Spring weather usually means an increase in outside projects that may require digging or excavation work.

However, before you start digging on any project, it is very important that you contact the Missouri One Call Center at 811 or 1 (800) DIG-RITE (344-7483) or go online to place a locate request at www.mo1call.com so that underground utility lines can be marked, according to Missouri Public Service Commission Chairman Ryan Silvey.

Silvey says help protect yourself, your family and your property by making sure you call or click before you begin a project that requires any digging.  It’s smart, it’s free, and it’s the law.

If you are planting a tree, building a deck or completing a large project, Missouri law requires anyone digging underground to call 811 or 1 (800) DIG-RITE at least three working days before excavation begins.  The call will be taken by the Missouri One Call Center, which then notifies all relevant utilities in the project area.

During this three-day period, utility companies will mark the approximate location of their underground lines, request additional information or advise you that they do not have facilities at the excavation site.

Hitting an underground line can cause serious injury. It also could disrupt service to you and other customers and potentially result in fines and repair costs.