This April, many U.S. residents will stay home to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s likely that many will decide to do some digging, either for gardening this spring, putting in fence posts, landscaping or having construction done. Staying safe from the virus is good, but also remember to stay safe while working in the yard.

April is National Safe Digging Month, reminding residents to always call 811, the national safe digging hotline, before starting any digging project.

If there are plans to dig on your property at any time, whether it’s for fence posts, trees, gardening, home addition or whatever, always call to get your utility lines located and marked first. Call 811 Before You Dig! Better safe than sorry… And it’s the law.

A recent national survey revealed that 42 percent of homeowners who plan to dig each year won’t call 811, putting their families, neighbors and their communities at risk.

So plan to call ahead! MLGW, cable and phone companies will come out and mark your utility and gas lines for free. Always allow 72 hours (three business days) for your lines to be marked. Take photos of the markings for your records, but call again for future digs.

Always check to make sure your contractor has called 811 and had your lines located and marked before you allow them to begin a job that involves digging. Striking an unmarked underground gas line or electrical line can be deadly, and utility lines could be at any depth. Don’t go BOOM!

Always Call 811 Before You Dig. It’s free and it’s the law! And it’s smart… For more details, visit mlgw.com/811. For more information about Tennessee One Call and 811, visit tennessee811.com. More natural gas safety information can be found on MLGW’s website at mlgw.com.