Dial 434 come Jan. 15

The new 434 area code for the Charlottesville area will be mandatory Jan. 15. It will no longer be possible to reach U.Va. by dialing 804.

Be sure to update phone numbers in e-mail signatures; telephone, fax machine, PC/modem or PDA automatic dialers; Web sites; stationery, business cards and other printed items; advertising and promotional items; phone mail or other recorded messages; and security or alarm systems.

U.Va.’s College at Wise is also changing its area code, from 540 to 276, mandatory March 15.