Black Hills Energy gives three key safety tips for anyone working outside this weekend

WICHITA, Kan. – May 25, 2021 – As Kansans plan for an upcoming extended Memorial Day weekend, many are probably thinking about all the outdoor projects they want to accomplish to take advantage of expected nice weather. But many will make a few Memorial Day weekend mistakes that could result in fines, damages or even a catastrophic emergency.

“Now is the time people should be calling 811 to get ahead of any outside work this weekend that will require digging,” said Black Hills Energy General Manager Jerry Watkins. “We certainly admire Kansans’ can-do spirit, but we’re urging people to be safe. Calling 811 is free and it’s the law.”

Black Hills Energy recommends these tips for anyone planning on working outside during the upcoming long weekend:

1. Mark your site. You’re encouraged to spray a white line or place white flags around your planned excavation site before you call. “White-lining” helps the locator understand your plans and reduces the chance for project delays if the locator must return to mark additional areas.

2. Call before you dig. If your outdoor project includes breaking ground, you should call 811 or visit www.kansasonecall.com at least two days before planning to dig. Utility specialists will visit your site for free and mark the approximate locations of buried lines. Should someone hit a buried utility without using 811, they could be fined up to $500 and be responsible for the costs to repair damaged assets.

3. Dig with care. Once utilities have been marked, you must be hand-dig around underground facilities. Utility markings are approximate and will be within 24 inches from the marks. If digging must occur in the area marked, excavators need to take extreme caution and always hand-dig before using bigger equipment. 

“Our first priority is always to protect public safety,” Watkins added. “Buried gas lines may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind.