As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise, many of us will be shifting our focus at home to landscaping activities and performing those outdoor projects that have been waiting all winter. It’s important to remember that underground utility lines are everywhere, and the best way to avoid a potentially serious injury – and damage to one of these lines – is to contact 811 at least three days* before you dig.

After calling 811 – or visiting www.call811.com** – your state one call center will notify facility owners so they can locate and mark buried utilities around your property with paint or flags. There is no charge for the service, and it limits customer (and contractor) liability in case there is an unintentional dig into underground lines or equipment.

If you’re planning any type of home project that requires excavation (e.g., planting trees and shrubs, installing fences and mailboxes), be sure to call 811 before you dig. For more information, visit the Digging Near Underground Lines page on the FirstEnergy website.

* The specific amount of required advance notice varies by state.

** By clicking this link, you are entering a website that is maintained by an outside party, which is entirely responsible for the site’s content.