Be Prepared for Springs Fickle Foul Weather

Spring is a ckle season that brings nature's renewal of buds and blooms to the trees and elds and also brings dark, powerful rolling storms that can wreak havoc. From 2016 through 2020, the National Weather Service recorded 28 deaths, 133 injuries and over $64 million in property and crop damage from weather events in Indiana alone.

Weather disasters can occur year-round, but most of the worst storms Indiana receives come in the spring.

Here are some tips from RSE for staying safe before and a er a storm hits.

Before The Storm

• Make sure your cell phone is charged. Consider purchasing an external battery charger to charge your phone with.

• Have a battery-operated radio available so you can stay updated on the latest weather watches and warnings.

• Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers. Damage can occur from power surges caused by nearby lightning strikes.

• Have an emergency kit ready and create a family communication plan.

Following The Storm

• If you are driving and come upon fallen power lines, turn around. Never drive over or around fallen lines.

• If a downed power line falls on your vehicle, stay in the vehicle. Call 911. Exit only if your life is in immediate danger from a re or other reason. en, jump clear of your vehicle being certain to never touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time; then shu e away keeping your feet together at all times.

• While checking for damage outside your home, be aware of hazards from exposed nails, broken glass and broken tree branches dangling on other limbs.

• To avoid the chance of a re or explosion, use a ashlight, instead of a candle or torch, to inspect your home in the dark.

• Since downed power lines could still be energized, do not touch them or any objects in contact with them. Call 911 to report the downed lines.

When the spring storms arrive, know how to keep yourself, your family and your property safe from harm during a severe storm.

Tips For Safely Cleaning Up After A Storm

• Wear proper safety material. As you are cleaning, wear proper protection to prevent injury. Work gloves, safety glasses, heavy-duty work shirt with long sleeves, work pants and steel-toe boots are a good idea if you are clearing large amounts of broken, splintered or sharp debris.

• Stay away from power lines. Always assume a downed power line is live. Downed power lines pose a particularly dangerous threat in areas where individuals are clearing fallen trees and branches from roads and lawns. Let the professionals handle this job. It's not worth the risk. If you see a downed power line that is sparking or on re, call your electric utility immediately.

• Stay away from damaged buildings or structures. If a building has been subjected to ood waters or high winds, it may not be structurally safe. It's best to stay away from these types of structures until professionals can assess the extent of the damage.

• Never operate gasoline-powered equipment indoors. Gas engines emit carbon monoxide - an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas you should never breathe.

Be Prepared For Spring Storms

Are you prepared when a storm hits? Here are some helpful tips to keep you, your loved ones and your property safe.

• Have an emergency kit ready and create a family communication plan before a storm hits

• Program the outage number, 800-284-3452 into your cell phone. is will make it easier to report a power outage.

• Plumbing and bathroom xtures can conduct electricity. Use with caution.

• If you notice frayed wiring or sparks, or smell a burning odor, shut o the electrical system at the main circuit breaker immediately.

• Know how to properly use portable generators if you lose power during the storm.

Students graduating from high school this May can apply for a $1,000 scholarship from RushShelby Energy. Two scholarships will be awarded.

Students must be the child of a RushShelby Energy member, residing in a home served by RushShelby Energy electricity. Applications will be judged on scholarship, citizenship and school activities. Each application must include a 750-to-1,500-word essay. All scholarship requirements and essay information can be found on our website at www.rse.coop. e deadline to apply is April 7, 2023.

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 me! RushShelby Energy reminds all members who are planning a digging project to call 811 at least three business days before you start. Or you can submit a request online by visiting www.call811.com/811-In-YourState. Here's how the process works.

1. NOTIFY

Call 8-1-1 or make a request online two to three days before your work begins. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project.

2. WAIT

Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines.

3. CONFIRM

Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities the 8-1-1 call center notified.

4. RESPECT

Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers are your guide for the duration of your project.

5. DIG CAREFULLY

If you can't avoid digging near the markers (within 18-24 inches on all sides depending on state laws), consider moving your project location.

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 rst and know what's below.