Rhode Island General Laws Title 39. Public Utilities and Carriers § 39-1.2-8. Notice in emergency

(a) In the event of any emergency posing a threat to life, public health, public safety, or property, or that may require immediate correction in order to continue the operation of a major industrial plant, or to ensure the continuity of public utility service, excavation, maintenance, or repairs may be made without using explosives upon notice and advice thereof given to the association as soon as it is determined that an emergency exists. The excavator shall thereafter employ any means necessary, excluding blasting, to ensure that the underground public utility facilities in the area of the excavation shall not be damaged.

(b) In the event of an emergency, public utilities shall notify the excavator, at the telephone number provided to the association by the excavator, within two (2) hours upon receipt of notice as to whether the public utility has any facilities in the vicinity of the proposed excavation. If the public utility has any facilities in the vicinity of the proposed excavation, the public utility shall mark out its facilities no later than three (3) hours after receipt of notice from the association.