With the digging season still underway, it's important to remember the potential hazards of hitting a gas line.

Struck gas lines, which are known as "hit-lines", will release natural gas into the atmosphere and have the potential to cause heat outages, costly delays, and serious injuries.

Damage Prevention Coordinator with ATCO, Michael Woloski, says, "some of the reasons hit lines happen is because homeowners and contractors don't call Alberta One Call to get their underground utilities marked or they don't properly hand-expose the line."

Woloski says, "preventing hit-lines is simple. First visit clickbeforeyoudig.com to get all your underground utilities marked, then plan out your work area, and finally, pay attention to the markings."

Rural areas account for about 25% of hit-lines, and High River typically has four hit-lines each year.

Getting your underground gas lines marked is a free service.