A new area code is coming to our neck of the woods.

As a result, 10-digit dialing will be required to make a call starting in just a couple weeks — April 3.

“The beginning of mandatory 10-digit dialing on April 3rd marks the next major step toward the arrival of a new ‘overlay’ area code – 582 – which will eventually serve side-by-side with the current 814 area code,” according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission. “The 582 area code will be assigned to new telephone numbers once the available supply of numbers in the current 814 area code is exhausted.”

The change hits a large swath of counties in the Commonwealth — all or part of 27 across the central and northwestern parts of the state, Warren included.

You can still call with seven digits today but the PUC indicates that callers will receive a recorded message prompting them to hang up and redial with the 10-digit code — the area code, plus the seven digit number.

The PUC urges people and businesses to ensure that their devices are ready for the switch “so we have a smooth transition on April 3 — especially things like medical alert systems, alarms and any other systems that automatically make calls.”

To get ready, residents are encouraged to check devices that have stored numbers — that includes cell phones — and ensure that those stored contacts all include the area code.

In addition to phones and fax machines, the PUC encourages people to check medical alert systems, security systems, voicemail services and dial-up internet systems, among other devices.

The 582 area code will be put into service on May 1 but might not immediately go into service. “582” numbers won’t be assigned until the “814” numbers expire. Once that happens, the new area code is expected to provide telephone numbers for the region for 67 years.

The 814 area code was established in 1947 as one of the state’s four original area codes, according to the PUC. It’s the largest in the state geographically and the only one that hasn’t already received an additional area code overlay.