For release: Immediately

April is officially designated as Dig Safely Month, to remind excavators and anyone digging to make certain that utility lines and underground facilities are properly identified prior to performing work. “Anyone, including contractors and homeowners, using mechanical means to excavate must contact Dig Safely New York prior to digging in order to prevent accidental contact with utility lines,” said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation.

New York residents and contactors in the Mid-Hudson Valley must dial 1-800-962-7962, or they may call 811, a national calling service that connects excavators to their local one-call center, at least two to 10 days before digging. Both “one-call” numbers are toll-free, and connect excavators to a statewide notification system that alerts utilities, municipalities and other parties that operate underground facilities of the intent to excavate at specific sites so that lines can be marked out.

“Serious consequences can result by contacting and damaging underground lines,” said Freni. Excavators can be subject to civil penalties and other liabilities, including costs to repair damage caused by excavation undertaken without prior notification. “Contact with underground facilities such as natural gas pipelines and high voltage electric lines can also cause serious injury to excavators and the general public, result in property damage, and interrupt vital utility services to homes, businesses and critical facilities, such as schools and hospitals,” said Freni. “These regulations are designed to protect excavators, the general public, and the owners of underground facilities.”

When working near utility lines, excavators and construction crews are also encouraged to contact Central Hudson and meet with a representative to review plans and discuss ways in which to work safely. Excavators should also establish a communications plan with their workers to inform them of the location and potential hazards of utility lines in the area.

Additional information about the Dig Safely New York One-Call system is available on their Web site at www.DigSafelyNewYork.com; information on the 811 service is available at www.call811.com; and to learn more about contractor safety and working near utility lines, call Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, or visit the Safety and Environment section at www.CentralHudson.com.

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