April is National Safe Digging Month and with that, New York State Gas & Electric (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) remind homeowners and contractors starting any projects that involve excavation or digging to have underground utilities marked to prevent damage. This is essential to protect themselves and others from injury and prevent damage to the electric lines and gas pipes that lay underground. Customers and contractors are reminded to contact Dig Safely New York by calling 811 at least two and no more than 10 full working days before the start of any excavation project. Underground utility marking requests can also be submitted online at digsafelynewyork.com.

Dig Safely New York is free and available to receive calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 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
  • Call Dig Safely New York, a free and easy service at 811 or 1.800.962.7962
  • Provide adequate training and supervision on a jobsite to assure that good construction practices are followed
  • 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, notify RG&E at 1.800.743.1702 for natural gas or 1.800.743.1701 for electricity. NYSEG can be notified by calling 1.800.572.1121 for a natural gas emergency and 1.800.572.1131 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

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These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

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