Atmos Energy marks National Safe Digging Month with outreach across Mississippi
One free phone call before breaking ground can prevent serious injury and costly damage
JANS – National Safe Digging Month 2026 concluded in April, but Atmos Energy is not putting an expiration date on outreach. Yearlong the natural gas company reminds Mississippians of one simple, life-saving step: call 811 before you dig.
Throughout April, Atmos Energy held events across its Mississippi service territory, including stops in Jackson, Meridian, Southaven, Tupelo, and Columbus, meeting customers and contractors where they rent the equipment they use every day. In May, they added stops at Deviney Rental & Equipment in Raymond and Madison.
Atmos Energy also appreciates the Mississippi Public Service Commissioners for formally proclaiming April as National Safe Digging Month, underscoring the state’s shared commitment to protecting communities and underground infrastructure.
“We took our message everywhere our customers are – at the rental counter, in their news feeds, and in their inboxes – and we kept it simple,” said Bobby Morgan, vice president of public affairs for Atmos Energy. “Calling 811 three business days before you dig is easy, it’s free, and it protects lives. Striking an unmarked underground line can cause serious injury, costly property damage, and disruption to entire neighborhoods – and every one of those outcomes is preventable.”
Atmos Energy partnered with national retailers such as Home Depot in Jackson and Meridian, as well as local operators like Busylad in Tupelo, to remind anyone renting excavation equipment – from skid steers and trenchers to post-hole diggers – to “Know What’s Below” before breaking ground.
“Protecting the safety of our employees, our customers, and our communities is the highest priority at Atmos Energy,” said Ed Johnson, vice president of operations at Atmos Energy. “It’s been gratifying to witness the heightened focus and awareness around calling 811 before starting a digging project. I’d like to thank the Mississippi Public Service Commission, equipment rental stores, municipalities, and all the other stakeholders who partnered with us to make this year’s National Safe Digging Month a success.”
Homeowners and contractors can request a free utility locate by calling 811 or visiting www.ms811.org at least three business days before any digging project, no matter how small.
