OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is leading the effort to organize and implement a comprehensive damage-prevention program to protect underground facilities. Every year, accidental strikes of buried telecommunications and electrical cable, liquid petroleum and natural gas pipelines, water and sewer pipes result in interrupted services, millions of dollars in damages, serious injuries, and in some instances loss of life.

Now Landscape Contractors anywhere in the U.S. can call the CGA's "Dig Safely" hotline at 1-888-258-0808 to find contact numbers for one-call centers in their local regions. In addition, Dig Safely materials are available free of charge for use in advertising, printed material, and posting on Web pages. Also available are the Dig Safely brochure and the new "Get the Dirt" damage-prevention video.

CGA is also implementing a new public awareness campaign to make both the general public and construction personnel aware of the importance of adhering to the following points before digging:

- Call before you dig.

- Await the required amount of time.

- Respect the marks.

- Excavate with care.

- Safety is a shared responsibility.

For more information, call CGA at (865) 933-9247 or visit www.commongroundalliance.com.