April is National Safe Digging Month, and the Kansas Gas Service is asking that residents and businesses postpone non-essential digging amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
KMAN spoke with Kansas Gas Communications Manager Dawn Tripp, saying this year the usual start of the digging season has coincided with the global pandemic. Tripp says postponing projects helps protect underground infrastructure, including water and sewer lines and internet connections — all the more important as people are staying home for both work and leisure.
“If you can put off that digging project, please do so,” says Tripp.
Tripp says this is especially important for folks more directly affected by the virus. KGS will respond to any natural gas emergencies per normal, but Tripp says that health and safety restrictions could cause issues for some residents if someone were to inadvertently damage a line in the course of digging — even if they were not the ones to cause the break.
“We may not be able to re-enter a customer’s home to restore service if anyone in the home has, for instance, tested positive for COVID-19 or they’re under quarantine,” says Tripp. “We will have to wait a period of time before we can enter the home and re-light their appliances.”
Additionally, she asks the same of contractors, construction companies and businesses as well as private residents looking into home improvement projects.
“We do understand that there are going to be projects that will need to be continued,” says Tripp. “That is why we wanted to get the message out and remind people that it’s important to call 811 at least two full business days before they begin that project so they can have their underground utility lines marked.”
Tripp directs residents to their devoted safe digging site BeADigHeroKansas.com. She says the site is an opportunity to get prepared to dig safely and includes an animated video, digging quiz and activities geared toward children and families.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for families to gather around, go to that website and learn about safe digging — take that quiz,” Tripp says. “And there also are coloring sheets for the kiddos to share and work on.”
“It’s just a good family activity.”
If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and call 911 and the Kansas Gas emergency line at 1-888-482-4950.
