Kansas Gas Service kicks off Safe Digging Month with giveaway

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - With April being National Safe Digging Month, Kansas Gas Service is reminding residents to contact 811 before any digging project, big or small.

Participants will have a chance to win a free tree for committing to safe digging practices.

Kansas residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2025 Safe Digging Pledge, and recognizing the importance of contacting 811 before their shovels or excavating equipment hit the ground, regardless of the size of the digging project.

After taking the pledge, residents are automatically entered into a random drawing to win a free tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation.

Winners of the tree giveaway will have the opportunity to pick the type of tree they wish to plant and receive information about energy savings gained from their tree.

With any digging project, whether planting a tree or repairing a sprinkler system, there is a high probability of underground facilities below the site, such as natural gas pipelines, electric cables, or water lines.

The best way to avoid damage and injury, or loss of service is to contact 811 at least two full working days before digging starts to learn the approximate location of buried facilities in your area. Contacting 811 is free, and it’s the law.

By calling 811 or submitting a request at kansas811.com, 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.

Once the project is marked, be aware of the tolerance zone: a minimum of 24 inches. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area.

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