Spring brings flowers, warmer weather, new outdoor projects and safe digging month! Whether it is a small project or a major home improvement, National Safe Digging Month is a great reminder to call 811 before starting any digging project.

According to OKIE811, every nine minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without contacting 811. Whether it is putting in a fence, planting a tree or building a deck, knowing where your power and water lines are before you dig can save a lot of time, money and headache. 

Before you contact OKIE811, outline your proposed excavation area with paint or flags. This will decrease your chances of delayed locates and errors when the utility company marks their lines. When within two feet of the utility line markings hand dig rather than using tools that could puncture lines. Contact OKIE811 before you dig! 

There are several free and easy ways to contact OKIE811. You can create a locate request through okie811.org, call 8-1-1 or 1-800-522-OKIE (6543) or log in through the OKIE811 portal. Be sure and contact or submit your ticket at least 48 hours in advance, but try to give OKIE811 up to 10 business days in advance of your project start date. 

Happy safe digging month!