Here's a story out of the Charleston (WVa) Daily Mail that paints a not-so-pretty picture of what can happen when people starting messing with power lines.
Usually when we talk about safety related to power lines, we focus on keeping children away while they are playing, or making sure you know what to do if you come around power lines down on the ground.
In this story, the unlucky fellow was not only a victim of his own stupidity but suffered the most severe punishment for a criminal act.: Deputies say a Logan County man was electrocuted after he tried to take grounding cable from a utility pole.
Losing your life for a few dollars of copper wire doesn't seem like a fair trade.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Memorial Day weekend, Primary Tuesday and a whole lot more (coming soon)
It has been a while since the blog was updated, and we apologize. Special projects and conferences have filled the calendar in recent weeks. When we get back to work on Tuesday, June 1, get ready for a steady update on lots of issues via the blog, Twitter and Cullman EC's facebook page.
Before you head off to start your holiday weekend celebration, out CEO, Grady Smith, shared this important message with all employees this afternoon that is important for all of us to remember...
Both the Democrat and Republican Primaries will be held on Tuesday June 1. More important than your political persuasion is your participation in the political process.
Many of our fellow citizens, past and present, have fought so we can continue to live in a country where we have the freedom to get out and vote. Monday is Memorial Day. It is a day where we honor the service of those gave it all to preserve the freedoms we continue to enjoy. One way to honor those that made the supreme sacrifice is to get out and vote on Tuesday.
To learn more about the candidates running in Tuesday's election go to www.alabamavotes.gov. You can print a sample ballot for each party primary in each Alabama county.
Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day.
Grady Smith
Before you head off to start your holiday weekend celebration, out CEO, Grady Smith, shared this important message with all employees this afternoon that is important for all of us to remember...
Both the Democrat and Republican Primaries will be held on Tuesday June 1. More important than your political persuasion is your participation in the political process.
Many of our fellow citizens, past and present, have fought so we can continue to live in a country where we have the freedom to get out and vote. Monday is Memorial Day. It is a day where we honor the service of those gave it all to preserve the freedoms we continue to enjoy. One way to honor those that made the supreme sacrifice is to get out and vote on Tuesday.
To learn more about the candidates running in Tuesday's election go to www.alabamavotes.gov. You can print a sample ballot for each party primary in each Alabama county.
Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day.
Grady Smith
Friday, April 23, 2010
First big storm system of the spring coming Saturday
The National Weather Service is predicting a stormy day for the southeastern U.S. on Saturday, and particularly for North Alabama. This was part of the Tennessee Valley Authority weather advisory that was sent to co-ops Friday morning:
"A significant outbreak of tornadoes is possible Saturday and Saturday night across the service territory along the I 65 corridor eastward to the Appalachians. Another update with more specifics on Saturday will be issued this afternoon."
The updated advisory on Friday afternoon hasn't changed, indicating the storm system on Saturday will be capable of producing a widespread outbreak of tornadoes with potential strong to violent long track storms.
If we should experience storm damage and power outages, here are a few reminders:
1. To report an outage, call 256.737.3201 or 1.800.242.1806. If you follow the instructions, your outage will be automatically recorded and reported to our dispatch center.
2. If you have a weather radio, make sure it is turned on throughout the day and have batteries ready.
3. Flashlight & batteries
4. Be sure you have a storm emergency plan for your family.
We will keep you updated throughout the day via Facebook and Twitter, so be sure to follow us on either one or both if you are not doing so already.
"A significant outbreak of tornadoes is possible Saturday and Saturday night across the service territory along the I 65 corridor eastward to the Appalachians. Another update with more specifics on Saturday will be issued this afternoon."
The updated advisory on Friday afternoon hasn't changed, indicating the storm system on Saturday will be capable of producing a widespread outbreak of tornadoes with potential strong to violent long track storms.
If we should experience storm damage and power outages, here are a few reminders:
1. To report an outage, call 256.737.3201 or 1.800.242.1806. If you follow the instructions, your outage will be automatically recorded and reported to our dispatch center.
2. If you have a weather radio, make sure it is turned on throughout the day and have batteries ready.
3. Flashlight & batteries
4. Be sure you have a storm emergency plan for your family.
We will keep you updated throughout the day via Facebook and Twitter, so be sure to follow us on either one or both if you are not doing so already.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Nuclear energy will have to play a major part in meeting our future energy needs
Ran across a good guest column in the Seattle Times, discussing the energy future of our country and the role nuclear power will have to play.
Visit The Seattle Times website to read the whole column, but the following excerpt has several highlighted portions that stood out:
"Those who haven't been monitoring the industry's progress since a partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979 might think all of the attention is unwarranted. But a lot has changed since then. Importantly, there hasn't been a single serious safety lapse, thanks to improved safety measures and regulations.
"Meanwhile, our nation's energy demand has soared, and it's projected to surge another 23 percent by 2030. Nuclear energy is in a prime position to deliver that payload — and in an environmentally responsible way.
"As Obama is fully aware, nuclear energy quietly powers one out of every five U.S. homes and businesses. But because nuclear plants produce virtually no carbon emissions, they contribute a disproportionate amount of our emissions-free electricity — nearly 75 percent. No other electricity source comes even close.
"Some of the industry's critics maintain that every dollar spent on nuclear energy is a dollar taken away from truly renewable sources such as solar or wind. The problem with these "either-or" comparisons is that even under the rosiest of scenarios for our future electricity supplies, our country is going to need "all of the above" when it comes to meeting our surging energy demand.
"In fact, a recent Energy Information Administration analysis concluded that the nation will need to double its reliance on nuclear energy by 2030 to keep consumer costs down and meet the emissions goals established in the House's Waxman-Markey climate bill."
Visit The Seattle Times website to read the whole column, but the following excerpt has several highlighted portions that stood out:
"Those who haven't been monitoring the industry's progress since a partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979 might think all of the attention is unwarranted. But a lot has changed since then. Importantly, there hasn't been a single serious safety lapse, thanks to improved safety measures and regulations.
"Meanwhile, our nation's energy demand has soared, and it's projected to surge another 23 percent by 2030. Nuclear energy is in a prime position to deliver that payload — and in an environmentally responsible way.
"As Obama is fully aware, nuclear energy quietly powers one out of every five U.S. homes and businesses. But because nuclear plants produce virtually no carbon emissions, they contribute a disproportionate amount of our emissions-free electricity — nearly 75 percent. No other electricity source comes even close.
"Some of the industry's critics maintain that every dollar spent on nuclear energy is a dollar taken away from truly renewable sources such as solar or wind. The problem with these "either-or" comparisons is that even under the rosiest of scenarios for our future electricity supplies, our country is going to need "all of the above" when it comes to meeting our surging energy demand.
"In fact, a recent Energy Information Administration analysis concluded that the nation will need to double its reliance on nuclear energy by 2030 to keep consumer costs down and meet the emissions goals established in the House's Waxman-Markey climate bill."
Friday, April 16, 2010
Speaking of Energy Star...
Some people might have heard the story recently about Energy Star taking one on the chin after an undercover investigation found that a bunch of bogus products and companies were able to receive Energy Star status or certification.
Ouch.
The reason the report really stings is that Energy Star has worked very hard over the past several decades to earn the brand recognition as the premiere stamp-of-approval for energy efficiency. Energy Star products usually cost a little more, but consumers make up that difference in the money they save on their electric bill (and for some people, it also comes with the warm, fuzzy feeling of helping conserve natural resources and save the environment). No matter what the reason, Energy Star's credibility took a major hit. No point in spending extra on that fancy energy-efficient refrigerator if it's not really saving me any money each month, is there?
So, changes have been made to ensure this type of silly business doesn't happen again in the future.
Here is the official Energy Star press release for your reading pleasure.
Ouch.
The reason the report really stings is that Energy Star has worked very hard over the past several decades to earn the brand recognition as the premiere stamp-of-approval for energy efficiency. Energy Star products usually cost a little more, but consumers make up that difference in the money they save on their electric bill (and for some people, it also comes with the warm, fuzzy feeling of helping conserve natural resources and save the environment). No matter what the reason, Energy Star's credibility took a major hit. No point in spending extra on that fancy energy-efficient refrigerator if it's not really saving me any money each month, is there?
So, changes have been made to ensure this type of silly business doesn't happen again in the future.
Here is the official Energy Star press release for your reading pleasure.
A great weekend for window shopping
If you have been seriously considering a major home appliance purchase (clothes washer, refrigerator, dish washer, freezer, room air conditioner), now is the time to get serious.
If you have ever thought about upgrading from your old appliances to newer, energy efficient models, now might be the right time.
Starting Monday, April 19, The State of Alabama will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. The program is scheduled to begin April 19, 2010 and will run for three weeks. If funds remain after this initial program, the state may hold a second rebate period in October 2010 during Energy Awareness Month.
The state has $4.4 million in rebate money available. When it's gone, it's gone. The money is part of the federal stimulus package. Some states have already started their appliance rebate program, and Alabama is about jump on board.
Here are the general guidelines and rebates available:
Air Conditioners (Room) — $25
Clothes Washers — $100
Dishwashers — $75
Freezers — $50
Refrigerators — $150
Of course, the appliances have to be ENERGY STAR® qualified to get the rebate
So, spend some time this weekend checking out what's on the market, and head back to the stores on Monday once the rebate program has started.
Here is a link to the official web site.
If you have ever thought about upgrading from your old appliances to newer, energy efficient models, now might be the right time.
Starting Monday, April 19, The State of Alabama will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. The program is scheduled to begin April 19, 2010 and will run for three weeks. If funds remain after this initial program, the state may hold a second rebate period in October 2010 during Energy Awareness Month.
The state has $4.4 million in rebate money available. When it's gone, it's gone. The money is part of the federal stimulus package. Some states have already started their appliance rebate program, and Alabama is about jump on board.
Here are the general guidelines and rebates available:
Air Conditioners (Room) — $25
Clothes Washers — $100
Dishwashers — $75
Freezers — $50
Refrigerators — $150
Of course, the appliances have to be ENERGY STAR® qualified to get the rebate
So, spend some time this weekend checking out what's on the market, and head back to the stores on Monday once the rebate program has started.
Here is a link to the official web site.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
House fire a painful reminder of space heater dangers
Most people in Cullman County have, by now, heard news of the house fire this past weekend in which four area residents died.
Reports have come out saying that officials believe the blaze was started by a space heater in a bedroom that was too close to a bed.
Use Your Space Heater Safely
Many people turn to space heaters—both electric models and those powered by kerosene or even wood— as a convenient source of warmth in winter months. However, space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires. In addition, an estimated 6,000 people annually receive hospital emergency care for burn injuries connected with space heaters.
Space heater hazards stem not just from fires caused by contact with or close proximity to heating elements. They also include fires started by flammable fuels used in the heaters; defective wiring in the appliance; and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper venting or an incomplete combustion of fuels.
Here are some tips for using your electric space heater safely:
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, or bedspreads.
• Select a space heater with a guard around the heating element.
• When buying a heater, choose one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing institution such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Buy a heater that can handle the area that you want to heat.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never go to sleep with a space heater on.
• Never use or store flammable liquids near a space heater.
• Do not use a heater in a bathroom–it’s a high-moisture area that could cause damage.
• Keep heaters away from water to prevent electrocution.
• Do not use an extension cord with a space heater.
• Do not use the heater to dry clothes.
• Be sure the heater’s plug fits snugly in an outlet. The cord and plug may feel warm when operating since the unit draws so much power, but they should not feel hot. If they do, unplug the heater and have a qualified repair person check for problems.
• Do not attempt to repair a broken heater yourself. It should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.
For additional safety tips on using space heaters that use wood or kerosene, visit the CPSC’s Web site.
Reports have come out saying that officials believe the blaze was started by a space heater in a bedroom that was too close to a bed.
Use Your Space Heater Safely
Many people turn to space heaters—both electric models and those powered by kerosene or even wood— as a convenient source of warmth in winter months. However, space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires. In addition, an estimated 6,000 people annually receive hospital emergency care for burn injuries connected with space heaters.
Space heater hazards stem not just from fires caused by contact with or close proximity to heating elements. They also include fires started by flammable fuels used in the heaters; defective wiring in the appliance; and carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper venting or an incomplete combustion of fuels.
Here are some tips for using your electric space heater safely:
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, or bedspreads.
• Select a space heater with a guard around the heating element.
• When buying a heater, choose one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing institution such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Buy a heater that can handle the area that you want to heat.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Never leave a space heater unattended.
• Never go to sleep with a space heater on.
• Never use or store flammable liquids near a space heater.
• Do not use a heater in a bathroom–it’s a high-moisture area that could cause damage.
• Keep heaters away from water to prevent electrocution.
• Do not use an extension cord with a space heater.
• Do not use the heater to dry clothes.
• Be sure the heater’s plug fits snugly in an outlet. The cord and plug may feel warm when operating since the unit draws so much power, but they should not feel hot. If they do, unplug the heater and have a qualified repair person check for problems.
• Do not attempt to repair a broken heater yourself. It should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center.
For additional safety tips on using space heaters that use wood or kerosene, visit the CPSC’s Web site.
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