Call Before You Dig

Whether you're a contractor or a homeowner doing an outdoor project, having underground utilitys marked is essential to protect yourself and others from injury and prevent damage to underground utility lines. Contact Dig Safe.New York at least 2 working days (not counting the day you call) but not more than 10 working days before you plan to start your project. Digging can be dangerous and costly without locating underground facilities before you start.

1. Plan for having underground utilties marked as part of all underground construction.

2. Mark out the area of construction.

3. Call Dig Safe.New York at 811 or 1.800.962.7962.

4. Provide adequate training and supervision on a jobsite to assure that good construction
    practices are followed.

5. Properly maintain all underground utility markings.

6. Hand dig in the area of underground facilities.

7. Provide adequate protection and support for underground facilities.

8. If our underground facilities are damaged or disturbed, notify NYSEG at 1.800.572.1121 
    for natural gas or 1.800.572.1131 for electricity. We'll come right away to ensure the site is
    safe and make repairs if required.

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

Whether you're a contractor excavating for a large project or a homeowner installing a mailbox, anyone who conducts earth moving activities should contact Dig Safe.New York  before starting. It's free, it's easy and it's the law. 

Look Up...Look Out!

Be careful around overhead power lines. When working around your house, remember that things such as aluminum siding, gutters and ladders conduct electricity, a situation that is hazardous. If any of these items touch an overhead power lines, the results could be deadly.

Remember:

• Water and electricity NEVER mix. Keep power tools away from water, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and garden hoses.
• Add weatherproof covers and GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters) on ourdoor electrical outlets to protect yourself against electrical shock.
• Leave cutting and trimming of trees near power lines to professionals. A tree or limb that comes in contact with a power line could be deadly.