Call 811 Toll-Free Before You Dig Into Outdoor Work

PEARL RIVER, NY June 1, 2007 — The most important piece of equipment in your garage for outdoor and lawn excavation projects this summer isn't a backhoe, power auger, bulldozer or grader.

The most important digging tool for homeowners, excavators and landscaping contractors is the telephone and the easy-to-remember, toll-free, one-stop number 811. That's the new, simplified nationwide One-Call Notification System's phone number — the new number you Call Before You Dig.

To make sure you're clear of all underground utility lines running through your property before you or your contractor breaks ground for a home addition, swimming pool, shed, fence or other project that requires excavation, drilling or digging, call 811.

If your backhoe or other mechanized excavation equipment strikes an underground electric or natural gas line or communications cable, you run the risk of serious accident, injury or costly property damage. You could also disrupt essential utility service and find yourself with an expensive repair bill. To avoid that risk, call 811.

One toll-free call to the utility notification service at 811 can help to get your project safely underway. The utility notification service contacts member utilities that will mark the location of underground facilities for you at no charge. Please call 811 at least three to 10 working days ahead of time.

The utility companies will mark the location of their underground facilities using either colored paint or small flags. Each type of service has its own unique color: white (proposed excavation), pink (temporary survey), red (electric), yellow (gas or oil), orange (telephone and cable), blue (potable water), purple (reclaimed water) and green (sewer and drain).

If a natural gas digging accident occurs during excavation or at any other time, immediately evacuate the area and call O&R's Gas Emergency Hotline at 1-800-533-5325. For digging accidents involving underground electric cables, call O&R at 1-877-434-4100.

For more details about working safely around O&R's underground and overhead equipment, go to www.oru.com/safety. For more information about the new 811 One-Call Notification System, visit the Call 811 Web site.