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The month of April is officially here, and The Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC) is reminding Alabamians to dial “811” at least two days before beginning outdoor digging projects.

The reason behind the reminder prevents citizens from damaging important underground utility lines, which could cause injury and service disruptions.

“To prevent unnecessary damage to utilities around your home, call 811 before you dig,” said President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. “Calling 811 first protects you, your family, your home and your community.”

The commission said once a utility company is notified, the company will send a representative to the homeowner’s property to mark underground lines with paint and flags.

Commissioner Chris V. Beeker III, of the commission said by contacting the number, it provides an additional layer of protection for residents as they begin their spring projects around their homes.

Other around-the-house projects that can utilize the service include landscaping, installing a fence or adding a deck onto the home, according to a statement from APSC, which is required by law before any excavation can begin.

“The dedicated utility workers in our state go above the call of duty to ensure homes, businesses and citizens are kept safe. I appreciate and commend the hard work they do for all of Alabama,” said Beeker.

Like Beeker, Commissioner Jeremy H. Oden said “National Safe Digging Month serves as an important safety reminder that  they want everyone to take note of before starting their spring and summer outdoor projects and said it is a simple but crucial action to take to ensure the safety of the homeowner before they dig and lies as a prevention measure before any damage underground could occur.