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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

We do our best to avoid them, but there’s no way around it: power outages occasionally happen. For most Southeastern Indiana REMC members, outages are rare and only last a few hours. But when major storms, like Winter Storm Landon, impact our area, extended outages are unavoidable. So when the power goes out, how do SEIREMC crews know where to start working? How do you know if your outage has been reported? We’ve got answers to these questions and more, and it all starts with a safe, efficient plan for power restoration. When the lights go out and it’s safe for our crews to begin the restoration process, they start by repairing power lines and equipment that will restore power to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible. This process typically begins with repairs to the larger main distribution lines that service a great number of homes and businesses. After those repairs are made, crews work on tap lines, which deliver power to transformers, either mounted on utility poles (for above-ground service) or placed on pads (for underground service). Finally, individual service lines that run between the transformer and the home are repaired. We can’t control the weather, but we can prepare for it. SEIREMC keeps a supply of extra utility poles, transformers and other equipment on hand so we can quickly get to work in the event of an outage. When widespread outages occur, multiple crews will be out in the field simultaneously working to repair damage at multiple locations. We also coordinate with nearby co-ops to bring in additional crews when necessary. A proactive approach to maintenance helps minimize the chance of prolonged outages; this is why you see SEIREMC crews periodically trimming trees and clearing vegetation near rights-of-way. We love trees too, but it only takes one overgrown limb to knock out power for an entire neighborhood. Trimming improves power reliability for our entire community. In addition to managing vegetation, we regularly inspect utility poles, power lines and other critical equipment to maintain a more reliable system. If you experience a power outage, don’t assume a neighbor reported it. It’s best to report the outage yourself, and we make it easy to do. The quickest way to report an outage is through SmartHub; you can also call our outage reporting number at (812) 689-4111 or (800) 737-4111. If you have a medical condition that requires electrical equipment, please let us know, and always have a backup plan in place. This plan could include a portable generator, extra medical supplies or moving to an alternate location until power is restored. If you plan to use a generator for backup power, read all safety information and instructions before use. Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but as a member of SEIREMC, you can feel confident knowing we’re standing by, ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

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

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

Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 11. You’ve likely noticed Southeastern Indiana REMC’s crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community. It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough––but it’s a job that’s essential and must be done, often in challenging conditions. Here are some interesting facts about electric lineworkers. The work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds? That’s the same as carrying six gallons of water. Speaking of utility poles, lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall. Needless to say, if you have a fear of heights, this likely isn’t the career path for you. Lineworkers must be committed to their career––because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Lineworkers often work non-traditional hours, outdoors in difficult conditions. While the job does not require a college degree, it does require technical skills, years of training and hands-on learning. Did you know that to become a journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training (or about four years)? That’s because working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and an ongoing mental toughness. Shortcuts are not an option, and there is no room for error in this line or work. Despite the many challenges, SEIREMC’s lineworkers are committed to powering our local community. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly, and they don’t return until the job is done, often days later. That’s why the lineworker’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community. Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers. Here in southeastern Indiana, SEIREMC has 25 lineworkers that are responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. To do this, they maintain 3,244 miles of power lines across seven counties. In addition to the highly visible tasks lineworkers perform, their job today goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away. Line crews now use laptops, tablets, drones and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems. Being a lineworker may not seem like a glamorous job, but it is absolutely essential to the life of our community. Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life. So, the next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Afterall, lineworkers are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them on April 11, and follow “#ThankALineworker” on social media to see how others are recognizing lineworkers.

Give line crews lots of room: It’s the law Spring has arrived with its profusion of color: whites and pinks … and orange — as in the orange of work zones. The National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11-15 to remind motorists to be careful around those men and women whose jobs put them along the roadways and into harm’s way. But not all work zones are for road repair. Indiana’s electric cooperatives note utility crews also work along the roadsides to build, repair and maintain the highway of electric power lines. Sometimes, crews can be around the next corner or just over the hill — day or night. “While routine line work is done during daylight hours, emergencies happen at any time,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “We want to remind motorists our crews can be out working at all hours. Please be careful when you see warning signs and flaggers.” When motorists see the orange diamond-shaped work zone warning signs and vehicles with the flashing amber lights, they should slow down and prepare for the zone ahead. Indiana law requires motorists to approach cautiously and change lanes away from the emergency vehicles if they can do so safely. If not, they should reduce their speed to 10 mph under the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. Motorists should not stop in the roadway; this may cause a chain reaction rear-end collision with other vehicles. Emergency vehicles protected by the law include: Police vehicles Ambulances Fire trucks and rescue equipment Highway incident-response vehicles Highway maintenance vehicles Utility service vehicles Tow trucks Violating the law can result in a fine and a suspended license. Steeper penalties, including jail time, are enforced for infractions within highway work zones. Though move-over laws are only for emergency vehicles, drivers should always be courteous to those parked on the shoulder. Give them room to safely repair their vehicles and help prevent tragedies. “Working on energized power lines at all hours and in all kinds of weather is dangerous enough for lineworkers,” added Brandon Linville. “Please don’t make it more dangerous by speeding so closely by them.” Sources: Indiana State Police, Workzonesafety.org, moveoverlaws.com Slow down driving through work zones — it’s the law! The Indiana Work Zone Safety Law sets steep penalties for driving infractions within highway work zones. Here are the consequences if you’re caught breaking the law: First time citations for speeding in a work zone result in a $300 fine. The fine increases to $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense within three years. Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through a work zone face fines up to $5,000. Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may end up paying a $10,000 fine and serving up to six years behind bars. Source: www.in.gov Tips for driving safely in work zones Pay attention and expect the unexpected. Work zone configurations can change without notice. Don’t text or talk on the phone and avoid taking your hands off the wheel. Watch for speed limit reductions, narrowing lanes, changing traffic patterns, and – most importantly – highway workers. Respect the posted speed limits and safely merge as soon and as safely possible. This will allow traffic to flow smoothly. Keep in mind: driving 45 mph, instead of 55 mph, through a 5-mile work zone will only add 1.2 minutes to your trip. Speeding and aggressive driving are major causes of work zone crashes. Keep a safe distance on all sides of your vehicle, and maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash. Respect the flaggers and obey their guidance. Be patient when driving through work sites with flagger control. Pay attention to the road signs. Those signs are carefully selected to give drivers accurate information and important warnings. Expect delays and allow extra travel time to travel through work zones. Select alternate routes if possible to avoid the work zone completely.

Spring into safety on the farm Planting season is here for many of the state’s roughly 94,000 farmers. While you prepare to plant the crops that help feed the world, 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 to keep in mind: Make sure farm equipment like planter arms and sprayers safely clear overhead power lines. This tall equipment can easily become entangled in power lines and pose an electrocution risk. Keep a minimum of a 10-foot distance from power lines in all directions. Consider asking your electric cooperative to move overhead lines around buildings or frequently used pathways. It's also a good idea to re-check any field access points for proper clearance before entering in case something has changed since the last time you were in a field. Keep a safe distance from power poles and guy wires when working the land or planting crops. Contact 911 immediately if your equipment comes into contact with a guy wire or power pole. Do not try to fix it yourself. If your farm equipment comes in contact 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 such as fire, 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. Make sure full-time and seasonal farm workers are educated to stay safe on the farm. Each worker should be aware of the dangers and use proper safety procedures. Southeastern Indiana REMC stresses the importance of staying safe around electricity this planting season. It could save a life. 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 Spring into farm electrical safety: Know what to do if electrical contact occurs With farmers returning to the field for planting season, Southeastern Indiana REMC offers reminders about the dangers of power lines. If you’re inside the equipment when it 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, it’s best to stay where you are until help arrives. If you must get out of the equipment because of a life-threatening reason, don’t touch the equipment 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 equipment, 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 equipment. Call 911 and ensure no bystanders come within 40 feet of equipment. Once away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment. If you’re outside the equipment when you notice a farmer who comes in contact with a downed power line: Stay at least three tractor lengths away. Tell the person on the equipment to stay where he or she is. Call 911 and ensure no bystander moves within 40 feet of the equipment. Helpful tips to stay safe on the farm this spring Farms can be the perfect arena for an electrical accident. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 62 farm workers are electrocuted each year in the U.S. Here are helpful safety tips: Make sure to keep equipment 10 feet clear of overhead power lines in all directions. Install waterproof and dustproof electrical boxes and outlets on the farm. Keep equipment a safe distance from power poles and guy wires. Educate farm workers on the dangers of electricity and proper safety procedures.