Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation across western North Carolina in late September, leaving thousands without power.
Not many workers are still on the job at nearly 75 years young, but Willie Wiredhand isn't your ordinary employee. Willie is the longtime mascot of America's Rural Electric Cooperatives, and he's been working hard for us since 1950.
Misleading claims of no electric bill. False promises of free solar panels or tax rebate checks. Posing as an electric cooperative representative or co-op partner.
These are some of the deceptive practices that co-ops and the federal government are warning consumers about under a growing number of residential solar scams.
Do you have a second refrigerator in your garage or basement? If so, it's got plenty of company. About 34% of American households have a second refrigerator, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, a number that's more than doubled over the last 20 years.
That's not cool when you consider that many of these devices are 10 years old or older, and very inefficient by today's standards. While technology advances have made today's refrigerators more efficient than ever, the growing trend of homeowners buying a new model and keeping the old is negating those efficiency gains.
Outdoor grilling is a popular summer activity. It's a great way to cook flavorful meals and spend time with friends and family.
However, if not treated carefully, grills can be dangerous. Fire departments across the country respond to an average of 9,600 home fires a year involving grills, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Leading causes of grill fires are a failure to clean, having the grill too close to something flammable and leaving the grill unattended.
May is National Electrical Safety Month, which is held every year to raise awareness about the importance of using electricity safely. While the electric service in your home is generally safe and reliable, it can be dangerous if used improperly. Follow these tips to keep your home and family safe.
Keep the Poison Help phone number— 1-800-222-1222 — handy in case of an emergency, and immediately call your local poison center at 800-222-1222 if you think you or someone you know has been poisoned.
Make sure raw meats, eggs and poultry are properly stored and fully cooked to prevent food poisoning. Then, refrigerate the leftovers within two hours. Avoid wild mushrooms unless you're 100% sure they're safe.
Electricity is a trusted source of power. If used carelessly, though, it can be electrifying in all the wrong ways. The dangers range from electric shock or burn to damage to your home. Keep your family safe by plugging into these safety measures.
By Todd Taylor, IT Manager