RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The approach of Aug. 11 (8/11) serves as a reminder for Dominion Virginia Power customers to call Miss Utility at 811 before digging on their property to avoid injuries and service disruptions from damage to underground utility lines. Projects include planting shrubs, trees and gardens; building patios; installing fencing, and removing tree stumps and old structures. 

"Even if you don't think there are underground lines in your work area, be safe and call 811 before you dig on your property," said Rodney Blevins, vice president for distribution operations.  "Underground lines may go unnoticed for years and pose a hidden safety risk."

Helpful tips for staying safe and using energy wisely are available through: www.twitter.com/DomVAPower and www.facebook.com/dominionvirginiapower.

It may be easy to remember to dig with "CARE:" Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig.  Allow time for marking.  Respect and protect the marks.  Excavate carefully.

In Virginia, calling 811 will reach Miss Utility of Virginia, the state's one-call notification center. A representative will be sent to the caller's property at no charge to mark the underground utility lines by means of paint, stakes, flags or a combination of the three.

Miss Utility's hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding legal state and national holidays. Emergency notification service is also available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 28,000 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power