Call 811 Before You Dig!

Dear Ausable Neighbors,

As spring arrives and many of us start outdoor projects like landscaping, fencing, tree planting, or home improvements, the Town of Ausable wants to remind everyone about a simple but critical step that helps keep our community safe and our power reliable.

NYSEG and RG&E recently issued a press release for National Safe Digging Month (April) encouraging all customers to call 811 or visit UDigNY.org before breaking ground.

Why This Matters in Ausable

Accidental damage to underground utility lines can cause:

• Power outages that affect your neighbors
• Costly repairs
• Serious injuries
• Hazardous situations like gas leaks or electrical faults

Even small DIY projects — installing a mailbox post, planting a tree, or building a garden bed — can hit buried electric or gas lines if you dig without checking first.

What You Need to Do

• Before any digging, excavation, or demolition, submit a free underground utility location request.

• Visit UDigNY.org or simply call 811.

• Do this at least two business days (but no more than ten) before you plan to start digging.

• Wait for the utility companies (including NYSEG) to mark the approximate locations of underground lines on your property.

Once you submit the request, UDig NY coordinates with member utilities to have the lines marked for you — at no cost.

Quote from NYSEG and RG&E CEO Trish Nilsen:

“Whether it’s a weekend DIY project or a large construction site, notifying UDig NY at least two business days before digging is critical to helping with our mission of providing safe and reliable power. This simple action helps prevent service interruptions and safeguards the vital infrastructure our communities rely on.”

UDig NY President & CEO Kevin Hopper added:

“Breaking ground without a location request dramatically increases the risk of hitting a buried utility line and puts your entire community at risk. Taking just a few minutes to visit UDigNY.org or call 811 helps keep everyone safe.”

Quick Tips for Safe Digging

• Always call 811 — even if you think you know where the lines are.
• Respect the marks and dig with care around them.
• Marks are approximate — hand dig carefully near marked lines.
• If you’re a contractor or professional excavator, the same rules apply.

For more information and safe digging guidelines, visit UDigNY.org.

A Note from the Town of Ausable

We’re grateful to NYSEG for the continued investment in our area’s electric infrastructure (including recent upgrades in Ausable and surrounding communities). Protecting that infrastructure starts with all of us working together.

If you have questions about this safety message, feel free to contact Town Hall. Let’s make this digging season a safe one for everyone in Ausable!

Stay safe and enjoy the spring,

-Tim

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