Contractors and First Responders

Grass with flags and spray paint indicating below-ground utilities

We want you to be safe from contact with our underground electric and natural gas lines, and we want to keep our service lines safe while you work near them, whether you're excavating for a construction project or you're responding to an emergency. Accidents from underground utility contacts can be fatal and cost utility owners and contractors millions of dollars in repair and service disruption costs every year.

Remember, it's your responsibility to dig safely to protect yourself, your crew and the public.

Always call before you dig

Call 811 or your one-call utility notification service at least 48 hours (not including the day of the notice, weekends and holidays) before you dig, blast, bore, trench, drill, grade or excavate in any way so that underground utilities can be marked. The local one-call utility notification service will flag underground power lines and other utilities so you can keep your distance. If you can white-line your proposed excavation route, locators can more easily mark the affected utilities.

Utility Notification Services

Iowa – 800-292-8989
Iowa One Call

Illinois – 800-892-0123
JULIE, Inc.

Nebraska – 800-331-5666
Nebraska811

South Dakota – 800-781-7474
South Dakota 811

Never rely solely on utility maps

Utility maps are not updated often, and the markings may be off. Your local one-call center has the most up-to-date information about buried utilities.

What to do if you hit an underground utility

If you or your equipment comes into contact with an underground electric or gas line, leave the area immediately. Do not try to move your equipment, and do not attempt to repair damage to the line. Call MidAmerican's emergency lines to report the incident, then call 811 to inform them as well. If there is a medical emergency or an immediate danger to public safety, call 911 and notify the authorities before contacting MidAmerican or 811. While waiting for assistance, establish a restricted area around the damaged line to ensure you and the public stay a safe distance away.

Review how to work around overhead power lines or find additional training resources.