April is National Safe Digging Month, and Delmarva Power reminds residents, businesses and contractors that safe digging must remain a priority to prevent damage to critical underground energy infrastructure and keep communities safe.

Last year alone, Delmarva Power responded to 296 incidents caused by unsafe digging – many of them tied to routine spring projects like planting trees, installing fences or laying patios.

Delmarva Power has more than 6,700 miles of underground electric lines in Maryland and Delaware, and more than 3,600 miles of natural gas pipelines in the region. With many other essential utilities including water and sewer pipes and cable lines buried in the ground, a simple phone call can help protect vital infrastructure and prevent injury.

So utilities can mark underground lines at no cost, residents and businesses should call 811 at least three business days in advance of digging.

Once all local utilities have lines marked accordingly, any project proposed too close to utility line markings should be relocated. If a contractor has been hired, the property owner should confirm the contractor has called 811. Work should not be allowed to begin if lines have not been marked.

To learn more, go to 811beforeyoudig.com.