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WALL, N.J. – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), reminds property owners and contractors to contact the New Jersey One-Call system for a free markout of underground utility lines before beginning construction or digging around homes, properties or businesses.

New Jersey state law requires both residents and contractors to notify the New Jersey One-Call system at 1-800-272-1000 before digging to prevent property damage and injuries that could result from hitting buried natural gas, electric, water, sewer, telephone or cable television lines. Once a call is made, the law allows a 3-business day waiting period for a markout to be completed before digging can begin.

For a safe excavation, property owners and contractors are urged to take the following steps:

• Call the New Jersey One-Call system at 1-800-272-1000 at least three business days before excavating.
• Wait for the site to be marked with paint, flags or stakes before digging. Yellow indicates the presence of underground natural gas lines.
• Respect all markings.
• Remember that property owners are responsible for locating underground lines beyond the utility meter, which may connect with fixtures such as outdoor lighting, grills, sprinkler systems, etc.
• Dig with care – always hand dig within two feet of underground pipes.
• If damage occurs to natural gas pipes, no matter how minor, report it immediately to NJNG at 1-800-GAS-LEAK. If there is damage to property owned by another utility, person or company, call the property owner immediately.

Underground utilities can be found anywhere, even in the yards of private homes. Careless digging can cause disruption of vital services, property damage and possible injury. Taking the proper steps to avoid damage can prevent expensive repair costs and project delays.

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. NJNG is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 450,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties. This service area’s demographics and quality of life contribute greatly to NJNG’s growth. NJNG’s progress is a tribute to the dedicated employees who have shared their expertise and focus on quality through more than 50 years of serving customers and the community to make the company a leader in the competitive energy marketplace. For more information, visit NJNG’s Web site at njliving.com.