When Ralphie Parker’s “old man” attempts to plug his “major award” — the infamous plastic leg lamp — into an overloaded wall outlet in the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” there first came a “snap of a few sparks” and the “whiff of ozone” before the lamp blazed forth in the living room front window…. Continue reading.
With the arrival of harvest time, Indiana’s farmers are shifting into high gear as they move into their fields to bring in their crops. The increased activity puts farmers and farm workers at greater risk, warns John Gasstrom, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Combines and grain augers are large pieces of equipment,” says Gasstrom. “People… Continue reading.
The use of drones has increased rapidly in the past several years. Coming in various sizes ranging from hummingbird to bald eagle, these remote-controlled aircraft are being used in a vast number of ways by government, industries, commercial enterprises and hobbyists. Electric utilities have come to rely on drones to help inspect power lines, including… Continue reading.
Nearby lightning strikes are most often associated with power surges in your home’s wiring that can damage electronics and appliances. But smaller power surges — voltage increases above the intended level in the flow of electricity — are far more common and can happen at any time of day, regardless of weather. Surge protectors are… Continue reading.
Summer vacation plans may still be in the “wait and see” stage, but when we’re ready to hit the road or air, take our advice: safety always matters. Just as it’s important to protect our health, remember other priorities: home security, road safety and vacation accommodation safety. Light’s on, but nobody’s home Don’t think you’re… Continue reading.
May is traditionally a big month for buying and selling homes. May is also National Electrical Safety Month. Your friends at your electric cooperative want to be sure that if you are buying a new home you don’t overlook the hidden system of wires that surrounds you in the home. “Curb appeal, location, floor plans,… Continue reading.
“Electricity and water don’t mix” is a safety rule we’ve all heard. But when flooding occurs in our home, the cautionary voices echoing in our mind can be drowned out by the swell of the stress and water. Don’t jump in and add a tragedy to the trauma. “Whenever there’s flooding, it’s human nature to… Continue reading.
Spring has sprung in the Hoosier state. It’s planting season for many of the state’s roughly 94,000 farmers. While you prepare to plant the crops that keep the world fed, Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind you to keep safety in mind — especially when working around electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety… Continue reading.
Charging a cell phone is something we all do every day. No big deal, right? Wrong. Take these familiar scenarios, for example: You need a new charger. So, you head to the nearest gas station and grab one at a discounted price. You typically charge your phone in the bathroom — using an unwieldy 10-foot… Continue reading.
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… Continue reading.
Picture this all too familiar scene: You walk into the living room after a long day at work and find your dog chewing on something (again). You ask him what he has in his mouth (like he’s going to answer you!). On most days, he’s chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. But this time,… Continue reading.
Tools aren’t just powered by electricity; they run on compressed air, hydraulics, belts or chain drives, too. Knowing the dangers these tools are capable of is the first step in keeping you and those around you safe. “Power tools possess a tremendous amount of energy and, if you use them, you must control that power,”… Continue reading.
What’s our favorite way to kick off Baby Safety Month? By taking a quick inventory of your home to be sure it’s electrically safe for your little ones! Whether you’ve recently welcomed your first baby, or you already have a full house, it’s vital to keep your home electrically safe for the little ones. Electrical… Continue reading.
