2019 August NAEC The Messenger

AUGUST 2019

THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members

App lets users pay bill, report outages and check usage With the NAEC Mobile App, members can pay their bill, report an outage and monitor their electric usage at any time.

The free app is compatible with Apple® and Android® devices. Log-in information is the same as the Member Account Portal at www.naeci.com.

If logging in for the first time, click on “New User” underneath the account number and password fields and fill in the requested information. You’ll need the account number on your statement, and the email and phone number you provide must be on your account. Please call 870-895-3221 for help.

Labor Day Closing Our offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 2. Crews will be on call in case of an outage. Call 870-895-3221 or use our app to report.

NAEC’s Youth Tour delegates, from left, Anna Neal, Katherine Newman, Ashlynn Martin, Abby Martin and Anna Foreman explore the National Mall on the all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., June 14-20.

18 students awarded Round Up scholarships The member-supported Operation Round Up program awarded $18,000 in scholarships to recent high school graduates for the 2019-2020 school year.

Awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Arkansas State University-Mountain Home were: • Hunter Beshears, Mountain Home High School • Bentley Branscum, Norfork High School • Holly Dixon, Cotter High School • Lynnsey Foster, Viola High School • Cade Whiteaker, Calico Rock High School Awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Ozarka College were: • Halle Abney, Salem High School • Suzonne Harber, Salem High School • Justin Hicks, Calico Rock High School Awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the university of their choosing were: • Macy Dillard, Norfork High School • Devyn Slaughter, Mountain Home High School • Kinley Stowers, Norfork High School • Kevin Walker, Cotter High School • Hayden Ekenes, Izard County Consolidated High School • Cameron Henley, Salem High School • Madeline Newman, Salem High School • Caleb Rushin, Izard County Consolidated High School • Allyson Walsh, Salem High School • Jacob Powell, Highland High School

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Replace your air conditioner’s filter every one to two months. Do this more often if the unit is constantly in use or if your home is dusty or has pets. This can reduce air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.

— energy.gov

Don’t wait: Prepare for severe weather, outages Imagine the worst-case scenario. A major storm was predicted and this time, the predictions were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything — food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and medication.

Although you can’t predict which weather forecast will come true, you can plan ahead, so you have the tools and resources to effectively weather a severe storm. The Department of Homeland Security offers resources to help you prepare for major weather events and natural disasters. You can find them at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Preparedness Actions and Items

• Stock the pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries).

• Confirm you have sanitation and hygiene supplies, including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.

• Ensure your first aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current.

• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV. • Organize emergency supplies, so they are together in an easily accessible location.

With advance warning

If a severe storm is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need to take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices, so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s

rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.

During a prolonged outage

In the event of an outage, turn off appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge, and also will help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on, so you will know when power is restored.

If utilizing a small household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate a living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work if they can receive some sunlight during the day for charging.

During thunderstorms, the American Red Cross recommends avoiding electrical equipment and land-based telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead.

Keep away from windows. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. You can check www.naeci.com or www.facebook.com/NorthARElectric for restoration updates.

After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs.

Power in planning

Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects. We also recommend you install NAEC’s app on your phone to report a power outage at any time.

—Anne Prince/NRECA

DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — JUNE 2019 Average Daily High: 86.47° compared to 92.41° in 2018

TEMPERATURE

Average Daily Low: 62.95° compared to 66.85° in 2018 Total Rainfall Amount: 4.62” compared to 1.47” in 2018 Warmest Day: June 22, 96° at 4 p.m.

Coolest Day: June 14, 47.5° at 6 a.m.

DAYS

CONTACT NAEC 870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com

IMAGES: TORI MOSS; GERI MILLER; PIXABAY.COM/STOCKSNAP

RIGHT-OF-WAY Norfork and south of Norfork, Mountain Home (south side in Rossi Road and Meadowcrest areas and Northern Hills area)

ON THE FRONT Roger Scott of the American Red Cross preps NAEC employee Janell Curtis to donate blood June 24 in Salem.