DIYers

Reporting Emergencies

UDig NY dispatches stakeout requests to utilities and operators. We do not mark facilities and do not have the ability to shut off services at an excavation site.

In the event of an emergency involving danger to life, health, or property as a result of damage to an underground facility containing gas or liquid petroleum products, or as a result of an electrical short or escape of gas or hazardous fluids, the excavator must:

A) Proceed to evacuate their employees and all other endangered persons from the immediate vicinity to the best of their ability and;

B) Immediately notify 911 and the operator of the affected facility of the exact location, nature of the emergency, and the underground facility which is affected.

Report any damage to underground facilities that result in escape of flammable, corrosive, or explosive liquids; an electrical short; or a gas leak.

A gas leak can be detected by the following:

  • Smell: distinctive, pungent odor
  • Sight: white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying
  • Sound: roaring, hissing, or whistling

If you do not have contact information for the owner of the affected facility, UDig NY can locate that information; however, UDig NY does not repair gas leaks or other emergencies.