MAYS LANDING, N.J. (April 7, 2016) - April is National Safe Digging Month and knowing what's below is as easy as 8-1-1. Atlantic City Electric reminds residents to be safe and call 8-1-1 before beginning any outdoor construction projects and/or large gardening and landscaping projects that involve digging.

8-1-1 is the nationally recognized "Call Before You Dig" phone number designated to help minimize damage to underground utilities by identifying areas for safe digging. One free call to 811 connects you to New Jersey One Call, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the locations of underground lines with flags, stakes and/or spray paint. Residents and contractors should call 8-1-1 at least three days in advance of starting a project.

"The underground utility locating service is free, and simply calling 8-1-1 will bring someone to your home or business to mark all underground utilities so you will be able to dig safely," said Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric region president. "Calling 8-1-1 before digging will help you avoid fines and more importantly, knowing where it's safe to dig will help prevent an accident."

Additionally, stay clear of overhead utility lines when carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, scaffolding, tree trimming tools and pool cleaning equipment by holding these items parallel to the ground. Please remember to look up before raising a ladder or similar object to be sure it's clear of overhead wires. Touching a power line with any part of the body or most objects can result in serious injury or even death. Electricity can move through conductive materials such as water, metal, wood, aluminum, string and plastic. Certain critical clearances are required by law, and a minimum of 10 feet must be maintained when working near power lines.

For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit www.atlanticcityelectric.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acelecconnect.

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