April 1 marked the official start of S.C. Safe Digging Month, a statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of notifying the Palmetto Utility Protection Service, Inc. (PUPS). Calling 811 before all digging projects can reduce the risk of striking underground utility lines and potentially causing community damage or personal injury.

Throughout April, S.C. joins other stakeholders of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and those who dig near them, in leading local campaigns across the country to spread awareness about 811, the national call- before- you- dig number, and the importance of calling before digging.

"It's imperative that S.C. citizens call before all outdoor digging projects to have underground utility lines marked," said Patsy Sharpe, PUPS executive director.

S.C. state law requires all homeowners and contractors to notify PUPS at least 72 hours prior to digging to have underground utility lines marked, regardless of whether they are planting a sapling or excavating a major surface. Failure to call 811 before digging results in more than 256,000 unintentional hits annually across the country — that's an average of 700 hits per day.

Homeowners and contractors can dial 811 to reach PUPS, which will notify the appropriate utility companies of the intent to dig. Professional locators are sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or spray paint. Once lines have been properly marked, digging can begin around the marked lines.

In addition to common spring digging projects, such as landscaping or deck- building, PUPS recognizes that many people will be planting trees for Arbor Day projects on April 24. It is important to remember to notify PUPS by calling 811 at least 72 hours ahead of any volunteer events involving digging to have underground utility lines marked.

www.call-811.com or www.sc1-pups.org for more S.C. state information.