Natural Gas encourages everyone to dig with CARE:
- Call or Click Before You Dig – Always contact VA811 by dialing 811 or visiting va811.com at least three business days before starting any digging project. This free service ensures all underground utility lines like gas, electric, water, sewer and cable are properly marked.
- Allow Time for Marking – After submitting a request, wait for professional locators to mark the approximate location of underground lines using color-coded paint or flags. Yellow indicates natural gas.
- Respect the Marks – Use only hand tools when digging near marked lines to avoid accidental damage.
- Excavate Carefully – Keep utility markings visible throughout your project. If they fade or are disturbed, contact VA811 to have them refreshed.
If a gas line is damaged or the smell of natural gas (often described as a rotten-egg odor) is detected, leave the area immediately, call 911, then contact the Virginia Natural Gas emergency line at 877-572-3342.
To make safety even more rewarding, Virginia Natural Gas has once again teamed up with Papa Johns and VA811 to offer a special promotion. Throughout August, customers can enjoy 25% off their pizza order by visiting va811.com. It’s a tasty way to remember: “Know what’s below, contact VA811 before you dig.”
For more information on safe digging and natural gas safety, visit virginianaturalgas.com/call-before-you-dig.
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving over 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, Virginia Natural Gas was again named a Top Workplace in 2024. The company has earned recognition for its safety, reliability and customer focus among natural gas service providers, and was named 2024 LDC of the Year by the VA Dept of Energy and VA Oil & Gas Association. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also owns and operates storage facilities within its regulated market and invests in interstate pipelines. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com