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Generators can provide reliable backup power in case of an outage. This can be critical for households with family members who depend on powered medical equipment. When choosing a generator, it's important to find the right type and size unit to fit your needs. How do you choose the right size generator for your home? The answer depends on what you want to use it for. For powering some lights and several appliances, a small portable unit would work. For long-term protection, including powering an air-conditioning unit, a standby generator would be the better choice. Add up the total wattage of the equipment or appliances you wish to run. Check the owner's manual or serial plate for wattage rating. Some appliances, such as refrigerators or dishwashers, have a start-up wattage that is higher than the running wattage. This must be calculated in the total. If no start-up wattage is listed, assume it's three times the running wattage. Safety counts Always operate generators safely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never attempt to connect your generator to the electrical system. The electricity you generate can back-feed to utility lines, where it can endanger lineworkers. A transfer switch, properly installed by a qualified electrician, can prevent the generator from sending electricity back through the transmission line. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us. Our energy advisors are always happy to help!

Today’s college student uses many electronics for school, work, and play. When used improperly, these helpful gadgets can become electric hazards. If you or a loved one is heading off to college, Safe Electricity  has the following tips to prevent electric accidents and fires. Extension cords are only for temporary use. Dorm rooms may not have enough outlets to plug in all your gadgets at once. If you must use extension cords, use them temporarily and unplug them when not in use. Consider purchasing power strips with an over-current protector, which will shut off power automatically if there is too much current being drawn. Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps; if no indication is on the fixture, do not use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths or under rugs or furniture. Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away from bedding, curtains, and other flammable material. Discard or repair damaged electronics. It may be tempting to use an electronic with a frayed cord or damaged plug-in to save money. However, damaged electronics should not be used, since they can shock or electrocute students. If your lights flicker, electronics shut off, or circuits trip—notify campus staff. Use only laboratory-certified appliances and electronics. Watch out for overheated outlets. If an electrical outlet becomes so hot you cannot leave your hand on it, there is potential for a fire.  Unplug everything from the outlet and notify the landlord or dorm officials immediately. College students should also know what to do if there is a fire, including escape and meeting plans. There are more than 3,500 fires on college campuses every year. Help prevent fires by understanding electrical safety and sharing what you know with loved ones. For this and more great electrical safety information, please visit SafeElectricity.org .

The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® of Iowa are pleased to once again sponsor the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. We are proud to be a Touchstone Energy member, which means we’re part of a nationwide network of locally owned co-ops that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member-consumers use energy wisely. If you’re planning a visit to the Iowa State Fair from August 8-18, make sure to stop by and see us in the air-conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. Electric co-op staff from across the state will hand out plastic hard hats and suckers for the kids while supplies last. Kids can also try on lineworker safety gear and take fun photos in our co-op safety selfie station. We look forward to connecting with our cooperative members at the Iowa State Fair this summer. Please stop by our booth and say hello!

What does that thing do? It's a lightning arrester. Lightning arresters divert lightning away from the electrical power supply and to the ground. Lightning can hold up to 300,000 volts of electricity, but your home can accept a maximum of only 240 volts — more than 1,000 times less. Without lightning arresters, your home, and the power supply itself, would be far less safe. Now you know what that thing does.

Are you planning a home renovation? It's a great chance to remake your energy bill, as well. From lighting to appliances to building materials, your choices can help improve your home's comfort and efficiency.   Kitchen Adding new appliances? Purchase an ENERGY STAR®-qualified refrigerator and dishwasher; they use less energy than standard models. Install high-efficiency LED fixtures and lamps for under-cabinet and ceiling lighting. LEDs use 75 percent less energy than conventional lamps and last a lot longer.   Bathrooms Install WaterSense-labeled low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to conserve water and reduce your water heating costs. While you're at it, seal air leaks and install the appropriate insulation in the walls behind tubs and showers. Finally, control moisture and save energy by installing ENERGY STAR®-qualified ventilation fans.   Basement By finishing your basement, you can add living space without adding to your energy budget. Insulate basement walls and crawl spaces based on recommended levels. Seal air leaks around plumbing and wiring holes on outside walls. Replace older, single-pane windows with glass block or ENERGY STAR®-certified high-performance windows. It's also a great opportunity to replace your old clothes washer and dryer with new ENERGY STAR models.   Room additions A bigger home doesn't necessarily mean bigger energy bills. Ask your contractor about advanced framing techniques. Advanced framing can help improve the insulating value of your new walls. Make sure all new windows and doors are ENERGY STAR®-certified. Heating and cooling for an expanded home is also a factor. If you need to upgrade, choose ENERGY STAR-certified systems. Ductless mini-split heat pumps can also provide high-efficiency heating and cooling for your addition.   Home energy audit If you're not planning a major renovation, you can still improve the efficiency of your home. Call our office for a home energy audit to assess your home. You'll receive a customized list of energy-saving recommendations and information on our rebate programs that will improve comfort and efficiency all year long.

In summer, energy costs for cooling often rise along with the thermometer. Peak demand charges also become a significant issue in many homes and farm operations. The following energy-saving guidelines will help keep your energy budget from slipping into the red as summer heats up. Cooling systems Although it's essential for comfort, air conditioning is a substantial summertime operating cost for most facilities. Use these cost-saving tips to help cool off your energy bills: Verify all maintenance has been performed on your air conditioning equipment and change filters regularly according to manufacturer's guidelines. Raise thermostat settings by a few degrees during times of day when you are away from the home. Check and update HVAC control settings on your home or building automation system to account for the changing season and your schedule. Use window treatments to prevent unwanted solar heat gain from entering your home. Install window film, solar screens or awnings on south- and west-facing windows to provide cooling shade on hot summer afternoons. If your air conditioning system is 10 years old or older, or in regular need of repair, consider installing a new, energy-efficient system. Work with a qualified HVAC professional to properly size the system for your needs. Reducing demand Demand charges can make up a significant portion of your energy bills during the hot summer months. The following strategies will help you level off your peak demand: Operate large appliances and equipment during off-peak hours in the evening or early morning. Close window coverings and blinds to keep summer sun and heat at bay. Consider setting your thermostat at 78-degrees from noon to approximately 8 p.m. For more ideas on how you can save energy and reduce your operating costs during the summer and all year long, see  Low-Cost and No-Cost Energy Efficiency Measures  from ENERGY STAR®.

Your electric power is generally safe and reliable but can be dangerous if used improperly. Electrical hazards on the farm can cause injury or death to people and livestock and result in fires in barns and other structures. Use these measures to help protect yourself, your workers, and your property. Keep your workplace safe Start by looking for potential electrical hazards in your work environment and taking steps to ensure safety. Farm environments can be rough on electrical systems and equipment. Humidity in confinement houses or milking facilities can deteriorate electrical boxes. Light fixtures, wiring, and boxes can be damaged by contact with animals or machinery. Locate circuit boxes away from dangerous surroundings where they may come into contact with livestock, dust, or weather elements. Install covers on all outlets and switches, light bulbs, and fixtures. Here are some additional tips for improving the safety of your farm workspace: Protect wiring from the elements . In corrosive agricultural environments, it's typically best to use underground electric cables to prevent damage to the wiring. Use ground-fault circuit interrupters . Make sure all electrical outlets in work areas are ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which protect people from shock hazard. Weatherize electrical components . Make sure that all outdoor electrical equipment is enclosed by watertight covers to prevent damage to equipment and potential injury. Safe work practices Use these tips to make sure you're working safely around electricity: Check power cords . Power cords are used extensively on farms. Powering tools to machinery, cords see a lot of wear and tear. Check cords regularly for frays or exposed wiring. Use extension cords safely . Avoid using extension cords on a permanent basis. If you do use them, inspect them for wear and tear before plugging in. Ensure the cord is sized correctly for the application, especially if you're using heavy equipment. Overloading an extension cord can result in excessive heating, which may lead to a fire. Inspect power tools regularly . If you are working with power tools frequently, check all the parts and ensure all the connections are secure and that the power cord is not frayed. Turn off and lock out power boxes . It's important to lock out all power boxes when performing maintenance to prevent an electrical accident with equipment or wiring. Stay away from overhead power lines . Moving equipment around under power lines is a frequent occurrence in many agricultural operations. Be aware of where power lines are located and avoid them when moving equipment with high clearance. Check clearance when raising dump truck beds. Be aware of underground power lines . If you plan on doing any projects on your property that require digging, make sure to first call 811 to have utility lines marked. With just a little extra time and attention to detail, you can use power safely and effectively on your farm.

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.

[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.

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.

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.