Arizona 811, Southwest Gas and APS remind Arizona residents that it is important to know about underground utilities before digging any holes.

The trio encourages a phone call to 811 or a visit to www.Arizona811.com before digging begins.

In many neighborhoods, gas, electric, communications, water and other utility networks are buried in yards. Often, homeowners working on projects in the yard do not realize many of these utilities are buried just a few inches below ground. Digging without knowing the approximate location of utilities can cause serious injuries, expensive repairs and service disruptions.

So far this year, APS has noted 160 events when customers or contractors have dug into utility lines. Even a pick or shovel can easily damage underground power lines, causing a shock or flash hazard. So far this year nearly 19,500 customers have lost power due to accidental digging into power lines.

For Southwest Gas, more than 250 similar events have occurred.

Arizona residents should contact Arizona 811 at least two full working days before digging. Arizona 811 will send local utility companies to the site to mark the locations of underground lines, pipes and cables.