The Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday signed a resolution recognizing April as 811 Safe Digging Month.

This national month is recognized annually to encourage homeowners to call 811 before conducting outdoor projects such as landscaping, installing a fence or adding a deck onto their home.

Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before you start a project can protect you from the risk of serious bodily injury, service disruptions and unnecessary repairs due to damaged gas, electric, communications, water and/or sewer lines.

“We encourage homeowners and professional contractors to take precautions by calling 811 at least two days prior to digging. It is the only way to know which utilities are buried in your area,” stated PSC President Twinkle Andres Cavanaugh (R-AL).

The PSC announced that for the first time, Alabama 811 is teaming up with the Nextdoor app to enhance damage prevention. Families will be able to use this form of communication to seek advice, exchange local recommendations and share neighborhood information.

“811 is a valuable source to ensure safety and precaution before digging. The partnership with the Nextdoor app will only enhance awareness and the importance of dialing 811,” added PSC Commissioner Chip” Beeker (R-AL).

We passed our annual resolution to remind people to call 811 before digging. There is a lot of construction going on this time of year. Please be careful with buried utilities! #Call811BeforeYouDig pic.twitter.com/pymHyLqXHb

— Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh (@TwinkleforAL) April 6, 2021

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn