April Is Safe Digging Month, and the SCC Reminds Virginians to Dig with C.A.R.E.

RICHMOND – April is National Safe Digging Month, and the State Corporation Commission’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety (URS) is reminding all Virginians that digging with C.A.R.E. will help keep you safe and protect the Commonwealth’s underground utility infrastructure, communities, business districts and environment.

The steps to safe digging in Virginia are:

• Contact VA811 before you dig.
• Allow the required time for marking the utilities.
• Respect and protect the marks.
• Excavate carefully.

Whether you’re a professional contractor, do-it-yourselfer or homeowner, you have an important role in preventing damage to underground utilities. No matter how big or small the project, contacting VA811 to request the marking of underground utility lines before digging will help avoid physical injury, property damage, costly repairs, and service interruptions.

Contact VA811 by visiting va811.com, or calling 8-1-1 or 1-800-552-7001 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding legal state and national holidays. (Emergency notification service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.)

For more information about safe digging and demolition, contact URS at 804-371-9980 or visit the Damage Prevention page on the SCC website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Damage-Prevention.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141