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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

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.

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

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.

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)

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.

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