As you are wandering the New York State Fair this year, I encourage you to head on over to the entrance to the Arts and Crafts Building just past Chevy Court and the Center of Progress Building. There you will find Dig Safely New York‘s exhibit that includes an interactive display of the dangers of digging in your yard without calling 811 first. “Call 811 before you dig” is their tag line and it’s more important than many people realize; in fact, it’s the law.
If you are planning to dig on your property for any reason, state law requires you to place a free location request with Dig Safely New York at least 2 full working days, but not more than 10 working days before beginning your project. Best yet, the call and the service is FREE! The easiest way to get your mark out is at http://www.digsafelynewyork.com.
Their exhibit at the Fair includes a mock digging experience for kids and adults alike. Jim Flint, a Field Supervisor for the company, demonstrates for me by handing a passer-by a shovel and asking them to dig in the mulch-filled display box in front. It’s perfect for fairgoers with children – the kids can “dig” and parents can learn about the service.
As they begin to dig on one end, a geyser (well, maybe not quite a geyser) shoots up water. Oops, you just hit my water line he explains. They dig again and big burst of gas (ok, it’s only air) shoots out. Oops, you just hit my gas line he says. A third danger, electrical wires is not demonstrated for obvious reasons but they have an actual shovel with a gaping hole that shows how powerful and dangerous electricity can be.
Established in 1969, Dig Safely New York promotes an easier, safer digging environment, and serves the entire state of New York outside of Long Island and NYC. Headquartered in East Syracuse, NY, Customer Service Representatives man call centers in East Syracuse and Latham, NY. Each call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to receive calls regarding planned excavations. They field the calls and then distribute the information to, on average, six facility owner/operators including National Grid. Engineers, contractors, design engineers and home/property owners can call them by dialing 811 or 1-800-962-7962.
Stop by and talk with Jim, John or Steve for more information, and to play in the mulch! 😉
