Springfield, Illinois – A simple backyard project could shut off power or trigger a gas leak within minutes if underground lines are hit, prompting a statewide safety reminder as digging activity ramps up this week.
According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, April marks “Safe Digging Month,” and residents are urged to call JULIE at 811 before starting any digging project. The free service sends crews to mark underground utilities, helping prevent damage to critical infrastructure like gas, electric, and water lines.
Across Illinois, utility companies use standardized color-coded flags to identify what’s buried below. Red marks electric lines, yellow indicates gas or petroleum, orange flags communication lines, and blue shows drinking water systems. Green marks sewer lines, purple identifies reclaimed water, pink signals temporary survey markings, and white outlines planned excavation areas.
In cities like Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria, striking a single line can disrupt service to hundreds of homes or delay major road and construction projects. Officials warn even shallow digging for fences or trees can hit lines just inches below the surface.
Residents are urged to plan ahead, request markings at least a few days in advance, and never assume a digging area is clear. Safety reminders remain in effect through the month, with additional outreach expected as spring projects increase statewide.
