FirstCall/ -- Spring is officially here, and with the warmer weather comes an increase in construction activities. EMBARQ (NYSE: EQ) reminds the construction industry, gardeners or anyone working in their own yard to protect their communities by calling 8-1-1 before digging or disrupting the ground in any way.

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'We see an increase in cable cuts during the spring months, and usually it is because construction crews are hurrying to meet their schedules,' said Jim Hansen, senior vice president of Network Services at EMBARQ. 'We want to remind everyone that nothing will disrupt that schedule like cutting a communications cable, electric line or gas line. If a utility is cut, the worker and entire community can be in grave danger.'

To keep everyone safe, anyone disturbing the ground in any way should call 8-1-1 to report their digging activities, then wait for utilities to mark their facilities. That includes minor things such as putting up a fence, all the way to the construction of a new office building.

Each year there are thousands of cable cuts affecting communications companies across the country. Due to the robust nature of the EMBARQ network, often customers are unaware when a cut occurs. But when there is a cut, the company mobilizes its technicians into action to quickly fix the cable to keep any impact to a minimum.

Usually, communications cables are marked with orange warning signs, but residents and construction companies should call even if these signs aren't noticeable.

It was one year ago when a new service was instituted nationwide allowing people to call 8-1-1 to report their digging activities. 'That number makes it very easy for anyone digging to report their activities,' said Hansen. 'No longer is there a different number for each state, and in some instances a different number for each utility. Now, it is easy for everyone to remember. Just call 8-1-1.'

About EMBARQ

Embarq Corporation (NYSE: EQ), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of communications services. The company has approximately 18,000 employees and operates in 18 states. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500 and is in the Fortune 500(R) list of America's largest corporations.

For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network(R) -- all on one monthly bill.

For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, Business Class High Speed Internet, wireless, satellite TV from DIRECTV(R), enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services.

For more information, visit embarq.com.

SOURCE Embarq Corporation