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By B.J. Myers, Director of Communications and Creative Services Staying connected to friends and family is important, especially throughout the holiday season. One of the things I remember most about the Covid-19 pandemic is that many families, including mine, could not gather for the holidays. For me, the impact was greatest during the Thanksgiving holiday. I really missed our Thanksgiving feast, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on television together, playing games, and enjoying a full day of family time like we usually do. Staying connected to those I care about is very important to me. So, even though we couldn’t be together that day, we did our best to be together virtually. None of us had fiber internet at that time, so getting and staying connected to that Zoom meeting was not an easy task. We were figuring it out as we went along. As all of this was happening, I was watching the REMC as they overcame one obstacle after another to keep the work moving forward on the SEI Fiber project. Many businesses came to a standstill during the pandemic, but not the REMC. In fact, the schedule never slowed down. Our leadership and workforce understand how important fiber connectivity is for southeastern Indiana and they have stayed focused on the goal of completing the project as quickly as possible. We now have over 2,000 active subscribers and anticipate adding many more as the construction work continues and new zones are opened throughout the remainder of the year. This is music to my ears because I know that this means that many of our members will finally have the internet speed they need to do whatever is most important for them. For some, it may be Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping online. Others may utilize telehealth options, work remotely, take online classes, stream movies and music, and more. For others, like me, it means they can easily connect with family and friends whenever they want to and enjoy a clear video without buffering and lag times that make conversation difficult. Even though we are no longer required to quarantine, I hope you and your family are able to come together and utilize all the benefits of a fiber internet connection to enjoy your holidays to the fullest. For more information about the SEI Fiber project, visit www.seiremc.com/seifiber.

During the holidays, family and friends gather to celebrate. Usually, food is involved. But not all feasts turn out festive. The United States Fire Administration estimates more than 2,000 residential fires are reported each Thanksgiving, with cooking the leading cause. “The holidays are supposed to be a wonderful time for families to be together in celebration,” said B.J. Myers, Director of Communications and Creative Services. “We just want them to take precautions and be safe.” Keep your family safe during these joyful times by learning some basic holiday food preparation safety tips before you start cooking. Protect your home and family from fire hazards by installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Test the batteries in each smoke alarm every month and replace them once a year. Creating an escape plan for the whole family will ensure that no matter the circumstances, everyone knows how to exit safely. Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires; always be sure someone takes over the preparation when needed. Before cooking, clean the stovetop and oven to wipe away any grease or dust to prevent a fire. While cooking, it’s easy to forget about something in the oven, especially when you’re entertaining guests. Use a kitchen timer to make sure your dish doesn’t burn to a crisp, creating a fire hazard. When cooking on the stove, protect you and any reaching hands from spills or burns by using the back burners. If children are in the room, keep a close eye on them, or guide them out of the kitchen. If cooking over a hot stove, wear short or close-fitting sleeves to avoid a fire. Always locate appliances away from the sink to avoid any electrical dangers. Plug countertop appliances into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets and keep cords away from hot surfaces like toasters. When finished with these appliances, always unplug them to save energy and avoid electrical hazards. Before your family can sit down and enjoy the meal you just prepared, be sure all appliances have been turned off. Then you can all enjoy each other’s company during the holiday season with peace of mind knowing everyone is safe. Ingredients for Safety Never leave cooking equipment unattended. Turn off burners if you leave the room or have someone else take over. Clean the stovetop and oven of grease and dust. Keep the cooking area around the stove and oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins and potholders. Wear short or close-fitting sleeves to avoid catching clothing on fire. Use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands to protect from spills and burns. Locate all appliances away from the sink. Plug countertop appliances into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets. Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster. Turn off and unplug all appliances when cooking is complete. Checklist for Kitchen Safety Are any appliances plugged into extension cords on a permanent basis? If the answer is “yes,” have a licensed electrician install new outlets where needed or move equipment closer to an outlet. Extension cords are for temporary use and can become a fire hazard. Are all appliance cords placed so they will not come in contact with hot surfaces? If you answered “no,” move cords away from all heat sources to avoid them melting or burning from the excess heat. Is any cord cracked, frayed or otherwise damaged? If you answered “yes,” do not use damaged cords, especially if there are exposed wires. Have a licensed electrician replace the cord or replace the equipment. Are cords attached to anything with nails or staples? If you answered “yes,” remove the nails or staples, check the cord and replace it if it’s damaged. Nails and staples can cut or pinch insulation or break wire strands. Are cords kept wrapped up while being used? If you answered “yes,” unwrap the cord. Wrapped cords trap heat, which can lead to melting or weakening of the insulation. Have any of your appliances been recalled by the manufacturer? If you answered “yes” or “I don’t know,” replace your appliances as soon as possible. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website for more info: cpsc.gov/en/Recalls.

Overhead line safety – when in doubt, look up and out! Whether you’re on the job or working on an outdoor project around your home, you should always be aware of overhead electrical lines. Many workplace fatalities are caused by overhead power lines. Imagine how easy it is for us at home, who are not trained to avoid these obstacles, to run into danger! “In a majority of cases, fatalities occurred in occupations with little to no electrical safety training,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations, at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “That’s why we put so much emphasis on safety training and compliance education, not only for our cooperative employees, but our consumers as well.” When working on an outdoor project, stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines. If your ladder or piece of equipment touches an overhead line, both you and the equipment can become a path for the electricity. Look up and out in front of you before using a ladder, large machinery, or a pool cleaning net. Even non-metallic ladders and equipment can conduct electricity. If power lines are present, always carry ladders and long poles horizontally. Using large tools or machinery can make it harder to avoid overhead power lines. Always consider where power lines are before you begin a project. Scanning the area should be part of your plan from the start. If you’ve struck a power line and must get off a piece of equipment, jump as far away from the equipment as you can and land with both feet together. No part of your body should touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Hop or shuffle away from the equipment with your feet together to reduce the risk of electric shock. If you come across someone who’s hit an overhead power line, stay away and warn others around to not touch him or her, or you could get shocked, too. Immediately call 911 and then contact Southeastern Indiana REMC to turn off the electricity at your location. If you know you’re going to be working near power lines, contact Southeastern Indiana REMC so the experts there can properly inform you on safety precautions you should be taking in your area. Electrical safety is one of our core values. Source: ESFI When should you look up for overhead power lines? Before raising a ladder and when using outdoor equipment of any kind, especially when trees are nearby. Branches can hide power lines from view. Even non-metallic tools can conduct electricity. When using cranes or other lifting devices that approach working distance within 20 feet of power lines. When putting up scaffolding, framing a building, painting, pruning trees or picking fruit. Before moving a ladder, long-handled brushes, and the like. Always carry these items horizontally when power lines are near. When working on top of buildings. Source: fpl.com WORK AHEAD: Construction overhead power line safety More than half of all fatal electrical injuries occur in the construction industry. Learn how to work safely near power lines with these simple steps: Locate all overhead power lines, poles and guy wires. The heights of the wires and distance from the worksite should be noted on site diagrams so workers and supervisors are aware. If work must be done near energized lines, contact Southeastern Indiana REMC for assistance. Ensure all workers keep conductive materials 10 feet away from unguarded, energized lines up to 50 kilovolts (kV). For every 10 kV over 50, increase distance by an additional 4 inches of clearance. Carry ladders and other equipment horizontally. Even non-metallic ladders can conduct electricity. Lower equipment arms before driving and be aware of additional steps you may need to take if utilizing cranes or other lifting devices. Assume all power lines are energized and uninsulated. Do not use metal ladders near them. Train all workers in emergency communication and proper aid techniques to someone after an electrical accident. Never touch or go near a person or equipment that is in contact with an overhead power line. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

The 2022 general election is just around the corner; polls will open Nov. 8. Who can vote. To vote in the 2022 general election, you must: Be both a U.S. citizen and a resident of Indiana Be at least 18 years of age on or before the general election Not currently be in prison after being convicted of a crime Have lived in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 days prior to the election Be registered to vote If all of these things apply to you, great! You can vote in the 2022 general election. How to vote. There are two ways to vote in the general election: by absentee ballot or in person on Election Day. To register for an absentee ballot, you must qualify under one of the 11 reasons listed on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website. To see if you qualify and to request an absentee ballot, visit https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2402.htm. The deadline to register for absentee voting is Oct. 27. If you plan to vote in person on Election Day but are not sure where to go, visit https://indianavoters.in.gov/ and click on “Find My Polling Location.” You will be able to search by both voter registration (your name and birthday) as well as by county. By casting your vote Nov. 8, you can be assured your voice is heard on the local and national levels. As you evaluate the candidates and determine who to support, remember elected officials play a very important role in ensuring your electric cooperative can continue providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Support Indiana’s electric cooperatives by getting out to vote and backing candidates who support positive energy policies and assist Indiana’s electric cooperatives’ efforts to power the businesses and communities they serve. Sources: https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2402.htm, https://indianavoters.in.gov/ Four Essential Reasons to Vote While it can sometimes feel like your vote doesn’t matter, it does. Voting is absolutely essential to a healthy, functioning democracy. Not convinced? Here are four essential reasons to vote. Voting is the best way to speak up on the issues that concern you. It allows you to hold elected officials accountable and to replace them when they no longer represent your best interests. Voting allows you to be part of decision making that affects your life. Every day, legislators and elected officials make decisions that impact every aspect of your life. Don’t you want a say in who will be representing your interests at the local, state and national level? If you don’t vote, others will make the decisions for you. This goes hand in hand with reason number two. If you don’t make decisions about things that impact your life, other people will. Decisions are made on your behalf every day. These decisions impact things like utilities, energy, broadband, health care, education, housing, etc. It is important to vote for who you trust to make these decisions for you. Getting out to vote ensures that your voice is heard. Your opinion matters! Source: https://www.vote.ie/why/ Five Things to Do Before Heading to the Polls Voting is a right and a privilege for American citizens. What should you know before you head out to the polls on Election Day? Here are five things experts say you can do to help ensure a smooth experience. Check your registration. Visit https://indianavoters.in.gov/ and click on “check the status of your voting registration.” Prepare to vote. Visit https://indianavoters.in.gov/ and click on “who’s on the ballot” to learn which races you will be able to vote in on Election Day. You can also get to know the candidates who are running. Know your options. To see if you qualify for and to request an absentee ballot, visit https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2402.htm Watch them test the machines. Election officials have to test all the equipment in advance to make sure everything is ready to go before Election Day. Most jurisdictions allow the public to observe this. Some even livestream the testing so you can watch it at home. Sign up to be a poll worker or poll monitor. Visit www.in.gov/sos/elections/2674.htm to find out how to sign up. Sources: https://indianavoters.in.gov/, https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2402.htm, www.in.gov/sos/elections/2674.htm, https://www.npr.org/2016/10/14/497805960/voting-5-things-to-do-before-heading-to-the-polls

What would Halloween be without electricity? The buzzing and zapping of spooky gizmos like Van de Graaf generators, giant electrodes and lightning rods brought life to Dr. Frankenstein’s castle laboratory — and his monster from the slab. And, through conjured or coincidental lightning strikes, catastrophic electrical malfunctions, or electro-chemical combinations, superheroes like Captain Marvel, Flash, Thor, Magneto, Storm, and Black Lightning were born. While many Halloween tales and trappings have relied on highly imaginative uses of electricity’s awesome power, Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind Halloween revelers to make sure they understand where movies and myths end and where reality begins. “Remember what Spiderman said: ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’” notes Brandon Linville, Director of Operations, of Southeastern Indiana REMC. “It’s everyone’s responsibility to be safe around power. Taking safety shortcuts, or ignoring easy but important rules, or trying your luck teasing electrical equipment, can lead to tragic consequences.” Use the following tips for a safe and happy Halloween: Make sure your outdoor decorations only LOOK or SOUND spooky. Inspect each mechanical ghoul, ghost or goblin for cracked, frayed or bare wires. You don’t want them to really cause a shock or start a fire! Want to convert your yard or open garage into a haunted house? Don’t let it turn into a true-to-life horror story through electrical fires or hazards. Only use electrical items marked “for outdoor use.” Plug those decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Halloween night is not the time to take a trip. Keep electric cords away from doorways and walkways, lest you or your trick-or-treaters trip and fall. Keep nails and staples away from light strings and extension cords. They can easily damage the cord’s insulation and expose the wires inside. When it’s time to hang up the costume and retire for the evening — or if you’re leaving home for a few hours — make sure you turn off your electrical decorations. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International A safer jack-o’-lantern Rather than use a candle or a household lightbulb to light up your jack-o’-lantern this Halloween, consider battery-operated lights. Another option is one of the new LED bulbs available. These options are much cooler, creating less risk of fire or burns. LEDs only use one-quarter as much electricity as incandescent bulbs and may last 25 times longer. Many of the new LEDs have programmable colors and patterns to make your jack-o’-lantern even spookier. If you still use a fixture in your pumpkin you must plug in, no matter what kind of bulb or LED you use, be sure to unplug it before you leave it unattended or turn in for the night. Famed Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley’s most repeated line this time of year must be “The gobble-uns’ll git ya, ef you don’t watch out!” Indiana’s electric cooperatives echo that sentiment, but they’re not talking about supernatural goblins. It’s the GOBLINS of electrical safety co-ops want you to watch out for with your Halloween decorations: GFCI – Use only electric outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters connected for your outdoor lighting and displays. Overload – Never overload a circuit by plugging too many strands of lights or other appliances into the same plug. Instructions with your light strings should tell you how many can be strung together safety. Battery-powered LED lights – Use these in jack o’-lanterns instead of candles. Lights on – Make sure your porch light is on and the path to your door is well lit if you expect trick-or-treaters. If you are trick-or-treating, carry a flashlight so you can be seen. Inspect — Be sure to check all the cords and bulbs of your holiday lighting for damage as you decorate. Nails and staples – Do not use metal fasteners to string strands of lights and extension cords or hold wires in place. Switch off – Make sure you turn off all your decorative lighting when you leave them unattended or go to bed.

Most of us have heard that fiber optic internet speed is better, but is it really faster and more reliable than what we have now? In a word, yes. It’s the fastest and most reliable internet option available. With major advantages, like no throttling, better TV picture quality, the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, and the same upload and download speeds, fiber is the clear choice when it comes to internet connection options. Unfortunately, fiber optic internet providers have not been willing to invest in the infrastructure to provide service to residents living in the rural areas of southeastern Indiana. Why? Because a project of this magnitude is very costly, and it takes years just to break even on the investment. This is a huge deterrent for profit-based business models. But the co-op business model is different. The focus is not on making a profit, it’s on operating at cost while working together with friends and neighbors to achieve something that benefits everyone. Southeastern Indiana REMC recognized the digital divide issue and its ability to provide a solution to the problem through a joint venture with SEI Communications, an existing telecommunications co-op. The result of this joint venture is SEI Fiber, a FTTH (Fiber To The Home) internet connection, which is the fastest, most reliable fiber optic connection because the fibers come straight to your door, not just your neighborhood or the utility pole outside your house. Concern for the community is one of the cooperative’s core values and a leading factor in the board’s decision to move forward with the SEI Fiber project. “We want to see our members and the community thrive and grow,” said Keith Mathews, General Manager of Southeastern Indiana REMC, “and we know that broadband access is an important part of making that happen.” SEI Fiber is changing the future of internet connectivity as we know it in rural southeastern Indiana. This future-forward technology is not easily influenced by external factors (like extreme weather conditions) and is environmentally friendly. It’s faster than traditional cable, DSL, and satellite internet, and increases the value of your home. Whether you are video chatting, doing your homework online, playing your favorite online games, or all of these simultaneously, you’ll find plenty of reasons to FALL in love with SEI Fiber. Get the speed you want at a price you can afford with no contacts or data caps. Visit www.seiremc.com or call 800-737-4111 to choose the speed package that’s right for you and preregister or sign up for fiber service today.

Severe winds, lightning and even squirrels can temporarily cause the power to go out. We understand power outages of any length can be frustrating, especially when your fridge is stocked with perishable foods. Extended power outages are rare, but when they occur, it’s important to understand food safety measures to take to avoid illness. Here are a few food safety tips to keep in mind before, during and after a power outage. Before an outage A good rule of thumb is to keep an emergency supply kit on hand. Be sure to include nonperishable food items like bottled water, powdered milk, canned goods, cereal and protein bars in your emergency kit. If you have advance warning that an outage is possible, fill a cooler with ice––just in case the outage spans several hours. Having a cooler ready to go can buy extra time for your refrigerated, perishable items. During an outage If an outage occurs, do not open the refrigerator or freezer unless absolutely necessary. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours. If it looks like the power outage will last longer than four hours, move your important perishable items to an ice-filled cooler. After an outage If refrigerated foods have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees for more than two hours, the American Red Cross recommends discarding the items. If any foods have an unusual color, odor or texture, they should be thrown away. While most perishable foods should be thrown out after an extended outage, there are a few items that are safe to consume after a two-hour exposure to 40+ degrees: hard cheeses that are properly wrapped butter or margarine that is properly wrapped taco, barbecue and soy sauces peanut butter, jelly, mustard, ketchup and relish The best way to avoid illness from spoiled food during or after an outage is to follow the four-hour rule of thumb. After an outage, always smell and inspect foods before consuming and remember: when in doubt, throw it out. To learn more about food safety after an emergency, visit www.ready.gov/food.

Reminder: Register to Vote for the 2022 General Election Make sure you register to vote in time for the 2022 general election! Did you know you must register to vote at least 29 days before an election? That means you need to register by Oct. 11 to vote in the general election Nov. 8. If you still need to register to vote or update your address, or would like to check your registration status, visit indianavoters.in.gov. This site can also help you find your polling location, review the ballot and get to know the candidates, as well as obtain absentee ballot information and other resources. More than 4.7 million Hoosiers have registered to vote. Make sure to join that list. Registering to vote is the first step in assuring your voice is heard on the local and national levels. As you evaluate the candidates and determine who to support, remember that elected officials play a very important role in ensuring your electric cooperative can continue providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Elected officials from the local level to the state, all the way up to Indiana’s Congressional delegation and even the president, have an impact on your local electric cooperative. You can help your local electric cooperative by backing candidates who support positive energy policies and assist the efforts of Indiana’s electric cooperatives to power the businesses and communities they serve. Let’s continue supporting candidates who support Indiana’s electric cooperatives as they are key partners in helping rural Indiana grow and thrive. Source: https://indianavoters.in.gov/ Supporting Democracy: Volunteer to Work the Polls Registering to vote and participating in an election are fundamental rights and privileges of living in a democracy. By registering to vote in the Nov. 8 general election, you are engaging in the heart of democracy and exercising your constitutional rights. Want to take it one step further? To further support your community, your country and democracy itself, you can volunteer to work the polls on Election Day. To work the polls, you must be a registered voter and a resident of the county in which you wish to work, and you must be at least 18 years old. Poll workers can earn up to $150 for their service, depending on the county. Our democracy depends upon individuals like you taking the initiative and responsibility to uphold our freedoms. If you would like to serve your community as a poll worker, contact your county election administrator or local party representative. Visit www.in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/work-the-polls/ to find out how to sign up. Source: https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/2674.htm Strengthening Indiana’s Election Security A new law has gone into effect to strengthen Indiana’s election security and integrity. HEA 1116 enhances security around absentee ballots and ensures by the next presidential election every Hoosier will cast a ballot on a voting machine with a paper audit trail. “This new law will ensure that as technology evolves and voter habits change Indiana remains a national leader in election security and integrity,” said Indiana Secretary of State Holli Sullivan. Under the new law, the current cybersecurity contract between the Secretary of State’s office and Indiana counties will be extended to 2028. This statewide cybersecurity system protects our elections infrastructure against targeted, nation-state level attacks 24 hours a day, proactively hunts for advanced threat behavior, and responds to critical attacks. Source: https://events.in.gov/event/secretary_of_state_holli_sullivans_election_integrity_bill_signed_into_law

Since September is National Preparedness Month— and because severe weather events seem to be occurring more frequently — consider planning for bad weather now before storms hit. Make sure you have enough food, water and supplies to last a few days and take other practical steps to keep you and your family safe. Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress and anxiety, and lessen the impact of an emergency event. Here are general guidelines recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency: Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include items like nonperishable food, water (one gallon per person, per day), diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, and phone chargers. Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends (i.e., via text, social media, third party, etc.). Have some extra cash available; during a power outage, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work. Store important documents (birth certificates, property deed, etc.) in a safe place away from home (for example, a bank safe deposit box). Keep neighbors and coworkers apprised of your emergency plans. Fill your car with gas. Organize your supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location that family members know about. Caring for vulnerable family members If you have older family members or those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for a few days. If they don’t live with you, arrange for a neighbor to check in on them. If a severe weather event is expected, consider having your relatives stay with you if feasible. Otherwise, call them daily. If you have an infant or young children, make certain that you have ample formula, diapers, medication and other supplies on hand to weather an outage lasting several days or more. Keeping four-legged family members safe For families with pets, having a plan in place in the event of a prolonged outage or an emergency will help reduce worry and stress. Bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or other emergency. Pets can become disoriented and frightened during severe weather and may wander off during an emergency. Microchip your pet and ensure the contact information is up to date. Store pet medical records on a USB drive or in an easy-to-remember location. Create an emergency kit for pets (include shelf-safe food, bottled water, medications and other supplies). At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we care about your safety. Planning for an emergency today can make it easier for you to deal with severe weather and potential outages in the future.

Be Safe Around Electricity When Moving Farm Equipment With the arrival of harvest time, Indiana’s farmers are shifting into high gear as they move into their fields to bring in their crops. All that increased activity puts farmers and farm workers at greater risk, warns Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “Combines and grain augers are large pieces of equipment,” says Linville. “People assume that everything will fit under the power lines, but that isn’t always the case. The biggest cause of electrocutions on farms is equipment accidentally touching power lines.” Here are some tips Southeastern Indiana REMC recommends for farmers to protect themselves and their workers: Always look up and around before moving or raising equipment. A good rule of thumb is to stay at least 30 feet from all power lines and power poles. Check clearances each time you enter or exit a field. It’s possible changes were made since the last time you accessed the field and the clearances could have changed. Never try to raise power lines to allow passage of tall equipment. Even non-metallic objects such as wood poles or branches can conduct electricity. Watch out for power poles, too. If you strike one, it may break, dropping a live line on your equipment. When considering the height of equipment, don’t forget about the radio antennas and GPS receivers that may reach another couple feet above the roof. Take the time to fully lower grain augers and other portable equipment before moving them. When moving equipment near power lines, have a spotter on hand to ensure your safety. If you’re not completely sure if equipment will fit under a power line, find an alternate way to move it. If you’re in equipment that touches power lines, stay in the cab and call for help. Tell others to stay away. In the rare case of a fire and you have to escape, jump clear of the equipment. Keep both feet together and shuffle at least 30 feet away. “Working the land has enough hazards in the work itself,” says Linville. “With care and planning, moving to and from the fields shouldn’t be one of them.” SOURCES: About.com, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Ozark Border Electric Cooperative, Powerlinesafety.info National Farm Safety and Health Week Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 18-24, 2022, to raise awareness of the importance of practicing and promoting safe work habits and conditions. Data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America. In 2019, there were 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. However, many injuries are preventable through education. Serious injuries and death can be prevented by cautiously approaching field adjustments or repairs, taking precautions to avoid slips and falls, making smart decisions while assigning tasks to youth, using and maintaining the slow moving vehicle emblem correctly, and retrofitting tractors with rollover structures. This annual promotion, the third week of September, initiated by the National Safety Council has been proclaimed as such by each U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council. Knowledge is power for farm safety Anyone who operates farm equipment and augers should be educated about safe operating procedures and hazards, including the possibility of coming in contact with electric lines. Your electric cooperative reminds you to be alert when you’re at work. Remember: Lower grain augers to a horizontal position before moving from location to location. Pay attention to where power lines are located before raising an auger into position. Check clearances each time you access a field. It’s possible changes were made since the last time you accessed the field and the clearances could have changed. Think safe, think 10 — the 10-foot rule, that is! When working with farm equipment or machinery, stay away from power lines at least 10 feet in every direction. If you need to work within 10 feet of an overhead power line, call your electric cooperative first.

How Fiber Internet Improves Education While you’re checking off the items on that back-to-school list, you might want to consider adding SEI Fiber to the list. Fast and reliable internet is an important part of your student’s education. It helps them download assignments, upload homework, and access resources. It also helps them connect with classmates and instructors and participate in off-site learning when necessary. Many textbooks are accessed online, which means that schools are investing in technology and equipment such as tablets and other devices that connect to the internet rather than replacing outdated textbooks. A fiber broadband connection helps these devices perform better. Many schools issue each student a tablet or chrome book for the schoolyear for the purpose of completing lessons and submitting assignments. Lessons are often supplemented by audio, video, and interactive elements that must be accessed online. These digital learning materials help students engage with the content on a deeper level, but without high-speed internet, these tools and resources cannot be accessed and utilized. Do your kids ever have to work on group projects? If you don’t have high-speed internet, you may become frustrated trying to schedule a time for the students to get together outside of the classroom to work on their project. With fiber internet, they can do a lot of the work online! Fiber internet is also helpful in speeding up the time it takes to complete homework after school. It helps them research and complete assignments quickly, so they can enjoy the evening with family and friends. We all want to give our children the best opportunity for success. An investment in fiber internet, is not just another item on the school supply list. It’s an investment in your child’s future. For more information about SEI Fiber, including price packages and installation details, visit www.seiremc.com or contact the member services department at 800-737-4111.

Some temptations are hard to resist. An example: the allure of that “ding” on your phone, alerting you to an incoming text or call. When you’re driving, you know you shouldn’t check your phone but, still, the curiosity is driving you crazy! You tell yourself that making an exception — just this once — won’t be a big deal. However, as much as you’d like to convince yourself otherwise, that one exception could be the most dangerous decision you’ll ever make. Why do we indulge in behavior we know to be wrong, dangerous and in many states, including Indiana, illegal? Blame it on excessive self-confidence. According to American Automobile Association research, most people feel they are better-than-average drivers. And, we reason, with our busy lives, we are certainly accustomed to multitasking. But mounds of research and thousands of deaths every year prove otherwise. August is Back to School Safety Month. As a new school year begins with young drivers and school buses back on the road, it’s a good time to be reminded of the dangers of distracted driving. Using a phone while driving creates enormous potential for injuries and fatalities. Distractions take a motorist’s attention off driving, which can make a driver miss critical events, objects and cues, potentially leading to a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of every 10 fatal crashes in the U.S. involves distracted driving, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths annually. This statistic is heartbreaking because so many of these accidents could easily be avoided if we’d simply put down our phones while driving. Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts our attention, including texting or talking on the phone, and adjusting the navigation or entertainment system. Texting is by far one of the most dangerous distractions. Sending or reading one text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Not only should you ignore your phone while driving, you can help keep the roads safe by moving over for first responders and other emergency vehicles. Additionally, if you see utility crews conducting work near the roadside, move over when possible and give them extra space to perform their work safely. At Southeastern Indiana REMC, safety is foremost in everything we do –– for our employees and the community members we serve. We routinely remind our crews of the dangers of distracted driving, and we hope you’ll have similar conversations with your teens who may be new to the roadways and are especially susceptible to the lure of technology. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on the roads. Remember: that text can wait. Waiting just might save a life.