ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission), to encourage residents and excavators to dig safely, today joined a statewide effort to recognize August 11 as National ‘811 Day’ to remind New York State residents to always dial 811 to request that underground utility lines be marked before any digging

“The Public Service Commission wants to raise awareness of the importance of always dialing 811 prior to any digging projects,” said Commission Chair Audrey Zibelman. “Damage to underground utility facilities during excavation can result in loss of utility service, personal injury and property damage.”

In addition to participating in the national 811 Dig Safely Day, Safe Digging Month program, and Dig Safely New York, the Commission’s staff works diligently to enforce its gas safety regulations, which are among the most stringent in the nation, to ensure that utility companies adhered to them regarding the safe operation of the utility’s gas distribution system. To continue to improve gas safety, the Commission routinely monitors the utilities’ gas emergency plans to make sure that they are up to date, to identify improvement areas, and to ensure that the plans are incompliance with the Commission’s gas safety requirements.

Regional Events to Promote Dig Safely Day:

Capital Region: In partnership with National Grid, Dig Safely New York will be at the Saratoga Raceway with its interactive mobile exhibit. Dig Safely New York will be handing out promotional items and information while commercials, public announcements and advertisements in the day’s program will be promoting 811.

Central New York: Dig Safely New York has partnered with Pole Position Raceway to race to safety. Discounted races will be offered on August 11, 2016 in celebration of 811 day. Races will be offered at $18 at the Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo locations. A Dig Safely New York representative will be at the Syracuse Destiny Mall location from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. to hand out information and promotional items. The track will be open from 12 p.m. (noon) to 10 p.m. 

Finger Lakes: Dig Safely New York has partnered with Pole Position Raceway to race to safety. Discounted races will be offered on August 11, 2016 in celebration of 811 day. A Dig Safely New York representative will be at Rochester’s Marketplace Mall location from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. to hand out information and promotional items.

Hudson Valley: Dig Safely New York will have be present at the Rockland Boulders Baseball game on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 7 p.m. 150 t-shirts will be thrown out the spectators courtesy of Dig Safely New York. 

Mohawk Valley: 811 Day representatives of Dig Safely New York will be in Utica at 207 Genesee Street from the hours of 8:11a.m. to 10 a.m., on Thursday, August 11 for the 811 march to remind everyone to contact 811 prior to excavation.

North Country: The KeyBank branch at 41 Main Street in Massena, NY will have all their tellers wearing 811 shirts on Thursday, August 11, to bring awareness to 811 Day. Counter mats will also be in place at teller station and informational brochures will be distributed.

Southern Tier: 811 Day “No Call Protests” Representatives of Dig Safely New York will be in Johnson City in front of the Oakdale Mall located at 601-635 Harry L. Drive from the hours of 11a.m. to 1 p.m., on Thursday, August 11 for the 811 No Call Protest. Protesters will be marching to remind everyone to contact 811 prior to excavation. Representatives will also be in Horseheads at the Southern Tier Crossing Shopping Plaza located at the intersection of County Rd 64 & Commerce Center Road, just off of exit 52A on the Southern Tier Expy (I-86) from the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Protesters will be marching to remind everyone to contact 811 prior to excavation.

Western New York: Dig Safely New York has partnered with Pole Position Raceway to race to safety. Discounted races will be offered on August 11 in celebration of 811 day. A Dig Safely New York representative will be at Buffalo’s Walden Galleria location from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. to hand out information and promotional items. The track will be open from 12 p.m. (noon) to 10 p.m. Other events are planned:

• Dig Safely New York will also be at the Empire Farm Days from August 9 through August 11, at the Rodman Lott and Son Farms, 2973 State Route 414, Seneca Falls, NY. The Empire Farm Days is the largest outdoor agricultural trade show in the Northeastern United States. Stop by to see Dig Safely New York at the North West Main Tent area 5, other exhibits, experience live demonstrations, seminars, and activities featuring the latest innovations, newest technologies, and cutting-edge techniques in the agricultural industry.

•  Western New York and Genesee Valley (UCC) regions have also teamed up to paint the Dig Safely New York logo in the concourse of the Dwyer Stadium for the Batavia Muckdogs. This 16’x24’ logo will be seen at the Muckdogs’ August 8 game. Dig Safely New York will also be represented at the game.
   
  

New York City: Join New York 811 and the NY Mets in celebration of 811 Day! The New York Mets will be facing the Arizona Diamondbacks for a 12:10 PM start. Tune in on SNY to see New York 811 as the title sponsor and see its presence at Citi Field as it spreads the important message to call 811 before any digging project.

For more information about events going on around the State for 811 day visit: http://www.digsafelyny.com/news/811-day-august-11-2016-activities. For information about Dig Safely New York, go to http://www.digsafelynewyork.com/ or call 315-437-7394. For information about New York 811, visit the http://newyork-811.com/ web site or call 1-800-272-4480. For more information on 811, visit the http://call811.com/ web site.