Oklahoma City, Oklahoma -- August 8 -- Ahead of 811 Day, August 11, Oklahoma Natural Gas is reminding customers about the importance of calling 811 before any digging project -- big or small.

As a natural gas distribution company with underground utility lines, we want to make sure everyone knows how to dig safely to avoid injury and protect the community from an outage. Underground utility lines may be found in your yard or below your sidewalk, driveway or street. 

By making the free call to 811 or visiting okie811.org at least 48 hours before digging begins, homeowners and contractors are connected to Okie 811, the local one call center. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both. 

Hitting a natural gas line when digging can result in injuries and outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. 

Oklahoma Natural Gas is conducting a contest on social media to promote public awareness about calling 811. Since August 1, the company has been posting a new clue every day to engage their followers and provide them with valuable tips about safe digging. The contest wraps up on 811 Day when a grand prize winner will be chosen.