Carbon County stressed the importance of calling before you dig, because underground electrical, water and other lines could be there.

On Thursday, the county commissioners adopted a proclamation naming April as “Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month” in the county.

They welcomed Maria A. White, damage prevention liaison for Pennsylvania One Call System Inc., who accepted the proclamation.

She said that anyone planning a project should call 811 prior to putting a shovel to ground, because it protects you and your neighborhood from unexpected issues.

“The reason we picked April is because April is when the ground starts getting soft,” she said. “You see the robins and you want to get out there and dig in the ground. Electric wires, gas lines, all other facilities can be right under the surface of the ground. They’re not necessarily four feet deep or deeper than that.”

White stressed that 811 or 1-800-242-1776 is a free call and someone will come out to check the area before you dig.