Before embarking on any outdoor project involving digging, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks and take the necessary precautions.  Whether planting a garden, installing a fence, or simply landscaping your yard, digging can pose significant dangers if utility lines are inadvertently struck.  By contacting 811, homeowners and contractors can request a utility locate, ensuring that underground lines such as gas, electric, water, and telecommunications are identified and marked before digging. This simple step helps prevent service disruptions and costly repairs and safeguards against potential injuries or even fatalities. Think bigger before you dig, and always call 811 first.