(WASHINGTON) - Lawmakers are promoting underground utility safety as spring digging season gets underway.
The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a resolution recognizing April as National Safe Digging Month.
The measure, authored by Indiana Senator Todd Young and Michigan Senator Gary Peters, encourages residents to contact 8-1-1 before starting any digging or excavation project.
Officials say the 8-1-1 system alerts local utility companies to mark underground lines, helping prevent damage that can lead to service disruptions, injuries, or costly repairs.
Lawmakers say millions of Americans begin outdoor projects each spring, making advance notification critical to avoiding utility strikes.