Last year, Southwest Gas handled roughly 980,000 requests to map underground infrastructure, contributing to a 4.5 percent reduction in natural gas line damage compared to 2024. Despite this downward trend, the company reports that homeowners digging without prior notification continue to cause the highest volume of line strikes, often while using simple hand tools. To mitigate these risks, crews recommend digging cautiously within two feet of marked lines and utilizing blunt tools to avoid accidental punctures.
Southwest Gas Urges Caution as Digging Season Peaks
With National 811 Day arriving on August 11, Southwest Gas is intensifying its push for public safety. Before any ground is broken—whether for a backyard fence or a major irrigation upgrade—the company reminds residents and contractors that a single call to 811 remains the most effective way to prevent utility strikes.
Beyond awareness, Southwest Gas provides free damage-prevention training for contractors and residents, covering state-specific mandates and emergency protocols. If a line is struck, the company stresses that individuals should vacate the area immediately and contact emergency services. Signs of a potential leak include a sulfur-like odor, hissing sounds near the surface, or unexplained dead vegetation in a localized area.
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