Unearthing Safety: 811 Day (Aug. 11) Promotes Safe Digging and Preventing Costly Mistakes

Aug. 11, National 811 Day, is almost here! This date, 8/11, serves as a valuable reminder about the importance of safe digging practices and preventing damage to underground facilities.

“On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to use the free 811 service before digging to reduce the risk of accidentally hitting an underground facility,” said Sean Postlethwait, Kansas Gas Service vice president of Operations. “Our highest priority is safety, and the best way to prevent injuries or disrupting service in your neighborhood and community is by contacting 811.”

How 811 Works

Contacting 811 connects you to the local one-call center, which notifies utility companies of your digging plans. These utilities may include natural gas, electric, water, sewer, cable and telecommunications. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines using flags, spray paint or both. It’s a free service that only takes a few minutes and helps keep your community safe.

Kansas Gas Service encourages everyone to put safety first when undertaking any digging project – whether large or small.

For a safer digging experience, here are 5 helpful tips to follow:

1. Contact 811. Call 811 or submit an online request at Kansas811.com at least two full working days before you start your digging project. (If you hire a contractor, make sure they have contacted 811.)

2. Verify the Marks Are Fresh and Complete. Verify that all utilities have marked their facilities and wait for confirmation that the markings are complete by reviewing your ticket with 811. Ensure the markings are not from a previous project.

3. Respect the Tolerance Zone. The tolerance zone is the area located 24 inches on either side of the underground facility. Always hand dig within this area to avoid contact or damage.

4. Only Dig within the Project Area. By contacting 811, the project area can be defined and helps ensure digging occurs within that area.

5. Smell Gas, Act Fast! If you smell gas while digging or damage a natural gas line, leave the area immediately then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950.