April Is Safe Digging Month; The SCC Reminds Virginians to Dig with C.A.R.E.

Utilities

Mar 26, 2026

April is National Safe Digging Month, and the State Corporation Commission's Division of Utility and Railroad Safety reminds all Virginians that digging with C.A.R.E. will help keep you safe and protect the Commonwealth's underground utility infrastructure, communities, business districts and environment.

C.A.R.E. means:

• Contact Virginia 811 (VA811) before you dig.
• Allow required time for marking utility lines.
• Respect and protect the marks.
• Excavate carefully.

Whether you're a professional contractor or do-it-yourself-homeowner, you have an important role - and a legal obligation - in preventing damage to underground utilities. No matter how big or small the project, contacting VA811 to request the marking of underground utility lines before digging can help avoid physical injury, property damage, costly repairs and service interruptions.

To contact VA811, visit va811.com or call 8-1-1 or 1-800-552-7001 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding legal state and national holidays. Emergency notification service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

For more information about safe digging and demolition, contact the Division of Utility and Railroad Safety at 804-371-9980 or visit the Damage Prevention page on the SCC website.

Source URLs:

https://va811.com/

https://www.scc.virginia.gov/regulated-industries/utility-railroad-safety/damage-prevention/