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Whether you picked the perfect tree for privacy, shade or even the beautiful colors of its leaves in the autumn, it’s time to choose a spot and plant. But there are a few things to consider before digging a hole and piling on mulch. These tips can save you from making costly mistakes when planting a tree. Do: Plan for energy conservation Pick trees that can help you save energy and money. Leafy trees with large crowns can shade windows on the south side of your house in the summer, and when the leaves fall, let in warming sunlight during the winter. Plant small evergreens on the west and north sides of your house to block chilling winter wind. Consider tree height Trees need enough space to grow. It may look small now, but that young tree may end up being larger than you’d expect. Consider how tall the tree will be when it reaches maturity as you choose the right spot in your yard. Call 811 Ready to plant? Not so fast. Before picking up a shovel, call 811 and have someone mark the buried utility lines in your yard. It can take a few days for them to come out, so plan your landscaping schedule accordingly. Don’t: Plant trees too close together Give young trees 5 or 10 feet of space so they don’t crowd each other as they grow. Evergreens planted too close together can succumb to pests and disease, and parts of the trees can even die if they don’t receive enough sunlight. Plant under power lines A tall tree that’s grown into a primary power line presents a huge safety hazard, and the energy company will have to trim your tree to avoid potential fires and other electrical dangers. Low-growing trees can be planted 15 feet away from the power lines, and trees over 35 feet tall should be at least 50 feet away. Dig too deep Planting too shallow can slow a tree’s growth and weaken it, but planting too deep can kill it. Leave a few inches of the root ball above the ground when you plant, and make sure the tree’s taper is visible above the soil. It’s important to treat the soil and your growing tree properly after planting. Once the roots are fully covered, water the tree with low-pressure water and let the water settle into the soil. All that’s left is to enjoy your beautifully landscaped yard.

[This article is provided by SafeElectricity.org and used with permission.] If you own a boat and/or a dock, Safe Electricity reminds you to take steps to prevent deadly shocks, also known as Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). Past accidents involving stray electricity and water include: A 26-year-old woman who was swimming with family in the Lake of the Ozarks was electrocuted when she touched an energized dock ladder. Also at Lake of the Ozarks, a 13-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother received fatal electrical shocks while swimming near a private dock; officials cited an improperly grounded circuit as the cause. In Tennessee, two boys, ages 10 and 11, lost their lives as they were shocked while swimming between houseboats on Cherokee Lake, a result of electricity entering the water apparently through frayed wires beneath the boat. An important step in helping prevent such tragedies is to ensure proper installation and maintenance of electrical equipment on docks and on boats. Take the time to inspect all electrical systems on or near the water. Safe Electricity, with the American Boat and Yacht Council and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/National Electrical Contractors Association, recommends adhering to these steps to improve water recreation safety and accident prevention: All electrical installations should be performed by a professional electrical contractor familiar with marine codes and standards, and inspected at least once a year. Docks should have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers on the circuits feeding electricity to the dock. The metal frame of docks should be bonded to connect all metal parts to the alternating current (AC) safety ground at the power source. That will ensure any part of the metal dock that becomes energized because of electrical malfunction will trip the circuit breaker. Neighboring docks can also present a shock hazard. Make your neighbors aware of the need for safety inspections and maintenance. Marinas should comply with NFPA and NEC codes. Here are a few additional tips to remember for your boat’s electrical system, particularly those with AC systems: Regardless of the size of boat, maintenance of the electrical system should be done by a professional familiar with marine electrical codes. Have your boat’s electrical system checked at least once a year. Boats should also be checked when something is added to or removed from their systems. Boats with AC systems should have isolation transformers or equipment leakage circuit interrupter (ELCI) protection, comply with ABYC standards, and be serviced by an ABYC Certified® Technician. If you are in the water and feel electric current: Shout to let others know. Tuck your legs up to make yourself smaller. Try to go away from anything that could be energized. Do not head to boat or dock ladders to get out. If you are on the dock or shore when a swimmer feels electrical current: Do not jump in. Throw them a flotation device. Unplug or turn off the source of electricity as quickly as possible. Then call for help. Ensure a boating season that is safe and fun for family and friends by following and sharing these safety tips to prevent ESD.

Guided by our cooperative commitment to community, Iowa electric cooperatives encourage their members to participate in the statewide Shine the Light contest in June to celebrate dedicated, local volunteers. Sponsored by the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives of Iowa, the contest will accept nominations in June and select three winners who will each receive a $3,000 donation to their local charity or nonprofit. “We’ve been truly inspired by the growth of this contest in our first three years,” remarked Erin Campbell, director of communications for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. “We’re increasing our three charity donations to $3,000 each this year to encourage even more participation across the state.” Member-consumers and employees of Iowa’s electric cooperatives are eligible to nominate local volunteers during the month of June. If you receive electricity from our co-op, you are our member-consumer and are qualified to nominate someone who is making a positive impact in your community. The volunteer being nominated does not need to be a co-op member-consumer. Minors may be nominated with consent from their parents or legal guardians. The three winners will be announced in September and featured in Iowa Electric Cooperative Living magazine and on social media. Go to www.IowaShineTheLight.com to review the contest rules and submission guidelines. Contest entries will be accepted at this website starting on June 1. Help us shine the light on community volunteers this summer and consider making a nomination.

Electricity is a safe and reliable form of energy. However, it can be dangerous if not treated properly. The following is a checklist of items you can use throughout your home to help protect your family. Whole house Make sure lightbulbs are the appropriate wattage for all fixtures. If small children are present, install covers on all unused outlets. Keep electrical cords away from foot traffic, and ensure they’re not covered by rugs or furniture. Don’t use extension cords on a long-term basis. Avoid plugging multiple devices into one outlet. All 15 and 20-amp circuit breakers in your electrical panel should have arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) capability to protect electrical wiring and your house from fire due to arcing. Bathrooms Never use electrical devices, such as radios or hair dryers, when using the bathtub. Install only ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets in the bathroom. GFCIs protect people from shock hazards. Unplug small appliances when not in use. Kitchen Unplug countertop appliances when not in use. Locate appliance cords away from heat sources, such as the stove or range. Make sure all kitchen outlets are GFCI-protected. Bedrooms Avoid drinking liquid when using an electric blanket or heating pad. Don’t cover an electric blanket when in use. Make sure electric blankets are in good condition; check for cracks or breaks in electrical cords. Turn off electric blankets and heating pads when not in use if they don’t have a timer. Basement Keep the electrical panel free from obstructions, and make sure your hands and the floor are dry before touching the panel. Install GFCI protection in outlets near clothes washers, wash tubs, or all outlets if the area around them is damp. Place portable heaters and dehumidifiers on a stable and level surface, at least 3 feet from walls and other objects. Outdoors Install watertight covers on all outlets so that the outlet is protected, even with a cord plugged in. Make sure all outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected. Ensure power tools are in good condition and wires aren’t cracked or frayed. Store power tools indoors to keep them from being damaged by water or excessive heat. When working outdoors, use only weather-resistant extension cords marked for outdoor use. Power lines may be underground as well. Before digging, call 811 to have utility lines marked. These tips are for informational purposes only and aren’t meant to supersede state or local building codes. Contact your local building inspector for information regarding requirements in your area. Remember that common sense and good safety habits are the best protection against electrical hazards.

Spring cleaning is a time-honored custom in millions of U.S. households. It’s when you tackle the dust and grime that accumulated over a long, hard winter. You can also use this time to take on energy waste as well. With these actions, you can enjoy a tidier home and lower energy bills, too! Get a better view While cleaning windows, look for loose panes, cracks, or poor caulking, which can lead to air leaks. Air sealing your windows is a simple project you can do yourself. If you have storm windows, replace them with screens to provide natural cooling. Brighten things up Dust accumulation on light bulbs blocks a considerable amount of light. Wipe off bulbs to get more light for your energy dollar. Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR®-certified LEDs. They use 75% less energy and last much longer. Clean behind the fridge When vacuuming and dusting, remember to clean behind the refrigerator. Dust buildup causes the refrigerator to run less efficiently. Cleaning out the inside of your fridge is also a good idea. An overstuffed refrigerator and freezer can restrict airflow and use more energy. Clear the air Dust accumulation around heating and cooling vents could be a sign of leaky ductwork. Remove vents and clean them. Vacuum inside ducts as far as you can reach. Have your air conditioning system cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Also, blocked vents impede airflow, making your cooling system work harder. Make sure vents are unobstructed by rugs or furniture. Check filters A dirty HVAC filter is less effective at keeping your indoor air clean. Replace it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Your dehumidifier and air purifier probably also have filters that need to be cleaned or replaced. Range hood filters collect grease, smoke, and cooking odors; spring is the perfect time to clean them. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning instructions. Protect yourself and the environment Many household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment, reduce indoor air quality, and cause health problems. Use nontoxic cleaning solutions and methods to reduce your environmental footprint and your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label. By taking on energy waste, you can reduce your energy costs this spring and all year long.

On April 8, our cooperative will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day to honor the men and women who work hard, rain or shine, to power our lives and communities. These dedicated individuals scale poles, navigate hazardous conditions and work tirelessly to ensure we have reliable power when we need it. Lineworker Appreciation Day recognizes their unwavering commitment, often risking their lives to restore power during storms, emergencies, and natural disasters. Their expertise illuminates our homes and saves lives as they swiftly respond to outages and safeguard our power supply. Lineworkers must undergo years of training before reaching “lineworker” status. From learning the intricacies of the electric grid to mastering the skills necessary to climb utility poles carrying 40+ pounds of equipment, lineworkers not only must learn their trade, but they also spend thousands of hours of ongoing safety training throughout their career to ensure their personal safety, the safety of other members of their crew, and the safety of those they serve. Despite the challenges and dangers surrounding their work, lineworkers take great pride in serving our members, often stating that their biggest reward is restoring a member’s power and knowing our members appreciate it. Behind every flicker of light and hum of electricity lies their perseverance and expertise, ensuring our essential services and electric infrastructure operate seamlessly. Today and every day, let us extend our gratitude to these hard-working and dedicated men and women, acknowledging their work to keep our communities powered and connected. Thank you, lineworkers, for your unwavering commitment to service and safety...and for powering our lives.

The third week of March is National Poison Prevention Week, a perfect time to remember the dangers of poison and how you can prevent them. More than 90% of poisonings occur in the home, and these tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe. Do: Be prepared Keep the Poison Help phone number— 1-800-222-1222 — handy in case of an emergency, and immediately call your local poison center if you think you or someone you know has been poisoned. Prepare food properly 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. Spread the word The best way to prevent poisoning is to learn about the risks and talk about them with others. Explain the potential dangers to your friends and family, and make sure everyone knows what to do if someone is poisoned. Don't: Ignore label directions Read and follow all medicine labels, especially before giving medicine to children. Never share your medicine with someone else or use medicine that's not yours, and always take the correct dosage. Leave chemical bottles open Storing dangerous chemicals properly is important to avoid accidental poisoning. Always keep chemicals in their original containers with the lids sealed tight. Store them up high and out of reach of children and pets. Forget to check detectors Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, but it can lead to severe illness and even death. Protect your family by regularly testing your carbon monoxide detectors and changing the batteries. Almost everything can be poisonous if taken in the wrong amount, by the wrong person or in the wrong way. That makes it even more important for you and your family to fully understand the risks. See the Poison Prevention Week Planner — provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration — for more tips and ways to educate your community with a poison awareness event of your own.

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Perhaps you’re making plans for a new garden or a lawn makeover. However you’re planning to revamp your backyard oasis, remember to keep safety in mind for all projects––especially those that require digging near underground utility lines. Most of us never think about the electric, gas, water and other utility lines buried below the ground, but hitting one of these lines while digging is not the reminder you’ll want––trust us! If you are planning a digging project, call 811 at least three business days before you start. Or you can submit a request online by visiting www.call811.com/811-In-Your-State. Here’s how the process works: After you call 811 or submit your request online, all affected utilities will be notified of your intent to dig. It may take the utilities a few days to get to your request, so please be patient. The affected utilities will send someone out to mark the buried lines with paint or flags. Before you break ground, confirm that all the utilities have responded to your request. If you placed your request by phone, use the process explained by your 811 call center representative. If you submitted your request online, refer to your 811 center ticket to confirm everything. By taking this important step before you break ground on your project, you can help protect not only yourself but our community. Disrupting an underground utility line can interrupt service, cause injuries and cost money to repair, so remember to call 811 first and know what’s below.

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10, and as it approaches, set your clocks forward and use the opportunity to ensure your home is not only on time but also safe. This semi-annual ritual, often associated with adjusting watches and clocks, serves as a timely reminder to perform crucial safety checks in your home. One crucial aspect of home safety during this time of year is checking your furnace filters. As temperatures begin to rise, your heating system may not be the first thing on your mind. However, neglecting furnace maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills and even potential safety hazards. A clogged or dirty filter can force your furnace to work harder, putting a strain on the system and increasing the risk of malfunctions. Before you bid farewell to winter, take a moment to inspect and, if necessary, replace your furnace filters to ensure optimal performance and safety. Daylight Saving Time is also an ideal occasion to address another critical aspect of home safety: smoke detectors. Use this semi-annual time change as a cue to check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against fire-related emergencies, providing early warnings that can be the difference between life and death. A functioning smoke detector relies on a reliable power source, so ensure that the batteries are fresh and the device is operational. Take a moment to test each smoke detector in your home, creating a safer environment for you and your loved ones. Daylight Saving Time is more than just an hour lost or gained; it's an opportunity to invest a little time in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your living space. By incorporating these simple checks into your routine, you contribute to a safer and more comfortable home environment. Remember, as you welcome the longer days and brighter evenings, take a few extra minutes to brighten your home's safety measures. Your future self will thank you for the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained and secure living space.

Cooperatives across the globe adhere to the same seven cooperative principles that guide our decisions––from how we run the co-op to how we engage with our local communities. With Valentine's Day approaching, we can't think of a better time to explain how the seven cooperative principles allow us to serve you, our member, with "L-O-V-E". L stands for Leadership. Our electric co-op is unique because we belong to the communities we serve. The co-op is led by its members, which gives us an exceptional understanding of the local needs of our communities. Many of our leaders and employees live here and are co-op members–just like you! Voluntary and Open Membership is the first cooperative principle, which means co-op membership is available to everyone who can use its services within our service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status. Democratic Member Control, the second cooperative principle, allows members to make decisions about the co-op. Democratic control is what makes our cooperative, our community, and our country strong. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by neighbors just like you. We know our members have a valuable perspective, and that's why we are continually seeking your input and encourage you to weigh in on important co-op issues and participate in co-op elections. The third cooperative principle is Members' Economic Participation. Members contribute money to the cooperative to ensure it runs smoothly now and in the future. As a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community rather than profits. Members contribute equitably to and democratically control the capital of our cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for co-op programs, initiatives, capital investments, and supporting other activities approved by the membership...and what's left is returned to our members. O stands for Ourselves. The best thing about Autonomy and Independence, the fourth cooperative principle, is that members create the cooperative to provide a necessary service and ensure that it can operate successfully on its own to benefit the members. This means the co-op is not being influenced by leaders or shareholders several states away. Instead, it is led by the local members it serves. However, while we take pride that we can do it ourselves, Education, Training, and Information (the fifth cooperative principle) focuses on the importance of continued learning and training opportunities to ensure that employees and members have the information they need to make the co-op successful. By investing in continuous learning for our employees and board members, our co-op is committing to individual professional and personal growth, the future of the co-op, and the high quality of service our members expect and deserve. V stands for Versatility. Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Even though we're locally owned and operated, the sixth cooperative principle is evident when we cooperate with other electric cooperatives regionally and nationally to develop new technologies, invest in equipment and infrastructure that benefits multiple co-ops in a region, and assist with major outages. This type of collaboration allows us the versatility to address complex challenges while remaining true to our local roots. This breadth of resource-sharing provides cooperatives like us with various options to find solutions that better serve our members. E stands for Empower. The seventh cooperative principle – Concern for Community, goes beyond the fact that it takes more than poles and power lines to power a community. While our top priority is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to you, it is equally vital that we empower consumer-members and their communities. Over time, our co-op has evolved to meet our community's changing needs, thereby enriching everyone's quality of life. And that can mean many different things. It can mean offering scholarships and educational programs for our youth, donating to area food pantries and other charitable organizations, delivering electric safety training and resources for local schools and first responders, providing access to low-interest loans for community and economic development projects, and contributing to other worthy programs. The seven Cooperative Principles are the heart of everything we do, and we "L-O-V-E" serving you with all our hearts. The cooperative way is a values-based business model that we take very seriously. So, during this month dedicated to showing our love, know that we serve with LOVE all year through! Happy Valentine's Day to our members!

Rise and shine! The start of your day is the perfect time to start saving energy. Make your mornings more efficient with these tips. Take a shorter shower There is no better way to start your day than a nice, hot morning shower. Try to keep it to 10 minutes or less, though. You'll save some time and avoid sending too much energy and water down the drain. Turn off the tap You need water when you're shaving or brushing your teeth, but you don't need to leave it running the whole time. Turn the water on only when you need it. Make the most of your breakfast Cooking eggs or oatmeal? Match the size of the pot or pan to the burner to avoid wasting energy. The microwave or toaster oven is an energy-efficient choice for heating many breakfast foods. Power down before you leave Don't waste energy on an empty house. When you're leaving for the day, make sure to turn off lights, adjust the thermostat, and unplug chargers and other unused electronics. Upgrade for savings A few simple upgrades can make saving energy easier. Water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, use less water, reducing the energy needed to heat that water. Wi-Fi programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. Smart models include advanced features, such as remote control and self-programming. Advanced power strips automatically shut off power to plugged-in devices when they're not in use. With these simple measures, you can wake up to lower energy bills this morning and all year.

Reunions, birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries—outdoor celebrations are about spending time with friends and family; recognizing accomplishments; and creating a festive atmosphere with food, music, and decorations. These decorations can include metallic balloons. Safe Electricity wants you to know about the potential dangers of metallic balloons so that you and your loved ones can safely enjoy outdoor celebrations. “Metallic balloons can destroy overhead power equipment. This causes power outages and creates a dangerous situation,” says Erin Hollinshead, executive director of the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program. “If you use metallic balloons carelessly, you could literally be left in the dark.” These shiny, metallic-coated balloons are often filled with helium. The shiny coating is a good conductor of electricity. If a balloon encounters an overhead power line, it will cause a surge of electricity. These surges cause electrical arcs, explosions, and fires. This creates a dangerous situation for people and can cause power outages that require expensive repairs. With a little care, you can avoid the disastrous aftermath a metallic balloon can cause. Follow these tips from Safe Electricity: Keep metallic balloons weighted down or tethered far from power lines. When you are done, deflate the balloon and throw it away. Do not release metallic balloons. Never tie a metallic balloon to a person’s wrist. Don’t attempt to retrieve a balloon or any object that becomes entangled in electrical equipment. Contact your utility for assistance. To see a video of what happens when a metallic balloon comes in contact with overhead power lines, visit SafeElectricity.org and watch Steve Hancock’s Live Line Demonstration.