Aug. 11 is National 811 Day — the date, 8/11, matches the number to call before digging — and City of Mesa Gas, the natural gas provider for the San Tan Valley area, is reminding residents to make that call before starting any digging project.

The reminder covers more than gas. Buried gas, electric, water, sewer and other utility lines can sit just inches below the surface. The call is free, and it helps prevent injuries, service outages and costly repairs.

Residents should contact Arizona 811 at least two business days before digging. Arizona 811 then notifies the utilities that serve the property, and each utility locates and marks its own underground lines. Having lines marked before digging is required by law.

More information is available at arizona811.com.