November 2023
Eight Ways to Safeguard Your Home This Winter Carroll EMC wants you and your family to stay safe during the winter season. It’s worth reviewing general electrical safety strategies and checking your property for possible hazards. The practical steps you take could reduce the risk of electrical fires while protecting your children or others using your property from electrical shocks.
• Prepare your home for winter by making sure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. If your detectors are battery-operated, replace the batteries annually. Test the detectors once a month and give them a good dusting to ensure the sensors are clear of dirt and debris. • Take measures to keep children, especially babies and toddlers, away from potential hazardous areas. Along with using socket plug covers, keep wiring and cords out of their reach, and ensure they’re kept away from heaters and other running appliances. • Inspect electrical cords. We depend on more cords during winter, whether for holiday lighting, extension cords or portable heaters. Before using any corded items, double-check to make sure cords aren’t frayed or cracked. If you use portable space heaters, remember to keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable items. Use models that include an auto shut-off feature and overheat protection. Space heaters can take a toll on your energy bills. Use them efficiently (to heat smaller spaces) and safely. Never plug a space heater into a power strip. • Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips. When overloaded with electrical items, outlets and power strips can overheat and catch fire. If you use power strips for multiple devices, make sure the strip can handle the electrical load. For a safer bet, look for power strips that include surge protection. • Clean the fireplace to improve safety and efficiency. There’s nothing better than a warm fire on a chilly night, but it’s important to maintain your fireplace for safety. As wood burns, a sticky substance known as creosote builds up in the chimney. When creosote buildup becomes too thick, a chimney fire can ignite. The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to reduce fire risks. Regular cleaning also improves air flow and limits the amount of carbon monoxide that seeps indoors. • Practice safety in the kitchen. As we spend more time in the kitchen during the holiday season, be mindful of potential fire hazards. Never leave food cooking on the stovetop unattended. Clean and remove spilled foods from cooking surfaces, and be mindful of where you place flammable items like dish towels. • Check electric blankets and beds (such as heated pet beds) before use. Ensure there’s no damage, distortion or wires poking out. Always turn electric blankets and beds off when not in use and keep heavy items off them to avoid accidental damage. • Get expert help. Have a licensed, experienced electrician check your property’s wiring to see if there’s any damage. Electricians have special equipment enabling them to conduct accurate safety tests. They can assist with checking your safety switch or installing one for you if you don’t have one or if your existing switch is faulty. November 2023
Carroll EMC Newsletter
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STEPS TO RESTORING POWER
When the power goes out, line crews work hard to restore electricity as quickly and safely as possible. To ensure the process is done efficiently, line crews follow specific steps to restore power. Can you order the steps below to match how power is restored? Hint: Check your work in the answer key.
STEP # _______
Tap lines are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers that are either mounted on utility poles or placed on pads for underground electric service.
STEP # _______
Distribution power lines are inspected. These are the lines you typically see on the side of the road that deliver power to communities.
STEP # _______
Large, high-voltage transmission lines are inspected for damage. These power lines deliver large amounts of electricity over great distances.
STEP # _______
Service lines are inspected. These are the power lines that run between the transformer and your home.
STEP # _______
Distribution substations are inspected. These facilities lower the voltage of power, then send power to distribution lines.
Answer Key: 4, 3, 1, 5, 2
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Be aware of scammers calling and pretending to be your utility. Carroll EMC does not call to demand immediate payment over the phone.
The holiday season is upon us, and that means we’ll be using more energy in the kitchen. When possible, cook with smaller countertop appliances instead of the stovetop or oven. Smaller appliances like slow cookers, air fryers and Instant Pots consume less energy. When using the oven or stovetop, match the size of the pot to the heating element and place a lid over the pot while cooking. The food will cook faster, and you’ll use less energy. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
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GEORGIA Magazine
Renew Your GATE Card Please check your Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) card’s expiration date. If it expires in 2023, you must renew before December 31. The GATE program is an agricultural sales and use tax-exemption certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that identifies its user as a qualified farmer or agricultural producer. All Carroll EMC Members who are eligible under the GATE program are required to renew their accounts that have been tax-exempt. The department will begin accepting renewal applications November 1. Renew online at https://forms.agr. georgia.gov/gate/newappconfirm. aspx. Remember to return a copy of both the GATE card and the GATE addendum to Carroll EMC. The addendum is also available on the website mentioned above and lists all accounts to be exempted.
We are thankful for your service.
Veterans Day November 11
Make Life Easier! Save the time of writing and mailing checks, and save money as well. Sign up for a free automatic bank draft and get a $2.50 credit on your bill each month (that’s $30 total savings per year). You will still receive a monthly statement about 14 days prior to your scheduled bank draft denoting the amount that will be automatically drafted on the due date. To enroll, call a Member Services Representative at (770) 832-3552. You’ll need a check nearby so you can provide accurate banking information. This method of payment is safe and secure.
Utility Lines Are Never in Season Shooting utility lines and poles is dangerous and can cause damage that results in a loss of essential services for area residents and a hefty repair bill. Please be careful!
crossbeam.net |
November 2023
@Crossbeam Fiber | (678) 821-6000
Carroll EMC Newsletter
20C
155 N. Hwy 113 Carrollton, GA 30117 member.services@carrollemc.com carrollemc.com (770) 832-3552
PRESIDENT/CEO Tim Martin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eddie Gore, Chairman Max Goldin, Vice Chairman Ronnie Jordan, Secretary/Treasurer Donnie Brannon Don DeFoor Alvin Ginn Nan Philpot Lynn Joyner Emmett Harrod
EDITOR
WRITER
Kelly Jimenez
Brittany Shadix
Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Carroll EMC offices will close Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, in observance of Thanksgiving. Please use the PaySite kiosks, mobile app, text-to-pay, website or automated phone payment system to make a payment during this time. Carroll EMC has personnel on standby 24/7 year-round. Even on holidays, Carroll EMC is prepared for storms and outages.
OFFICE HOURS Carrollton Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buchanan Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Franklin Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
24-HOUR OUTAGE LINE To report a power outage, call (770) 832-3552, option 1.
Winter
R e m i n d e r: fo r d e s o l c e r Sch oo ls a ea k r b g n i v i g s Tha nk 24. 0 2 r e b N o ve m
rates are in effect November 1 through May 31.
Remember: If you have multiple accounts, you will need to enter your account number for that location.
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Carroll EMC proud member of
SINCE 2022
20D
Carroll EMC Newsletter
GEORGIA Magazine