RICHMOND, Va., March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Virginia Power is encouraging public involvement and creativity in promoting awareness of the importance of safety in everyday activities through its "Be Safe Today" amateur video contest. The contest is open to the public nationwide and will involve Dominion's Facebook and Twitter social media sites, which are available online at www.dom.com/news/social-media.jsp .

"Safety is our company's top priority," said Rodney Blevins, vice president of electric distribution operations. "Our employees and their families understand the importance of staying safe on and off the job. Our goal is to help others avoid accidents and lead safer lives.

"This video contest provides an opportunity for people to apply their creativity to the goal of promoting safety topics and tips for the public," Blevins said.  

Entries are limited to three minutes in length and must be submitted by April 30. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States who are 13 years of age or older. Rules and instructions are available on the company's website at www.dom.com, search: "safe today" and at www.youtube.com/besafetoday where entries also will be available for viewing.   

Winners will be selected by a panel of qualified judges based on creativity, content and delivery, ability to convey the message and overall impact. Winners will be notified May 5. First prize is a tablet computer valued at approximately $500. Second prize is a safety/emergency kit valued at $150. The winning videos will be available on Dominion's website and its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dominionvirginiapower.

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.

Follow us on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/DomVAPower. 'Like' us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dominionvirginiapower .

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power