With the promise of warmer weather right around the corner B.C. residents are getting out into their gardens and backyards to spruce up a bit after the long winter.

While getting back outside is the breath of fresh air most of us have been waiting for, FortisBC is reminding everyone across the province to take the necessary steps to confirm there are no underground utilities 害羞草研究所� such as telecommunication cables, water and sewage lines, natural gas pipelines or electrical wires beneath the ground.

Last year there were more than 1,000 incidents of damage to natural gas lines from excavation across British Columbia.

Brad Wyatt, BC Safety Authority害羞草研究所檚 Gas Safety Manager says hitting an underground electrical or gas line is both dangerous and expensive.

害羞草研究所淒amaging a gas line can cause unsafe situations, traffic and service interruptions and require costly repairs,害羞草研究所� explained Wyatt. 害羞草研究所満π卟菅芯克鶞It only takes a few minutes to make a phone call or submit a request online which will save you time, money and perhaps even your life.害羞草研究所�

This reminder comes during safe digging month, where for all of April FortisBC is issuing their safety strategy of call before you dig.

BC One Call is a free service that provides the location of underground lines before excavation begins. Requests can be made , by phone at 1-800-474-6886 or by dialing *6886 from a cell phone. It is available 24/7 service 365 days a year.

If you would like more information about digging safely, visit BC Safety Authority害羞草研究所檚