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As our nation’s hospitals, health care providers and first responders work tirelessly to treat those impacted by coronavirus, it is more important than ever that communities observe safe digging practices and avoid additional strain on emergency-response systems.

With more Americans working from home, some may consider catching up on projects around the house. Dominion Energy reminds everyone that if any projects require digging, they must call 811 at least three days before shovels hit the soil to avoid encountering underground utilities.

“National Safe Digging Month has taken on a heightened sense of urgency this year,” said Alan Bradshaw, Dominion Energy Virginia’s director of distribution operations centers. “It is more critical than ever before that we all do our part to keep our communities safe and avoid placing any additional burdens on our first responders. We urge everyone in the community to please put the safety of your family, neighbors and community first, and call 811 before you dig.”

If you plan to dig on your property, follow these important steps:

4Call before you dig. State law requires that before digging, you call VA811 by dialing 811 or visiting VA811.com to request to have your lines located at least three full working days before beginning any excavation work.

4Wait. At no cost to you, technicians will mark the location of the utility lines on your property while practicing safe social distancing and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Once all lines are marked, and you’ve checked the positive response, you can safely begin your digging project.

4Respect the markings for your safety. Dig at least two feet from all sides of the marks.

4Dig with care. If you accidentally hit a utility line, no matter how minor it may seem, leave the area. From a safe place, call 911.

Some utility lines can be buried at a shallow depth, and hitting a buried utility line can cause a loss of, or damage to, life, health or property. Please be safe and dig with care!

Visit va811.com and dominionenergy.com/company/safety/call-before-you-dig for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.