NYSEG, RG&E Remind Customers to Call 811 Before Digging for National Safe Digging Month

New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) are reminding customers that safety always comes first before taking on any outdoor project. April is National Safe Digging Month, and before homeowners and contractors start any project that involves excavation or digging, customers must have underground utilities marked to prevent damage.

“Remember to plan ahead with your outdoor projects this year. First and foremost, call 811 before you

dig or log onto UDIGNY.org to have public utilities marked out,” said Jason Marsh, supervisor of

Damage Prevention for NYSEG and RG&E. “Everyone needs to do their part to keep our communities

safe and that starts with a simple fast and free service to have buried utilities marked.”

Residents and contractors should educate themselves on Code 753, a New York State regulation that

establishes requirements for the protection of underground facilities. Homeowners should place a

location request with UDig NY at least two working days before the start of a digging project. The

Companies encourage customers to include Dig Safe conversations with any contractor with whom

they are working – whether it’s a major construction project, a garden fence, or a mailbox post –any

unmarked digging can put customers and households at risk. The service is free and can be scheduled

by contacting UDigNY.org or by calling 811. Should a contractor or homeowner damage the

Companies’ underground facilities, they should call 911 immediately and NYSEG or RG&E.

Follow these tips for a safer project:

• Plan to have underground utilities marked as part of all underground construction.

• Mark out the area of construction with white paint.

• Call UDig NY, a free and easy service at 811 or visit UDigNY.org.

• Verify all utilities listed on the UDig NY ticket have been marked or cleared prior to beginning underground construction.

• Be aware: privately owned utilities may be present during construction and are the homeowner’s responsibility to locate. These may include but are not limited to gas, electric, water, sewer, storm water, cable, and telecommunication service lines that are not public utilities.

• Properly maintain all underground utility markings.

• Hand dig in the area of underground facilities.

• Provide adequate protection and support for underground facilities.

• If our underground facilities are damaged or disturbed, call 911 and notify RG&E at 800.743.1702 for natural gas or 800.743.1701 for electricity. NYSEG can be notified by calling 800.572.1121 for a natural gas emergency and 800.572.1131 for an electric emergency. We'll come right away to ensure the site is safe and make repairs if required.

• •Use and properly install suitable backfill material around underground facilities.

For more information, visit www.nyseg.com. For more information, visit www.rge.com.