Digging? Call to have underground utilities marked

When you think of spring, outdoor improvements and yardwork may come to mind. Whether you are installing a mailbox, building a deck or planting new shrubs, those projects should start with a call to the 811 center.

Many power lines and other utilities are underground, and unintentionally striking a line can knock out power for entire neighborhoods, cause injury to yourself or your neighbors and result in costly repairs.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811.

The free, FCC-designated national 811 number connects a caller to the appropriate local one-call center. The center will then alert underground facility owners, including CCEC, so they can send locators to mark approximate locations of their lines with paint or flags. Call at least 72 hours before digging to ensure enough time for utility lines to be properly marked. Once lines have been properly marked, you can roll up your sleeves and carefully dig around the marked areas. Visit NC811.com to learn more. You can also download the NC811 app for your smart devices.