ELECTRIC NOTES

CHANGE SEASONS SAFELY

As the leaves change to their beautiful autumn hues and the weather gets colder, keep in mind the following electrical safety tips:

• Make sure space heaters are in good repair and certified by an independent testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Also check that power cords are not frayed, cracked or cut.

• Do not use an extension cord to power a space heater. Plug directly into the electrical outlet. Make sure the circuit can handle the power demands of the space heater and any other appliances plugged into it.

• Space heaters should have an automatic shut-off in the event they tip over.

• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable materials such as curtains, draperies, loose paper and upholstery. Never use heaters as drying racks.

• Keep space heaters out of reach of small children and pets.

• If the heater is running on fuels such as gas, kerosene or wood, follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed. Keep chimneys and flues free from corrosion or blockages.

• Check to see if electric blankets are in good repair and certified by an independent testing lab like UL. Do not tuck your electric blanket under the mattress and don’t put anything on top of the blanket. Do not allow pets to sleep on electric blankets.

• Check cold-weather tools, like leaf blowers, to ensure power cords are in good repair. Extension cords need to be approved for outdoor use.

• Use only weatherproof electrical appliances for outdoor activities.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

DON’T FALL FOR COLLECTION SCAMS

Electric cooperatives across the country are reporting that scam artists are targeting members with phone calls in which the caller purports to be from the co-op, demanding payments, account numbers, Social Security numbers or credit card numbers. Don’t fall for it. Your electric cooperative will NEVER call seeking such information. In fact, you should NEVER give such information out over the telephone to ANYONE who calls.

Electric Co-op Today, a national newsletter published by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), reported recently about another scam, in which callers allude to the federal stimulus program for energy efficiency and encourage people to give their information to “apply” for a grant. Those calls are most likely just another attempt to steal personal information.

NRECA Senior Corporate Counsel Tracey Steiner, who tracks consumer protection legal issues, told Electric Co-op Today, “In today’s economy, it’s not surprising that we are seeing an uptick in identity theft and other fraud schemes.”

If you receive a call from someone claiming to represent your electric cooperative, ask for the individual’s name and callback number. Contact your co-op and report any such calls. You should also report scam attempts to local authorities.

Once scammers have your personal information, they can use it to set up fake accounts in your name or sell it to someone who could use it to defraud you. Don’t be a victim.

IT’S TIME TO FALL BACK

Sunday, November 1, marks the start of standard time in the United States. Remember to “fall back” by setting your clocks back one hour before going to bed. And take the opportunity to change the battery in your smoke detector.

POWER TIP

Only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are properly insulated.

You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing heating and cooling needs up to 10 percent by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

STAY CLEAR!
A downed power line may not be a dead line. It could cause serious injury or death.

Follow these tips from your local electric cooperative to stay safe:

• Assume all power lines are energized and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized could become energized at any time.

• Never touch a downed power line! And never touch a person or object that is touching a power line.

• If someone is injured as a result of contact with electric current, do not try to assist him or her. You could be injured or killed. Call 911.

• If a power line falls across your vehicle while you are in it, stay inside until help arrives.

• Call 911 immediately to report a downed power line. Then call your local co-op.