LINEWORKER APPRECIATION MONTH:

Honoring the power behind your power

Nearly everyone has experienced the dreaded crash of thunder before the lights go out — and the relief once the lights come back on. In the darkness, what could be missed is the dedication, effort and energy from the lineworkers who are busily braving the elements to return power to your day.

You have likely noticed your local electric cooperative’s crews working on power lines and other electrical equipment in your community. They are also there when you do not see them — in inclement weather, in the middle of the night and anytime when needed, 24/7. Lineworkers perform an essential job, often in challenging conditions. The tools and equipment a lineworker needs to carry while climbing a pole can weigh up to 50 pounds — and that’s while scaling poles that can range from 30 to 120 feet tall!

During severe weather events, from blizzards to thunderstorms and many other emergencies, lineworkers are among the first people called to respond. They must be prepared to leave their homes and families unexpectedly and commit to restoring power, which can take days. They are also committed to serve during hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and other large-scale disasters. Line crews from states away will travel to devastated communities and help restore power. Lineworkers are at no shortage of memorable stories to tell — the jobs that were exceptionally difficult, the weather that was especially rough, and other unique occurrences that made it particularly arduous to restore service.

There are more than 120,000 lineworkers across the United States, and it takes more than 7,000 hours of unique training (about four years) to become a journeyman lineman. Working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and ongoing mental toughness. Lineworkers cannot take shortcuts, and there is no room for error in what they do, often in adverse conditions.

The next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep the power flowing all day, every day. They live and work in your community and are among the people most committed to ensure that your town quickly overcomes severe weather impacts. They are the power behind the power you need to get through your day.

Spring cleaners, take note: Multi-purpose cleaner recalled

Colgate-Palmolive has recalled certain varieties, sizes and product lots of Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner due to the risk of exposure to bacteria. Pseudomonas species bacteria, which are environmental organisms found widely in soil and water, may be in the product. People with weakened immune systems, external medical devices or underlying lung conditions who are exposed to the bacteria face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment. The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through a break in the skin or through the eyes. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria.

Bottles of Fabuloso, in multiple scents and sizes, were sold at Dollar General, Family Dollar, The Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Walmart and other major retailers nationwide and online from December 2022 through January 2023 for between $1 and $11.

The first 8 digits of the lot code of the recalled products are 2348US78 through 2365US78 and 3001US78 through 3023US78. The lot code is located on the back of the bottle above the label and may be in the folds of the plastic bottle design. For a complete list of products, visit fabulosorecall.com.

Contact: Colgate-Palmolive Company at 855-703-0166; online at fabulosorecall.com; or at fabuloso.com and click on the banner at the top of the landing page for a list of the UPC and lot codes of the recalled products and for more information.

‘My First’ Disney figurines pose choking hazard

Five Disney character figurines, branded as “My First,” have been recalled. The arms or legs on the soft vinyl figurines can detach, posing a small part choking hazard to children. The character figurines in the recall include Mickey Mouse, two versions of Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear and Stitch. Some of the figurines have a bead rattle. They measure from 4.25 to 5.25 inches high. The firm has received 10 reports of small parts detaching from the figurines. No injuries have been reported. They were sold at buybuy BABY and other toy, gift and bookstores nationwide and online from May 2022 through December 2022 for between $15 and $19.

Contact: Kids Preferred at 888-968-9268; email at recall@kidspreferred.com; or online at https://kidspreferred.com/pages/recall-safety-announcements or kidspreferred.com and click “Recall Information” on the bottom of the page for more information.

Air fryers recalled for faulty wire

Two million Cosori air fryers have been recalled. A wire connection in multiple models of the air fryers can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. The company has received 205 reports of the air fryers catching fire, burning, melting, overheating and smoking. These include 10 reports of minor, superficial burn injuries and 23 reports of minor property damage.

The fryers were sold at Best Buy, Target and The Home Depot stores nationwide and online from June 2018 through December 2022 for between $70 and $130.

Contact: Cosori at 888-216-5974; email at cosorirecall@sedgwick.com; or online at recall. cosori.com or cosori.com and click on the “Important Voluntary Safety Recall. Learn more” banner at the bottom of the page for a complete list of the model numbers in the recall.

As a service to our readers and to promote electrical safety, we want to keep you aware of recent recall notices provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Full details of the above recalls, and many more, can be found online by visiting www.cpsc.gov/en/recalls.