April typically marks the start of the spring planting season, home improvement projects and large-scale excavations. It’s also National Safe Digging Month, and Oklahoma Natural Gas is reminding residents to contact 811 before any digging project – big or small. To celebrate those who commit to safe digging practices by taking the pledge, participants will have a chance to win a free tree.
“Safe digging is essential to protecting our communities, preventing service disruptions and keeping everyone safe,” says Trey Pool, manager of public awareness and damage prevention for Oklahoma Natural Gas. “Through the Safe Digging Pledge and tree giveaway, we’re reminding Oklahomans that simply contacting 811 before digging can prevent costly damages and hazards. This initiative not only promotes responsible digging but also supports a greener, healthier environment for all.”
Dig Hero Tree Giveaway
Oklahoma residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2025 Safe Digging Pledge at beadigherooklahoma.com, and recognizing the importance of contacting 811 before their shovels or excavating equipment hits 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, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees in the U.S. 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.
Why Contact 811?
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 48 hours, excluding the date of notification, weekends and holidays, 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 okie811.org, 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 two feet. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area.
Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at beadigherooklahoma.com for your chance to win a free tree.
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