Test Your 811 Knowledge for a Chance to Win

2025 Safety Quiz 1

Safety Quiz

Which type of digging project do you need to notify UDig NY about by using Exactix or by calling 811? (select all that apply)
What is the phone number used to contact UDig NY?
How many business days before I plan to start my project should I contact UDig NY?

My experience with 811

Have you ever submitted a location request (ticket) by calling 811?
Have you ever submitted a location request (ticket) using Exactix?
I primarily do work that requires digging

Contact Info (so we can get ahold of you if you win!)

Name
Company/Organization
Email
Zip Code

Terms & Conditions

  1. I understand that the contest is for (1) one $25 gift card, and a winner for the gift card will be drawn on April 1, 2025.
  2. I understand that if my name is drawn, UDig NY will send me a notification to the email address I have provided in the contest entry form, and if I do not respond within 48 hours a different winner will be drawn.
  3. I understand that the gift card may only be mailed to a United States address, and if I do not have a United States address, a different winner will be drawn.
  4. I certify that I am 18 years of age or older.

Want to learn more?

Whether you are landscaping, building a fence or a deck, or installing a pool, no project that involves digging is too small or insignificant to eliminate the need to follow proper safety procedures. Take the safe digging quiz on this page to enter for a chance to win a $25 Home Depot gift card.

Want to learn more? Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or a homeowner with a DIY digging project, we have resources to help you dig safely.

DIYer Resources Professional Resources

Learn more today

What does the Color Code mean?

What is the Tolerance Zone?

What is the Certified Excavator Program?

Review the 811 process

Step 1: Click or call before you dig

  • Submit a location request with UDig NY online or by phone at 811. It is free and easy.
  • You will receive a Location Request number and a list of member utility companies that will be notified of your planned digging project.
  • UDig NY member utility companies do not locate and mark private facilities on your property.

Click here for more information on private facilities.

Step 2: Wait + Locate

  • New York State law requires all member utility companies to respond to your Location Request within two (2) business days (not including the day of submission), or before the date/time of your intended work start.
  • Utility responses will be provided to you from UDig NY’s Automated Positive Response (APR) system. This system is a consolidated response from all notified utility companies. This response will be emailed to you but can also be checked in real time using Exactix.
  • It is your responsibility to check for the status of responses using the email provided to you by UDig NY. All notified utilities must respond to your Location Request before you can begin your work.

Step 3: Confirm Status

  • The colors of the markings on the ground represent the type of utility.
  • You want to verify that the responses from the member utilities match what you see on your job site. For example, if the electric company has responded that they have marked your location, you should see red paint and/or flags in your area to designate the location of the underground line.
  • UDig NY member utility companies do not locate and mark private facilities on your property. Click here for more information on private facilities.

Step 4: Respect

  • Identify the Tolerance Zone. The Tolerance Zone is the diameter of the buried facility, plus two feet on either side of the designated center line. If the diameter is unknown, the Tolerance Zone is just two feet on each side of the designated center line.
  • Hand expose lines within the Tolerance Zone and cross section using hand tools.

Step 5: Dig with Caution

  • Before you use mechanized equipment within the tolerance zone you must:
    • Verify the location, type, size, direction of run and depth of the facility.
    •  For gas and liquid petroleum lines, verification must be by means of hand-dug test holes.
    • The location of other utilities must also be verified by means of hand-dug test holes unless otherwise agreed upon with the facility operator.
  • If you suspect that you have damaged an underground facility, stop digging and contact UDig NY by calling 811 as well as the utility company.
  • If you suspect the release of any gas or liquid as a result of the damage, evacuate the job site and call 911.