Tree Giveaway for Safe Digging Month Promotes Contacting 811 Before Digging

April is National Safe Digging Month, and Kansas Gas Service is celebrating by giving away 50 trees from the Arbor Day Foundation.

From April 1-16, Kansans can take the Safe Digging Pledge at BeADigHeroKansas.com to share their commitment to always contact 811 before they dig. Doing so enters Kansans for a chance to win a free tree. Winners will be formally announced on Arbor Day, April 28, 2023. There is no cost to participate, and winners will be selected randomly.

“April is a great time to start outdoor projects, and we’re excited to offer a complimentary tree for our giveaway winners,” said Dawn Tripp, public relations manager for Kansas Gas Service. “As we head into the peak landscaping and gardening season, we urge residents to keep safety at the forefront by contacting Kansas 811 before they begin any digging project – small or large.”

When someone digs in Kansas, whether planting a tree or repairing their sprinkler system, there is a high probability of underground facilities below the site, such as natural gas, electric or water lines. When customers make the free call to 811 or visit Kansas811.org before digging, within 48 hours professional locators will mark the underground facilities within the designated project area with flags and/or paint at no cost to the home or business owner.

“People often forget to contact 811 before starting outdoor projects like repairing fences, removing trees or planting gardens, which can cause severe disruptions and inconvenience to the community,” said Trey Pool, manager of public awareness and damage prevention for ONE Gas, the parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “By increasing awareness and emphasizing the importance of contacting 811 before any digging activities, we aim to promote a culture of safety.”

When to Contact 811

Individuals should contact 811 at least two full working days before starting all digging projects – no matter how small – to protect underground facilities and decrease the chances of hitting a line.

3 Tips to Remember Before Digging

1. Even if your digging project is shallow, you need to contact 811 to have your underground facilities marked.

2. If you hire a contractor, make sure they contact 811 before digging.

3. Respect the Tolerance Zone, which is 2 feet on either side of the underground facility.

Within this zone, you should exercise reasonable care using hand or soft digging techniques, to avoid any contact or damage to the facility. Soft digging includes any excavation with tools and equipment that use air or water pressure to break up soil and rock.

Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at BeADigHeroKansas.com for your chance to win a free tree.