Call 811 before you dig! Hotline could prevent you from paying for damages or injury

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The weather is slowly getting nicer and that means many of us will soon be spending plenty of time outside, taking care of all those outdoor home and garden projects. But if you plan on digging, there's something you need to do first. 

"Even if you're just doing something simple in your yard and want to take that extra precaution, dial this number (811). They will come out and they will mark whatever specific area you want them to mark and then you can dig with a tremendous amount of reassurance," said Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski. 

The number "811" is the diggers hotline that anyone can call to have a utility worker come to your property and mark all the underground utility pipes and cables. It is completely free and they mark everything including gas, electric, water and sewage, even phone and internet lines if they're buried. 

It prevents you from paying a lot of money in damages or worse, serious injury or death. 

"Last year, for example, we had our guys out for over 600 calls in for damages to underground facilities. Of that, close to 100 of them did not call 811 and use that free service ahead of time," Andrew Latona with We Energies said. 

Diggers hotline is 811, and you should call at least three days before you dig.