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811 Day reminds Hoosiers to call before you dig Aug. 11 is just one day a year, but Indiana Electric Cooperatives hopes the 8/11 date on the calendar will serve as a natural reminder for residents to call 811 any day of the year before a digging project. Every six minutes, an underground utility line is damaged somewhere in the United States because someone decided to dig without first calling 811. “811 Day reminds homeowners and professional contractors to make that call,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations. Calling 811 with your intent to dig will bring all the appropriate utilities out to mark the approximate locations of their buried lines with flags, spray paint or both. This is a free service. “Whether it’s electric, gas or water, you don’t want to accidentally dig into a buried utility,” Linville added. Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck, planting a tree and laying a patio are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting. Indiana requires two full working days’ advance notice to the 811 center or online before a digging project to give the utilities enough time to mark the approximate location of their underground utilities on your property (IC 8-1-26). Each utility will be marked in a specific color. The marks are valid for 20 days. Before you contact Indiana 811, you will need to know specific details about where you plan to dig, including the county, township, street address, nearest intersecting street and location on the property. You will also need the name and phone number of the person who will do the digging. It’s recommended you mark the designated area with white paint or flags, so the utilities know where you plan to excavate. “It really is the only way to know which utilities are buried where,” noted Linville. “And, after all, calling before you dig is the law.” Look out below! Overhead is not the only place electric power lines cross our yards or bring electric service to the meter on the house. In many suburban neighborhoods, buried power lines have become the norm. While this means there are no poles and wires running overhead to worry about, they still require special consideration: Underground power lines require those green boxes, called padmount transformers. Though it may be tempting to hide them with landscaping, please don’t. Your electric cooperative might have to open that equipment during a power outage or for routine maintenance. Keep shrubs and structures at least 12 feet from the “door” of the box, and at least three feet from the sides. If landscaping is too close, inadequate air circulation can cause equipment to overheat and fail. Plantings might have to be cut and removed. Keep the meter on your house visible and accessible, too. Never allow children to play on or around the pad-mounted transformers. They contain electrical equipment with high voltage inside. Do not plant near underground utility services. Tree roots can grow and interfere with underground pipes, cables and wires. Future repairs to these facilities also could damage the health and beauty of nearby plants and trees. Look out above! While you’re thinking of 811, don’t forget about overhead power lines when planning projects outside the home. Before raising a ladder to prune trees, clean out your gutters, paint, etc., always look around to make sure there are no overhead power lines. Always carry a ladder horizontally when moving it to avoid running into overhead power lines or losing your balance and having the ladder fall onto power lines. Keep ladders, other equipment and people at least 10-15 feet away from overhead power lines. Never approach power lines knocked down by storms or attempt to move broken limbs if they are touching power lines and call your electric cooperative.

Creating an electrical safety plan before you plant a tree Trees and power lines often coexist without problems. However, there are precautions to take when planting a tree. Not only do dangers lurk for the person planting the tree, nearby power lines and trees can be harmed as well. Trees growing too close to electrical lines are the primary cause of momentary short circuits and flickering lights. When it storms, tree limbs that are too close to power lines can knock the lines out completely and create a greater threat to your safety. Overhead utility lines are the easiest to see and probably the ones we take for granted most. Although these lines look harmless enough, they are extremely dangerous. Meanwhile, underground utility lines can be buried very close to the ground’s surface. That’s why it’s so important to call before you dig. “You can’t spell plant without a plan!” is what Southeastern Indiana REMC wants its DIY’ers to remember when landscaping. “Before you start planting, we encourage our consumers to call their local 811 call center at least a few working days, but no less than two full working days, before they start planting,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations. “Never assume the utility lines are buried deeper than you plan to dig.” Once you know where to plant to avoid underground utilities, find out where the prime planting spots away from overhead utility lines are. If you are planting a small tree that will grow no larger than 25 feet tall, planting it 25 feet away from power lines is a safe distance. If the tree is 25-40 feet tall, plant it 40 feet away from power lines. The bigger the tree, the farther it should be. So, if the tree is expected to grow more than 40 feet high, it should be planted 60 feet away from utility lines. Keeping trees away from these utility lines not only keeps you safe, it keeps the trees safe as well. Trees planted too close to underground lines can suffer root damage. Trees planted too close to overhead lines need regular pruning. Southeastern Indiana REMC works hard to provide you reliable electric service. You can help by following these few simple guidelines when managing the trees on your property. Being aware of these dangers and how to avoid them can keep you, your home and the trees safe. Tips for safely planting a tree Call 811 to have underground utilities marked at least a few working days, but no less than two full working days, before digging (IC 8-1-26). Knowing their locations helps you dig safely, and planting a safe distance away will help prevent damage from roots. Create a basic plan, or a sketched diagram, before you begin planting to avoid future troubles. Using the information from the underground utility locator service will be a big help in setting some guidelines. Consider a tree’s potential growth when choosing its location. If it’s expected to grow higher than 15 feet, choose a spot 25 to 50 feet away from utility lines and your home. Plant with energy savings in mind. Not only can you upgrade your landscape, you can decrease your energy use, too. Trees can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Just be sure you’re aware of power line location and avoid structural damage. Call your local cooperative if you need help trimming a tree away from power lines. This will keep you and everyone around you much safer. Understanding 811’s underground utility markings So you’ve called 811, the underground utility locator service, to mark the location of underground utilities before you start digging. You see each is marked with a specific color, but what do they represent? Red – electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables Yellow – natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable material Orange – telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit Blue – potable (drinking) water Green – sewers and drain lines Purple – reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines White – proposed excavation limits or route

The latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows the combined use of clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, small appliances and other electrical equipment (noted as "all other uses" below) accounts for the largest percentage of electricity consumption in American homes.

We spend a lot of time indoors. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the average person spends 90% of their life indoors. (I don’t know about you, but I suddenly have the urge to go for a long walk!) Additionally, our homes are becoming more energy efficient––they’re better insulated and sealed with less ventilation––which is great for our energy bills but not so much for our indoor air quality. The thought of breathing in pollutants can be scary, but the truth is, indoor air pollution is common and simply unavoidable. The good news is there are ways you can easily improve the air quality of your home. Here are five tips to help you breathe a little easier. Change your air filter often. Clogged, dirty filters reduce the amount of airflow and the HVAC system’s efficiency. When a filter becomes too clogged, the excess dirt and dust are sent through your air ducts, adding unnecessary allergens and other unwanted particles into your living space. During the cooling season (summer months), the Department of Energy recommends replacing your air filter every month or two. This is one of the easiest ways to promote better indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Regularly vacuum carpet and rugs––especially if you have furry friends. The cleaner the home, the healthier the home. Vacuuming carpet and area rugs once a week can greatly reduce the accumulation of pet dander and dust inside your home. Frequently clean other areas that collect dust, like drapes, bedding and cluttered areas. Use vents to remove cooking fumes. Those exhaust fans aren’t just for when you burn the bacon. Fans help remove fumes emitted while cooking and eliminate unwanted moisture and odors. They may be a bit noisy, but these handy tools can help you improve indoor air quality while you’re preparing that culinary masterpiece (or even a grilled cheese sandwich!). Get a handle on humidity. Summer months typically bring more humidity than we’d like, especially if you live in a high-humidity climate zone. Moisture in the air can carry bacteria and other unwanted particles that you eventually breathe in. Dehumidifiers work to remove that moisture from the air, reducing the amount of bacteria, mold and other allergens in your home. Incorporate air-purifying plants into your living space. There are several varieties of indoor plants that can help detoxify your home from dust and germs found in a variety of home products, furniture and other materials. A few low-maintenance, air-purifying plants to consider are snake plants, aloe vera plants and pothos plants (also known as Devil’s Ivy). These vibrant, lush plants are eye-catching and beneficial for any home. Remember to review care conditions and think about placement for any new plants you add to your home. Taking simple steps to purify indoor air can improve health and overall quality of life. With a little effort, you can improve the indoor air quality of your home and breathe a bit easier.

It’s no secret that consumers with a water, gas or electricity connection have long been targets for utility scams, but fraudsters have changed their tactics since the Covid-19 pandemic. As consumers became more reliant on technology for work, school and commerce, scammers noted these shifts and adapted their tactics to this changed environment. Imposter scams are the number one type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission. While scam artists may come to your door posing as a utility worker who works for the “power company,” in today’s more connected world, attempts are more likely to come through an electronic device, via email, phone or text. Common Types of Scams A scammer may claim you are overdue on your electric bill and threaten to disconnect your service if you don’t pay immediately. Whether this is done in-person, by phone, text or email, the scammers want to scare you into immediate payment so you don’t have time think clearly. If this happens over the phone, simply hang up. If you’re concerned about your bill, call us at 800-737-4111. Our phone number can also be found on your monthly bill and on our website, www.seiremc.com. If the scam is by email or text, delete it before taking any action. If you’re unsure, you can always contact us at 800-737-4111, or use the SmartHub app to check the status of your account. Some scammers may falsely claim you have been overcharged on your bill and say they want to give a refund. It sounds easy. All you have to do is click or press a button to initiate the process. If you proceed, you will be prompted to provide banking or other personal information. Instead of money going into your bank account, the scammers can drain your account and use personal information such as a social security number for identity theft. If this “refund” scam happens over the phone, just hang up and block the phone number to prevent future robocalls. If this scam attempt occurs via email (known as a “phishing” attempt) or by text (“smishing”), do not click any links. Instead, delete it, and if possible, block the sender. If you do overpay on your energy bill, Southeastern Indiana REMC will automatically apply the credit to your next billing cycle. When in doubt, contact us. Defend Yourself Against Scams Be wary of call or texts from unknown numbers. Be suspicious of an unknown person claiming to be a utility worker who requests banking or other personal information. Never let anyone into your home that you don’t know unless you have a scheduled appointment or reported a problem. Southeastern Indiana REMC employees wear co-op branded clothing and carry ID badges. When we perform work on our members’ property or come into your home, our employees are professionals and will always identify themselves. We want to help protect our community against utility scams, and you can help create the first line of defense. Please report any potential scams to us so we can spread the word to prevent others in the community from falling victim.

In almost every suburban neighborhood one can find one of those green boxes that are usually situated near the street between every other house. While they may seem like a well-positioned gathering place for kids, just the right height for sitting, they are no bench for the school bus stop. Nor are they a desk for last minute homework, a base for a game of kickball in the street, or a launching pad for acrobats tumbling in the grass. These pad-mount transformers are part of the electrical system for the buried power lines bringing electricity to each home. “The pad-mount transformers are the same as the transformers you see on utility poles. The only difference is they’re mounted on the ground because the wires are underground,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “They’re designed to be safer, with a locked metal case around the transformer and conduit around the wires, but they’re still an electrical transformer. Just inside each box is 7,200 volts of electricity.” Transformers lower high voltage from the distribution lines to standard 120/240 household current used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. Overhead systems are easy to see: the straight bare wires mounted tightly to a pole or crossarm are the distribution lines. Wires from the distribution line connect to the transformer, and the lower voltage from the transformer flows along the service line from the pole to each home. Underground, the system is the same with the encased distribution lines buried usually along the street or sidewalk and the service lines usually wired off from the pad-mount transformer to two homes. While ground transformers may have that outer casing around them, they lack the innate security of distance pole-top transformers and overhead power lines have. Their safety can be compromised by carelessness or by accident. “When they’re hit by vehicles or dug under, then they’ve been altered, which could present a potentially unsafe situation,” said Linville. Consumers should always use caution and keep a safe distance from ground transformers — which is why they are plainly marked with warnings. “Kids may not understand why they shouldn’t be on or near them. We hope parents will show them the warning stickers and tell them about the dangers of electricity,” said Linville. “The electrical equipment inside is designed to be safe, and people don’t have to be scared of it,” he said. “But it’s better to avoid the boxes altogether.” Safety around ground-mounted electrical equipment Here are some quick tips to ensure the safety around ground-mounted electrical equipment: Do not let children play on or near pad-mounted transformers. Never stick anything through cracks into the transformer box. Show kids the warning sticker on the box and teach them what it means. This way, they will know the importance of the sticker when they see it. Never paint or decorate transformers. The metal covers are assigned a specific color (usually green) so utility workers can easily identify them. Also, tampering with the box by painting it could impair the lock, the equipment itself or cover the warning signs. For safety, the pad-mounted transformer should always be locked and the warning signs visible. If you see a transformer that is unlocked or in need of repair, contact your electric cooperative immediately. Often, contact information will be on the transformer box itself. Underground power lines can extend in any direction from a pad-mount transformer. Never dig without calling 811 at least several days in advance of your planned digging. At no cost, all of your underground equipment and lines will be marked. Your electric utility needs at least 10 feet of clearance on the opening side to safely access the transformer. Allowing five feet of space on the other sides allows them space to maneuver away if a dangerous situation arises. Is it a jungle in your yard? Underground power lines require those green boxes to be placed on suburban lawns. Though it may be tempting to hide them with landscaping, please don’t. Your electric cooperative might have to open that equipment during a power outage or for routine maintenance. Also: Keep shrubs and structures at least 10-12 feet from the “door” of the pad-mounted transformer and at least three-five feet from the sides. If landscaping is too close and prevents adequate air circulation, equipment can overheat and fail. Plantings might have to be cut down to access the box. Don’t forget the meter on your house. It still needs to be visible and accessible, too.

Familiarize yourself with your home’s electrical system A lot of people won’t plug in their new TV or toaster without reading the instruction book at least once. But many will move into a new home without understanding the electrical system that makes everything work. Would you know how to trip the main circuit if someone was being shocked at an outlet somewhere? “Understanding how your home’s electrical system functions is important not only to keep it properly maintained, but for your safety if a problem arises,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “We ask all of our consumers to familiarize themselves with this equipment that keeps their homes running smoothly.” The electric cooperative handles the line portion of a consumer’s service, which includes everything up to and including the meter on the side of the house. Everything beyond that point is called the “load side.” Everything on the load side is the consumer’s responsibility. The meter measures the amount of electricity your home uses and determines your bill each month. Tampering with it is both extremely dangerous and illegal. You’ll find your electrical service panel inside your home. It keeps everything inside running. The service panel sends electricity to the light switches, outlets and appliances. If your electricity short circuits or an overload shuts down power, your service panel is where you will go to restore the flow. Circuit breakers help your home’s electrical system from overloading, thus preventing an electrical fire. (Homes built before 1965 may still use fuses.) The main breaker will cut all power to the home, and the individual circuit breakers administer power to individual parts of the home. If you look in your service panel, all of the circuits and what they power should be labeled. A couple times a year, try turning each breaker on and off. This helps familiarize you with each component of the box and will keep them from getting stuck. Homeowners should make sure no circuits are overloaded. A general rule when setting up your breakers is to have only one big ticket item on a circuit. That means you would not put your refrigerator and washing machine on the same circuit. If your circuits frequently overload, it may be time to contact an electrician to add more circuits to your service panel. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Boston Building Resources Resetting a Tripped Breaker Unplug or turn off appliances in the room. Find your main breaker panel and open the cover. Locate the tripped breaker. 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 continues, there may be more serious issues. Contact an electrician to identify the problem. Replacing Fuses Unplug or turn off appliances in the room. Find your main fuse panel and open the cover. Locate the blown fuse. Unscrew it. Match the replacement fuse with the amperage rating of the circuit. Never replace a fuse with one that has a larger amperage rating. This is a very dangerous practice and a serious fire hazard. Throw the blown fuse away. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International Electric lingo When you call an electrician to assist you with a problem, it’s helpful to know the lingo. Here are a few electrical terms to know: Electrical Service Panel: Distributes electricity to switches, outlets and appliances. This is where you can restore the flow to an overloaded circuit or shut down the power to the circuit. Fuse: Safety devices used to protect individual circuits installed in homes before 1965. Each time a fuse is blown it must be replaced. Circuit Breakers: Standard safety devices used to protect individual circuits. When a circuit is “tripped,” it just has to be manually reset to resume operating. Arc Fault: A dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated or stressed electrical wiring or devices. Arc Fault Circuit Interruptors (AFCIs): AFCIs are protective devices that replace standard circuit breakers in the electric service panel. AFCIs provide enhanced protection against additional fire hazards known as arc faults. Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs): A wall outlet that features an internal shutter mechanism. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

If you listen carefully, you can hear a quiet transformation happening. Electric appliances and equipment are becoming more popular than ever among consumers. Advancements in technology and battery power coupled with decreasing costs are winning over consumers looking for comparable utility and versatility. A bonus is that use of electric equipment is quieter and better for the environment. Inside the home, consumers and homebuilders alike are turning to electric appliances to increase energy efficiency and savings. Whether a traditional electric stove or an induction stove top, both are significantly more efficient than a gas oven. That’s because conventional residential cooking tops typically use gas or resistance heating elements to transfer energy with efficiencies of approximately 32% and 75% respectively (according to ENERGY STAR®). Electric induction stoves, which cook food without any flame, will reduce indoor air pollution and can bring water to a boil about twice as fast as a gas stove. Robotic vacuums are also gaining in popularity. Fortune Business Insights attributes the growth and popularity of robotic vacuums like Roomba to a larger market trend of smart home technology and automation (think Alexa directing a Roomba to vacuum). More tools and equipment with small gas-powered motors are being replaced with electric ones that include plug-in batteries. In the past few years, technology in battery storage has advanced significantly. Hand-held tools with plug-in batteries can hold a charge longer and offer the user the same versatility and similar functionality as gas-powered tools. For DIYers and those in the building trades, national brands such as Makita, Ryobi and Milwaukee offer electric versions of their most popular products like drills, saws, sanders and other tools. In addition to standard offerings, consumers can now purchase a wider array of specialty tools that plug-in such as power inverters, air inflaters and battery chargers. Keith Dennis, an energy industry expert and president of the Beneficial Electrification League notes that, “A few years back, the list of new electric product categories that were making their way to the market was limited––electric scooters, lawn mowers, leaf blowers and vehicles.” Today, the number of electric products available is exploding. “There are electric bikes, school buses, pressure washers, utility terrain vehicles, backhoes––even airplanes and boats,” says Dennis. “With the expansion of batteries and advancements in technology, we are seeing almost anything that burns gasoline or diesel as having an electric replacement available on the market.” A case in point is the increased use of electric-powered tools and equipment, with more national brands offering a wider selection including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers and snow blowers. The quality of zero- or low-emissions lawn equipment is also improving. Electric equipment also requires less maintenance, and often the biggest task is keeping them charged. In addition, electric equipment is quieter so if you want to listen to music or your favorite podcast while performing outdoor work, you can; something that wouldn’t be possible with gas-powered equipment. On the horizon, autonomous lawn mowers (similar to the robotic vacuum cleaners) will be seen dotting outdoor spaces. Another benefit of using electric appliances or equipment is that by virtue of being plugged into the grid, the environmental performance of electric devices improves over time. In essence, electricity is becoming cleaner through increases renewable energy generation, so equipment that uses electricity will have a diminishing environmental impact over time. Quite a hat trick––improving efficiency, quality of life and helping the environment.

licensed electrician can help with a variety of home projects from lighting upgrades to full renovations. Keep the following tips in mind if you’re looking to hire an electrician. Hire a licensed, qualified electrician for the job. Look for a master electrician to manage the project. Master electricians have the most experience and will often oversee the work of a journey-level electrician or apprentice. Make sure the electrician is insured. Seasoned electricians know the importance of protecting themselves in case of an accident. Read all the reviews. Hire an electrician that has several positive reviews – not just one or two. Read reviews on different sites, like Next door, Yelp and HomeAdvisor, and consider asking your neighbors for recommendations. Determine your budget. Get two quotes. Knowing your budget upfront helps move the process along. Prices can greatly vary, so get multiple quotes (at least two). Talk timeline. Some electricians accidentally overbook projects. If your job is time-sensitive, convey that early on and discuss a realistic timeline with the electrician.

Chad Hinesley Henry County REMC Line Superintendent Climbing the cooperative ladder The average worker will hold 10 different jobs before the age of 40 and a dozen throughout their careers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says. Chad Hinesley was right at that average. He held 10 different jobs by age 44. But how many “average workers” hold 10 different jobs without ever changing employers? “It’s been nice to be able to start at the bottom and have the opportunity to work my way up,” Hinesley said. Hinesley, now 46, is the line superintendent at Henry County REMC. He oversees 15 employees, planning the day-to-day work schedules including construction of new line, maintenance and upgrades. He started with the cooperative’s tree-trimming crew in 1996, not long after high school. That’s also when he started climbing on every rung of the “cooperative ladder.” When the cooperative, based in his hometown of New Castle, outsourced tree trimming, he was offered the chance to move to meter reading. When manual meter reading was phased out with new technology, he was offered the chance to become a groundman, a position that assists the journeymen linemen. When the cooperative had an opening for an apprentice lineman, often the next step for young groundmen, he applied and began the upward climb through the stages of apprenticeship until graduating to journeyman lineman. But he still wasn’t done. In 2017, he was recognized for his leadership skills and promoted to a line foreman, which added the responsibility of overseeing the crew members with whom he worked side-by-side. When the line superintendent at the cooperative retired, Hinesley took one more step, applying for and being promoted to that position. Hinesley said he’s never had a long-range plan for his career, but when opportunities came along, he wasn’t afraid to take the next step up. Each previous position helped prepare him for the next, he said. And, after becoming a lineman, his career has been one continuous “on-the-job, hands-on training.” Though most workers change jobs and employers a dozen times throughout their career, at Indiana’s electric cooperatives, employees find not just new opportunities but are encouraged to move up — without ever having to move out. CAREER SUMMARY Chad Hinesley took a tree-trimming job at his REMC when he hired on in 1996, making sure the power lines stayed clear of snags and limbs. Twenty-six years and 10 steps up later, he’s climbed cooperative ladder to line superintendent. TIMELINE February 1996 — Hired as Tree Trimmer. Hired at Henry County REMC. Worked with crews keeping rights-of-way clear. 1998 — Moved to Meter Reading. Manually read consumer meters for billing. 2000 — Moved to Groundman. Assisted line crews. 2001 — Started Apprentice Lineman Program. Moved through the four years of on-the-job and classroom training. 2005 — Earned Journeyman Lineman Status. 2017 — Promoted to Line Foreman. November 2020 — Promoted to Line Superintendent. Oversees and manages 15 employees, plans line construction, maintenance, upgrades, and more.

Storm season is in full swing. Many summer storms have the potential to produce tornadoes––they can happen anytime, anywhere, and can bring winds over 200 miles per hour. In April, a video of NBC Washington chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer went viral. During a live broadcast, Kammerer called his teenage son to warn him of a tornado that was headed straight for their home. Knowing the kids were likely playing video games and not paying attention to the weather, he told them to head straight to the basement. Kammerer debated if he should call his family on-air, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Luckily, the kids made it safely through the storm. As adults, we understand the importance of storm safety, but younger children and teens may not realize the dangers storms pose. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your family and have a storm plan in place. Here are a several tips you can share with your loved ones. Before the Storm Talk to your family about what to do in the event of a severe storm or tornado. Point out the safest location to shelter, like a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of your home. Discuss the dangers of severe thunderstorms; lightning can strike 10 miles outside of a storm. Remember: when you hear thunder roar, head indoors. Make a storm kit. It doesn’t have to be elaborate––having a few items on hand is better than nothing at all. Try to include items like water, non-perishable foods, a manual can opener, a First-Aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, prescriptions, baby supplies and pet supplies. Keep all the items in one place for easy access if the power goes out. During the Storm Pay attention to local weather alerts––either on the TV, your smartphone or weather radio––and understand the types of alerts. A thunderstorm or tornado watch means these events are possible and you should be prepared; a warning means a thunderstorm or tornado has been spotted in your area and it’s time to take action. If you find yourself in the path of a tornado, head to your safe place to shelter, and protect yourself by covering your head with your arms or materials like blankets and pillows. If you’re driving during a severe storm or tornado, do not try to outrun it. Pull over and cover your body with a coat or blanket if possible. After the Storm If the power is out, conserve your phone battery as much as possible, limiting calls and texts to let others know you are safe or for emergencies only. Stay off the roads if trees, power lines or utility poles are down. Lines and equipment could still be energized, posing life-threatening risks to anyone who gets too close. Wear appropriate gear if you’re cleaning up storm debris on your property. Thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves will help protect you from sharp or dangerous debris left behind. Summer is a time for many fun-filled activities, but the season can also bring severe, dangerous weather. Talk to your loved ones about storm safety so that everyone is prepared and knows exactly what to do when a storm strikes.

With proper use and maintenance, generators provide great convenience during a power outage. Before you purchase a generator, determine your backup power needs to select the right size. Make a list of essential appliances and devices you’ll want to power during an outage, then total the required wattage. RECOMMENDED IF YOU... ... rarely lose power. Recreational Inverter Up to 2,000 watts Lightweight, about 60 pounds Quiet, easy to store Power: fridge and a few smaller items (i.e. lamp, phone charger and home security system) Midsized Inverter Up to 3,500 watts Weighs up to 150 pounds Power: fridge, laptop, five to 10 lights, phone charger, home security system and 10K BTU air conditioner ... occasionally lose power. Transfer switch required. Portable Generators and Large Inverters Up to 7,500 watts Weighs about 300 pounds Power: fridge, gas furnace, 10K BTU air conditioner, dishwasher, multiple lights, TV, laptop and more Ability to connect to home’s breaker panel ... frequently lose power. Transfer switch required. Home Standby Up to 20,000 watts Must be permanently installed; starts automatically during outage Power: nearly all home appliances and electronics (simultaneously) Can run indefinitely on natural gas or propane Recommended if you frequently lose power. SAFETY FIRST! Let us know if you purchase a generator that you plan to connect to an electric panel. Improperly installed generators can create back feed, which is dangerous to our crews and the community. Before using the generator, disconnect the normal source of power coming into your home/business. Never operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Disclaimer: Please note safety requirements may differ based on the type of generator you purchase. Thoroughly read the operator’s manual and know how to shut off the generator quickly. Source: Consumer Reports