Iowans are reminded to call 811 before digging. April is National Safe Digging Month. Due to COVID-19, excavators and utility locators are taking additional precautions this spring which may affect scheduling of underground utility locates which are required by Iowa’s One Call Law. Before planting a tree, putting in a fence, or any other digging people should call 811 to set up a utility locate appointment. This prevents people from accidentally hitting any underground utilities. Calls to 811 should be made at least 48 hours before planned digging, although this year there may be additional delays.