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At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, but we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round. From our co-op crews to you, the consumer-members we serve, we recognize that everyone has a part to play in prioritizing safety. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Electricity is a necessity, and it powers our daily lives. But we know first-hand how dangerous electricity can be because we work with it 365 days a year. Safety is more than a catchphrase. It is our responsibility to keep co-op employees safe. Additionally, we want to help keep you and all members of our community safe. That’s why you’ll see Southeastern Indiana REMC hosting safety demonstrations at community events and in schools throughout the year, to demonstrate the dangers of electricity. We discuss emergency scenarios, such as what to do in a car accident involving a utility pole and downed power lines. We caution students on the dangers of pad-mounted transformers and overloading circuits with too many electronic devices. Electricity is an integral part of modern life. Given the prevalence of electrical devices, tools and appliances, here are a few practical electrical safety tips. Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use or excessive current flow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them, as they could cause a shock when handled. Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle––by having too many devices running on one circuit. Label circuit breakers to understand the circuits in your home. Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install multiple large appliances that consume large amounts of electricity. Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician to help. We encourage you to talk with your kids about playing it safe and smart around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors. Our top priority is providing an uninterrupted energy supply 24/7, 365 days per year. But equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity. Contact Southeastern Indiana REMC for additional electrical safety tips or if you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school or upcoming community event

Spring has arrived with its profusion of color: whites and pinks … and orange — lots of orange — as in the orange of work zones. National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 17-21) reminds motorists to be careful around those whose jobs put them along the roadways. Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind motorists that work zones also include utility crews who work along the roadsides to build, repair and maintain the highway of electric power lines. Sometimes, crews can be around the next corner or just over the hill — day or night. “While routine line work is done during daylight hours, emergencies happen at anytime,” said Brandon Linville at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “We want to remind motorists our crews can be working at all hours and to be careful when they see warning signs and flaggers.” When motorists see the orange diamond-shaped work zone warning signs and vehicles with flashing amber lights, they should slow down and prepare for the zone ahead. Indiana law requires motorists to approach cautiously and change lanes away from emergency vehicles if they can do so safely. If not, they should reduce their speed to 10 mph under the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. Motorists should not stop in the roadway; this may cause a rear-end collision with other vehicles. Emergency vehicles protected by the law include: • Police vehicles • Ambulances • Fire trucks and rescue equipment • Highway incident-response vehicles • Highway maintenance vehicles • Utility service vehicles • Tow trucks Violating the law can result in a fine and a suspended license. Steeper penalties, including jail time, are enforced for infractions within work zones. Though move-over laws are only for emergency vehicles, drivers should always be courteous to those parked on the shoulder. Give them room to safely repair their vehicles and help prevent tragedies. “Working on energized power lines at all hours and in all kinds of weather is dangerous enough for lineworkers,” added Linville. “We ask folks to please not make it more dangerous by speeding so closely by them.” Sources: Indiana State Police, Workzonesafety.org, moveoverlaws.com Slow down driving through work zones — it’s the law! The Indiana Work Zone Safety Law sets steep penalties for driving infractions within highway work zones. Here are the consequences if you’re caught breaking the law: First time citations for speeding in a work zone result in a $300 fine. The fine increases to $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense within three years. Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through a work zone face fines up to $5,000. Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may end up paying a $10,000 fine and serving up to six years behind bars. Source: www.in.gov Tips for driving safely in work zones Take extra care to pay attention and expect the unexpected. Work zone configurations can change without notice. Don’t text or talk on the phone and avoid taking your hands off the wheel. Watch for speed limit reductions, narrowing lanes, changing traffic patterns and highway workers. Respect the posted speed limits and safely merge as soon and as safely as possible. This will allow traffic to flow smoothly. Keep in mind: Driving 45 mph, instead of 55 mph, through a 5-mile work zone will only add 1.2 minutes to your trip. Speeding and aggressive driving are major causes of work zone crashes. Keep a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle and maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash. Respect the flaggers and obey their guidance. Be patient when driving through work sites with flagger control. Pay attention to the road signs. Those signs are carefully selected to give drivers accurate information and important warnings. Expect delays and allow extra travel time to travel through work zones. Select alternate routes, if possible, to avoid the work zone completely. Source: www.in.gov

Spring and summer are opportune times for home upgrades and DIY projects. If you’re planning to make improvements to your home, consider upgrades that promote better efficiency. Here are a few projects that can help you save energy and money––and increase the comfort of your home. Installing a smart thermostat is one of the simplest ways to manage home energy use and keep summer bills in check. Smart thermostats are easy to install and allow you to control your heating and cooling system from your phone. You can purchase an ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostat for as low as $100, which can save you 8% on annual heating and cooling costs, about $50 per year. This upgrade will quickly pay for itself, and you’ll gain insight into better ways to heat and cool your home. Speaking of smart, additional devices like smart LED bulbs also offer convenient control and help boost energy savings at home. With smart lighting, you can set a schedule for when and how your lights should be turned on or off. And the next time you head out to run errands and realize you left the lights on, all you have to do is turn them off through your phone. Smart lights come in a variety of shapes, colors and brightness levels––and you can purchase bulbs for indoor or outdoor use. Schedule outdoor smart lights to illuminate your home at night and when you’re out of town for better security. While it’s not as trendy as incorporating smart technologies, sealing air leaks around your home is a simple, effective way to save energy and lower your bills. Applying new (or replacing old) weather stripping around doors and windows can instantly make your home more comfortable and reduce energy waste. Applying caulk to fill gaps can also improve the seal of your home. Caulk can be applied to a variety of areas, including windows, doors, bathtubs and sinks. If your home feels too warm during summer (and too chilly during winter) even after you’ve sealed with weather stripping and caulk, your home may need additional insulation. Insulation is considered a more expensive efficiency upgrade; however, if your home is under-insulated, additional insulation can make a big impact on reducing energy use and costs. The cost of new insulation depends on a variety of factors like materials, size of the home and whether you use a contractor. Typically, the project costs can be recouped in a few years and your home will immediately feel more comfortable. Of course, there are additional efficiency upgrades that can make a big impact on energy use, like replacing old appliances with ENERGY-STAR® models or replacing old, leaky windows with new, energy efficient windows. But these upgrades can be a bit pricey. If you’re wanting to make your home more energy efficient but you’re not sure where to start, your best bet is to enlist the help of an expert to conduct an energy audit of your home. An energy audit can easily identify areas to boost efficiency, and then you can determine the projects you want to tackle first based on your budget and needs. Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.

Planting season is at hand for many of Indiana’s roughly 94,000 farmers. While you prepare to plant the crops that keep the world fed, Southeastern Indiana REMC reminds you to keep safety in mind — especially when working around electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 62 farm workers are electrocuted each year in the U.S. “Farm worker deaths and injuries can be prevented by practicing some simple electrical safety measures around farm,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations, Southeastern Indiana REMC. Here are some helpful safety tips for farmers to keep in mind this season: Make sure farm equipment like planter arms and sprayers safely clear overhead power lines. Some clearances may have changed since the last time you entered the field. The tall equipment can easily become entangled in power lines and pose an electrocution risk. Keep a minimum of 10-foot distance from power lines in all directions. Consider asking your electric cooperative to move overhead lines around buildings or frequently used pathways. Keep a safe distance from power poles and guy wires. If your equipment strikes and damages a guy wire or power pole, do not try to fix it yourself. Call your electric cooperative to make the repair. If your farm equipment becomes entangled with power lines, call 911 immediately. Keep others away and remain calm. DO NOT try to exit the equipment or touch someone who has had electrical contact. If you must exit the equipment for life-threatening reasons, jump out and away from the equipment and make sure to land with your feet together and touching. Then, shuffle at least three tractor lengths away with your feet touching. NEVER attempt to get back into or touch equipment that is in contact with a power line. If you are planning a controlled burn, mow and remove vegetation at least 15 feet around any pole prior to burning and apply fire retardant to the area as recommended by the manufacturer prior to burn period. Do not directly spray or treat a pole. Should a burn get out of control and endanger poles or other equipment, call 911 immediately. Do not allow the fire to cross under power lines in large areas. Smoke contains carbon particles which can conduct electricity. If the concentration gets high enough around power lines, an electrical discharge from the line to the ground, similar to lightning, can occur. Such discharges have killed firefighters. When working below power lines with water hoses, extreme care must be taken to keep water streams out of overhead lines. Water will conduct electricity and the water stream will act as a conductor. SOURCES: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia Cooperative Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Evergy, Kansas State University Know what to do if electrical contact occurs If you’re inside machinery that comes in contact with a downed power line: If you can, drive safely away from the downed power line and the source of electricity. Travel at least three tractor lengths, or about 40 feet, before stopping. If you can’t drive or you are injured, stay where you are inside the equipment until help arrives. If you must get out of the machinery because of a life-threatening reason such as a fire, don’t touch the machinery and the ground at the same time with any part of your body or clothing. With the door open, prepare to jump. Stand up, elbows tucked into your stomach and your hands held close to your chest. Jump out and away from the machinery, taking care to land with your feet together and touching. Don’t stumble. Shuffle away with your feet touching each other and the ground. Don’t stop until you’re at least three tractor lengths away from the machinery. Call 911 and ensure that no bystanders come within 40 feet of machinery. Once away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. If you’re outside the machinery when you notice a farmer comes in contact with a downed power line: Stay at least three tractor lengths away. Tell the person on the machinery to stay where he or she is. Call 911 and ensure no bystander moves within 40 feet of machinery. Keep your planned burn under control Controlled burns can be a beneficial way to clear a field of debris. But they must be planned carefully and correctly. Here are safety tips if power lines are nearby: Mow and remove vegetation at least 15 feet around any pole and apply fire retardant to the area as recommended by the manufacturer prior burning. Do not directly spray or treat the pole. Do not allow the fire to cross under power lines in large areas. Smoke contains carbon particles which can conduct electricity. If the concentration gets high enough around power lines, an electrical discharge from the line to the ground, similar to lightning, can occur. When working below power lines with water hoses, extreme care must be taken to keep water streams out of overhead lines. Water will conduct electricity and the water stream will act as a conductor. Should a burn get out of control and endanger poles or other electrical equipment, call 911 immediately.

It’s a common problem for most of us: relying on a handy dandy extension cord since we have so many devices and not enough outlets to plug them all into. But we at Southeastern Indiana REMC warn you for safety’s sake, extension cords should only be used short-term. “It’s easy to grab an extension cord when you’ve run out of outlets,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations. “Their convenience is undeniable. But relying on them day-in-and-day-out means your home doesn’t have enough outlets.” Why is that a potential problem? Electrical overloads can occur when your home draws more electricity than a circuit can safely handle. When a circuit receives too much electricity, it causes the circuit breaker to trip. That shuts power off to the entire circuit. Breakers are critical components to the circuit’s safety. If there were no breaker in the circuit, an overload would occur, causing the wires to overheat. That could lead to a fire. There are several signs which could indicate whether circuits in your home are overloaded. Among them: • Flickering, blinking or dimming lights. • The outlet switch covers are warm to the touch. • Burning odors from outlets or switches. • Frequently tripped circuit breakers. • Crackling, sizzling or buzzing from receptacles. • Mild shock or tingles after touching appliances, receptacles or switches. • Power tools, appliances or electronics seem to lack adequate power. If any of these things are occurring, head to your circuit panel. It’s usually located in the basement or garage. Check to see if any of the switches in the panel have been tripped or partially tripped. Turn them off — then back on again. Knowing what is on each circuit will help you navigate possible overloads in the future. Southeastern Indiana REMC suggests consumers grab a notepad and pencil to map their home’s circuits. Do this before potential problems occur. You’ll be glad you took the time to familiarize yourself with the circuit panel ahead of time. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International Extension cord safety 101 Keep extension cords away from water. Teach older kids how to safely plug in and unplug an extension cord — look out for exposed wiring and never yank on cords. Do not plug too many things into an extension cord. Are your gaming consoles, phone charger and computer all on one extension cord? You might want to consider moving them to other outlets. If your home is displaying signs of having an overloaded circuit, have a qualified electrician do an inspection. A heavy reliance on extension cords could indicate you have too few outlets. Source: Electrical Safety Authority, Complete Electrical Solutions How to reset a tripped breaker Many of us understand how to operate our personal electronics, but what about your home’s breaker box? Here’s what to do if your breaker is tripped: Unplug or turn off appliances in the room. Find your main breaker panel and open the cover. Locate the tripped breaker or blown fuse. A tripped circuit breaker will be in the “off” position or in a middle position between “on” and “off.” To reset the breaker, switch it to the “off” position and then back to “on.” If the problem persists, there may be more serious issues. Contact an electrician to identify the problem. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

When winter arrives, Hoosiers are never sure of what to expect. Indiana winters include everything from heavy snows, to freezing rain, to ice storms — sometimes all in one day. All of those forms of winter weather can create electrical hazards warns Southeastern Indiana REMC. “Being safe around electricity is a year-round need, but Indiana winters include many dangerous hazards, especially where power lines are concerned,” said Brandon Linville, Southeastern Indiana REMC. “Snow and ice often accumulate on power lines, and the added weight may cause them to snap off the power poles, or to cause the poles to break,” Linville explained. “That can bring power lines into contact with the ground, trees, homes, vehicles and other objects. If people or pets come in contact with a live power line, they can suffer serious injury or even death.” During dangerous conditions, many residents may be confined to their homes for days at a time. That’s why it is important to have a plan in place, especially during these prolonged outages. To better prepare for a power outage, your electric co-op recommends members keep a storm preparedness kit fully stocked. The basic supplies in this kit should include: Bottled water Non-perishable food Emergency blankets First aid kit/medicine Flashlight Battery-operated or hand-crank radio Extra batteries Toiletries Now that your family is prepared for a prolonged outage, what should you do if the lights do go out? Keep warm air in and cool air out by not opening doors to unused rooms. Do not open doors to the outside unless necessary. Food safety is also important when there is a prolonged outage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible and eat perishable food first. If you know a winter storm is coming, stock up on ice so you can keep things in coolers to keep them from going bad if an outage lasts longer than a day. Once the refrigerator reaches temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, foods can become unsafe to eat. To protect homes’ electrical equipment during an outage, turn off and unplug all unnecessary electronics or appliances. This will keep equipment from being damaged by surges or spikes when the power returns. Know how long your home healthcare supplies will last and have a backup plan. Plan for a safe alternative source such as a portable battery or generator if electricity is not available. Plan to get to a health care facility should your health worsen or if you are going to run out of necessary power. Sources: Electrical Safety Authority, Popular Mechanics When in doubt, throw it out: food safety reminders during an outage During an outage: First, use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to be safe to eat. Use food from the freezer after consuming refrigerated food. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-full) if the door remains closed. If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times. After an outage: Throw away any food (particularly meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that has been exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. If it has been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can quickly grow. If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with a food thermometer. If it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can refreeze it. Source: American Red Cross Generator safety: Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outside, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide (CO) to come indoors. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

Electric space heaters and blankets are great ways to stay toasty warm when the temperature drops. But don’t forget about safety before you plug in these chill-chasers. During these winter months, when space heaters and electric blankets come out of hibernation, home fires increase. “Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions in property damage.” Remember: an electric space heater is a temporary option for supplemental heat. Many homeowners may use this option to heat specific rooms while they sleep, but this is unsafe. When you leave a room or go to sleep, it is important to turn off your electric space heater. If you leave it unattended, it could overheat or fall. It is also important to always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord to avoid overheating. Electric blankets and heating pads are also popular during the cold months. Never fold them and avoid using them while sleeping. Inspect them for dark, charred or frayed spots, and check to see if the electric cord is cracked or frayed. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully before using them in your home. While there is no risk for carbon monoxide poisoning with an electric space heater, it holds many other safety hazards if not used properly. To be safe, install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas. If you already have them, be sure to test them once a month. Don’t let your guard down if you keep yourself or your home warm with an electric space heater, electric blanket or heating pad. By following these tips, you and your family have a better chance of avoiding significant fire and electric shock hazards. Source: ESFI Electric Space Heaters and Blankets: Do’s and Don’ts DO read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully before using any space heater or electric blanket. DON’T leave a space heater or electric heating blanket unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep. DO inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. DON’T use the heater if plugs are frayed, worn or damaged. DO keep heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. DON’T use electric blankets while sleeping or as a mattress pad. DO plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. DON’T fold an electric blanket when it’s in use. Folded or tucked blankets could overheat and cause a fire. Source: ESFI Terms to remember about your electric space heater Volts: A measure of electrical current flow. The higher the voltage, the more current will flow. Most household electrical current powering TVs, radios, lighting and appliances operates at 110-120 volts. Heavy-duty appliances, such as electric ranges, clothes dryers and air conditioners, may require 220 volts. Most electric space heaters are designed and labeled to operate at 110-115 volts and are plugged into a wall outlet. Watts: The measure of energy conversion. The amount consumed is reported on your electric bill. Think of a lightbulb — the higher the wattage, the brighter the light. The wattage delivered by space heaters relates directly to the amount of heat it can deliver. BTUs: Short for British Thermal Units, a basic measure of thermal (heat) energy. When looking at space heaters, keep in mind that even the smallest units can produce 10,000 BTUs or more. Amperage: The amount of electrical energy flowing through a space heater or any other appliance at any given time (also called current). Convection heaters: Type of space heater often selected when you want to heat a larger area occupied by several people. Radiant heaters: Type of space heater that transfers heat to individuals or objects when it is not necessary to heat an entire area. Source: ESFI

Storm season is upon us, which means greater potential for power outages. If you’re planning to use a portable generator in the event of an outage, Southeastern Indiana REMC reminds you to play it safe. With proper use and maintenance, portable generators can provide great convenience during an outage. However, when generators are used incorrectly, they can be extremely hazardous. In a 2022 report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 85 U.S. consumers die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators. Here are 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when using portable generators: DO: Install backup CO alarms. DO: Keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times. DO: Position generators at least 25 feet outside the home, away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to enter the home. DO: Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electric shock injuries. DO: Use three-pronged extension cords that are rated to handle the load of the generator. Inspect extension cords for cuts, frays or other damage before use. DON’T: Operate a generator inside your home or an enclosed (or partially-enclosed) space. Generators produce high levels of CO, which can be deadly. DON’T: Open windows or doors while the generator is running. DON’T: Rely on generators as a full-time source of power. They should only be used temporarily or in emergency situations to power essential equipment or appliances. DON’T: Overload generators. They should only be used to power essential equipment. Make sure your generator can handle the load of the items you plan to power. DON’T: Connect generators directly into household wiring unless you have an appropriate transfer switch installed. If a generator is connected to a home’s wiring without a transfer switch, power can backfeed along power lines and electrocute utility lineworkers making repairs. While generators provide convenience during power outages, they can quickly become hazardous––even deadly––if improperly operated. Before you operate a portable generator, be sure to thoroughly read the owner’s manual for important safety information and tips. If you have questions about proper use of portable generators, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 800-737-4111 or contact us at contact_us@seiremc.com.

Utility poles remain the backbone of most electric distribution systems. After more than 80 years since electric cooperatives first set them throughout rural Indiana, they remain the most cost-effective way to safely support power lines, insulators, transformers and other electric hardware. Occasionally, either through a vehicle strike, lightning strike, ice storm, tornado, or simply age, a pole needs to be replaced. And while every electric cooperative has thousands of poles throughout its system, each pole replacement is different. It’s much more than just digging a hole and sliding a new pole in the ground. The work is done methodically and, even in the best scenarios and weather conditions, might take several hours. One of the most common reasons for a broken pole and an unexpected power outage is a vehicle strike. Here’s a step-by-step description of what typically goes into a pole replacement so that consumers on the “dark side” of the damaged pole can better understand why the power outage affecting them might be taking longer than they would think. Assess the situation. The cooperative is notified of a broken pole. This can come from the cooperative's own monitoring system, sheriff's department or consumers. Line workers will visit the pole and assess the damage. This may take 30 minutes to an hour depending on the location and if the notification comes outside of normal business hours. Secure the scene and call in a crew. If the pole needs to be replaced, the line workers on the scene will first make sure the scene is safe. They'll de-energize the line following established safety procedures. Next, they will call for a crew of three to four others to come with a bucket truck and a digger truck. In many cases, resetting or replacing a pole also requires calling into 811 – the Indiana “call before you dig” service – before crews can dig new holes. This is required to locate other buried utilities along the right-of-way and can add time to the restoration. Obtain supplies and tools. The original responding line workers will work on what can be done until the additional crews arrive with a new pole and replacement equipment. Depending on the weather and the proximity of the broken pole to the replacement pole and equipment, this may take 1-2 hours. Replace the damaged pole. When all crew members are present, they begin setting a new pole and will work to safely restore power to consumers as quickly as possible. This includes removing equipment from the broken pole and attaching the necessary equipment to the new pole. Depending on the location, the equipment needed on each pole will vary. Poles are generally buried around 6 feet in the ground. The buried part of the broken pole is usually pulled out with the hydraulic lift on a truck. Sometimes it’s necessary to dig a new hole. Dirt is backfilled and tamped down with hydraulic equipment. The power lines are then lifted back into place and mounted on the new insulators. Once all is back in place, the protective gear is removed and an all-clear is given, the power is turned back on. Sometimes it’s possible during the pole replacement process to redirect power to those affected by the outage. It is the goal of the electric cooperative to safely retore power to as many consumers as quickly as possible. The average pole replacement could take up to 3-4 hours under favorable conditions with no mitigating circumstances – or longer if unforeseen circumstances slow the crew down.

It’s winter in Indiana. That means storms with wind, snow and ice. When high winds and ice combine, it can affect power lines in a unique way causing them to “gallop.” When ice accumulates on power lines, it forms a teardrop shape. If there are strong winds, the ice that builds up is only on one side of the power line, taking on the shape of an aerodynamic airplane wing, which results in the line lifting. This is known as “galloping.” When this disproportionate buildup occurs, it changes the flow of air around the line, which causes it to start the galloping movement. Galloping can potentially damage the lines, cause power outages and even cause cross-arms to break, bringing lines to the ground. When galloping causes the lines to touch, you might see a small flash or the lights in your home might blink. Once galloping starts, there isn’t much that can be done to alleviate the issue until the winds stop. This is why many power lines have objects, such as twisted wire or round or angular pieces of metal, attached to lines. These are devices placed on the power lines to help reduce the potential for lines to gallop. If you encounter power lines that are swaying or bucking dangerously, stay away, warn others to stay away and contact your electric cooperative as soon as possible. Remember, snow can hide dangerous, downed lines especially if the lines are sagging and the cross arms are broken. It is important to keep your distance from these downed power lines no matter the season. When you see a power line out of place, Southeastern Indiana REMC reminds you to never touch it; never approach it. The result could be deadly! The best course of action is to steer clear and call 1-800-737-4111 for assistance.

By Abby Berry We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all fun outdoor activities that go with it. But there’s one thing we can all agree on: high winter bills are never fun. Southeastern Indiana REMC is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check. Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter: Mind the thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees; there’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active. Button up your home. The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed. Use window coverings wisely. Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air. Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you’re using them. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy. Think outside the box. If you’re still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up––beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home! If you have hard-surface flooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the floor. If you’re taking steps to save energy but continue to see major increases in your bills, give us a call at 1-800-737-4111. Southeastern Indiana REMC’s energy experts can help identify areas and other factors impacting your home energy use and recommend next steps for savings. Winter months often bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase the comfort of your home and reduce monthly bills.

Many people consider their four-legged companion(s) part of the family and can’t imagine life without them. That’s why during the winter months, they make sure their whole family, including the four-legged members, is cozy––without taking a big “bite” out of their budget. Here are a few simple ways you can make your home more comfortable this winter, which can ultimately help you save on energy bills. At the onset of the cold weather season, replace the HVAC filter for better air quality and to help the unit operate more efficiently. You can also keep your home cozier by caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors. If your home is particularly chilly, you can tape or affix heavy, clear plastic to the inside of your window frames to create an additional barrier against the cold. Ensure that the plastic is tightly sealed to the frame to help reduce infiltration. Winter can be “ruff”, so set your thermostat at 68 degrees, a “purr-fect” temperature for people and pets. This is especially important for smaller, short hair and senior dogs––not just for warmth, but for their general health. Puppies, kittens and older pets with arthritis or other ailments may have a harder time controlling their body heat and need the additional warmth when it’s chilly out. Pets that sleep close to the floor can be subject to cold drafts that enter your home through windows and exterior doors. If your pet’s bed is near a window or door that feels drafty, tightly roll up a towel and place it near the bottom of the door or window to eliminate the draft. Cutting down on cold drafts helps everyone feel more comfortable during colder months. If possible, elevate your pet’s bed so it’s not placed directly on a cold floor. An old chair or sofa cushion works well. If you don’t use a dog bed, take some old blankets and create a donut shape on the cushion so the dog can snuggle and “nest” within the blanket. You can do the same for cats but on a smaller scale. Blankets enable pets to nestle into them, even when they aren’t tired, and provide a comfortable place for dogs and cats to curl up. During the day, open your blinds and curtains to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close window coverings at night for an added layer of insulation. At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we want to help you save energy and money. Check out our SmartHub app or visit our website and social media channels for additional energy-saving tips. We can’t control the weather, but we can provide advice to help you save energy and keep your family and furry friends more comfortable during the winter season.