SoCalGas raised a 30-foot-tall replica shovel at Angel Stadium of Anaheim Wednesday for National 811 Safe Digging Day. 

The shovel’s 2021 debut kicked off a month-long campaign to promote safe digging practices. SoCalGas also partnered with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a week-long education campaign that includes radio spots, in-stadium marketing, digital ads and videos. 

In addition, now through August 22nd, SoCalGas will take over Union Station and the 7th and Metro Center in Downtown Los Angeles with train wraps and prominent advertisements placed throughout each station.

The goal is to educate Southern Californians about the importance of contacting 811 before beginning construction or at-home projects. When residents, contractors, and excavators call 811, utility workers will check and properly mark buried utility lines prior to the start of any excavation project. This free service helps prevent dig-in accidents. 

“This easy call and complimentary service not only benefits public safety, but can also reduce potential methane emissions,” said Gina Orozco vice president of gas engineering and system integrity. 

Last year more than 2,600 cases of accidental damage occurred from digging into SoCalGas’ lines throughout its 24,000-mile service territory. That’s more than seven dig-ins every day on average. Those accidents can lead to significant safety hazards and emissions.

Orozco added, “As we take the next big step on our journey to achieve net zero emissions in our operations by 2045, we are setting aggressive targets to reduce methane emissions from our maintenance activities while continuing to keep the communities we serve safe.”

For more information on safety and 811, visit: https://www.socalgas.com/stay-safe/safety-and-prevention.