Con Edison: - messages

May 6, 2008
9:30 a.m.

CON EDISON REMINDS CONTRACTORS & GARDENERS TO DIG WITH CARE

May Is National Dig Safely Month

In May, a homeowner’s fancy turns to the good earth for a flower or vegetable garden. While the ground around a home is fertile field for a bounteous garden, it also holds potential hazards with gas, electric, water and cable equipment.

The greatest risk to underground equipment is accidental damage during digging.

To minimize damage, Con Edison is encouraging developers, contractors, excavators, equipment operators, homeowners or anyone else working near underground gas and electric equipment – or if they are unsure if they are digging near underground lines -- to call 811 before digging.

The special hotline was set up to make it easy for contractors and homeowners to comply with regulations from various local, state and federal authorities in New York City and Westchester County.

Before digging, New York State Law requires excavators to call 811 at least two days in advance. After the call is made, utility companies will mark the approximate location of their underground equipment at no charge. Even if lines are already marked, be safe, and make that call to 811 before digging.

Even simple digging jobs, such as removing a tree by homeowners or landscapers, can damage utility equipment and create a hazardous condition, disrupt vital services to entire neighborhoods, injure those who dig, and result in expensive fines and repairs. Disrupting an underground electric or natural gas line, either from digging a hole or pulling out a tree stump, may cause serious accident, injury or costly property damage.

To learn more about the new “Call Before You Dig” hotline visit: www.call811.com. For more information about Dig Safely programs in New York, visit: www.digsafelynewyork.com or www.nycli1calldsi.com.