WASHINGTON, D.C. - Spring means many people will be outside doing yard work or engaging in recreational activities, which underscores the need to be safe around overhead and underground utility lines, warn Pepco officials.

As a reminder, April has been designated as National Safe Digging Month; the nationwide number to call before you dig is 811. When 811 is called from anywhere in the District of Columbia or Maryland, the call is routed to an operator who will ask for the location of the digging job. Within a few days, a locator is sent to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines so you'll know what's below - and be able to dig safely. This is a free service.

For anyone working outdoors, Pepco urges they avoid power lines when carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, scaffolding, tree saws and pool cleaning equipment by holding them parallel to the ground. They should remember to look up before raising any items to be sure they are clear of any overhead wires. Touching a power line with any part of the body or most objects can result in serious injury or death.

Electricity can move through conductive materials such as water, metal, wood, aluminum, string and plastics. Certain critical clearances are required by law and a minimum of 10 feet must be maintained when working near power lines.

For more information and updates, visit www.pepco.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at PepcoConnect, and download our mobile app at www.pepco.com/mobileapp.

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 793,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.