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VANCOUVER — As B.C. continues to face challenging weather conditions, with flooding evident in various areas of the province, BC 1 Call is sending out a reminder any excavation, trenching, debris removal or ground disturbance poses heightened risks to public safety, property, the environment and critical services.

The organization urges anyone planning ground disturbance activities to contact BC 1 Call for free at bc1c.ca or 1-800-474-6886 to determine the location of underground infrastructure.

Flooding can shift soil, wash away ground cover and expose or damage buried utilities such as natural gas lines, electrical cables, telecommunications and water infrastructure. Even routine cleanup or emergency repairs can become dangerous if underground facilities are struck, states a release.

BC 1 Call’s free public-safety service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, for emergency locate requests.

Call BC 1 Call immediately at 1-800-474-6886 and submit an emergency locate request if you have been impacted by flooding and:

• Encounter exposed or damaged underground infrastructure
• Need to dig, trench or remove debris for any reason

“People may not immediately think of BC 1 Call during a flood, but they should,” says Donna Grant, president of BC 1 Call, in a statement. “Extreme weather dramatically increases the risk to personal safety, property and essential services due to the serious potential for unexpected contact with underground infrastructure. Our free service helps ensure people know what’s below ground when time-sensitive decisions must be made to protect property and communities.”