National 811 Day — held on the 11th day of the eighth month — reminds homeowners about a free service they should use to conduct excavation projects without damaging underground utilities.

It may be surprising, but damage to buried utility lines can occur when doing typical home improvement projects such as putting up a fence, mailbox post, swing set or clothesline pole, building a deck or addition, or planting a garden.

Homeowners can dial 811 toll-free to alert utility companies of their plans to dig. North Carolina law requires two working days to be provided to the companies before excavation begins.

During that time, the utility company will arrive at the site to mark underground lines for free before digging begins.

Following these steps can prevent disruptions to power, heat, water, telephone, sewer, gas lines or cable, as well as possible personal injury caused by hitting those lines.

Visit http://www.nc811.org for more information.