San Diego Gas & Electric today reminded customers to call 8-1-1 prior to starting any digging projects to avoid damaging hidden utility lines and causing injury.
The reminder coincides with national "811 Day."
"Even relatively minor projects such as installing a mailbox, putting up a new wall or fence, building a deck or planting a tree can cause damage to a pipeline or result in unnecessary and costly damage, possibly injury or service interruption," said Bret Lane, vice president of field services for SDG&E.
Customers should dial 8-1-1 at least two business days before digging in their yard, according to SDG&E. Through the free service, the utility will be contacted and workers will locate and mark any underground facilities in the area where digging is planned.
According to SDG&E, there were about 300 preventable customer and contractor digging accidents in 2009.
