Rockland Firefighters Win Call 811 Before You Dig Contest

Monsey's volunteer firefighters are not only skilled at fighting blazes, but also at creating art. 

The Brewer Fire Engine Co. No. 1 recently received a 46-inch flat screen TV for competing against Rockland County’s other firehouses in the New York’s Dig Safety - Call Before You Dig poster contest.

The contest aims to protect underground utility equipment from being damaged by asking homeowners and contractors to call 811 and request the location of underground utilities before performing excavation work.

The toll-free call connects you to the member utilities companies, which will mark the location of underground facilities for you, with either colored paint or small flags, at no charge. Contractors and homeowners are advised to call at least 10 working days before excavation work is performed.

If you damage a natural gas line during excavation, evacuate the area and call 911, and Orange and Rockland’s (O&R) Gas Emergency Hotline at 1-800-533-5325. If you damage an electrical cable while digging call O&R at 1-877-434-4100.

For more information visit O&R’s website at www.oru.com. Visit www.digsafelynewyork.com for more on the 811 notification system.