West Virginia Code Chapter 24C. Underground Facilities Damage Prevention § 24C-1-7. Exceptions during emergencies

(a) Compliance with the notification requirements of § 24C-1-5 of this code is not required of any person engaging in excavation or demolition in the event of an emergency: Provided, That the person gives oral notification of the emergency work as soon as reasonably practicable to the one-call system.

(b) During any emergency, excavation or demolition may begin immediately: Provided, That reasonable precautions are taken to protect underground facilities: Provided, however, That such precautions may not serve to relieve the excavator from liability for damage to underground facilities. The one-call system shall accept all emergency notifications and shall provide immediate notice to the affected members and indicate the emergency nature of the notice.

(c) Repair or replacement of an existing traffic control device at the existing location and existing depth shall be considered an emergency, and compliance with the notice requirements of this section shall not be required of any local or state government responding to the emergency repair or replacement of a traffic control device.