April was proclaimed Safe Digging Month in Brownwood at Tuesday’s meeting of the city council.

Mayor Stephen Haynes presented Shelley Burnett, Atmos Energy manager of public affairs, with a proclamation to remind the public of the importance of calling 811 before digging.

According to the proclamation, each year the nation’s underground utility infrastructure is jeopardized by unintentional damage by those who fail to make the simple call to 811 to have underground lines located prior to digging.  The undesired consequences of such action can result in service interruption, damage to the environment and personal injury.

In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission designated 811 to provide contractors and homeowners a simple number to contact utility operators to request the location of underground lines at the intended dig site.  By calling 811 in advance of any digging project, excavators and homeowners can save time and money by keeping the nation safe and connected.

Mayor Haynes encouraged contractors and homeowners throughout the city and county to always call 811 before digging.