Take care charging your electric vehicle
Do you recall all the safety rules you were taught about refueling when you first learned to drive: shut off the engine; don’t smoke; don’t leave the pump unattended; don’t overfill?
It’s a common problem for most of us: relying on a handy dandy extension cord since we have so many devices and not enough outlets to plug them all into. But we at Hendricks Power warn you for safety’s sake, extension cords should only be used short-term.
When winter arrives, Hoosiers are never sure of what to expect. Indiana winters include everything from heavy snows, to freezing rain, to ice storms — sometimes all in one day. All of those forms of winter weather can create electrical hazards, warns Kodi Swafford, Manager of Safety, Training and Compliance of Hendricks Power.
Electric space heaters and blankets are great ways to stay toasty warm when the temperature drops. But don’t forget about safety before you plug in these chill-chasers.
The buzzing and zapping of spooky gizmos like Van de Graaf generators, giant electrodes and lightning rods bring life to Dr. Frankenstein’s castle laboratory — and his monster from the slab. And, through conjured or coincidental lightning strikes, catastrophic electrical malfunctions, or electro-chemical combinations, superheroes like Captain Marvel, Flash, Thor, Magneto, Storm and Black Lightning were born.
Whether you’re on the job or working on an outdoor project around your home, you should always be aware of overhead electrical lines. Many workplace fatalities are caused by overhead power lines. Imagine how easy it is for us at home, who are not trained to avoid these obstacles, to run into danger!
With the arrival of harvest time, Indiana’s farmers are shifting into high gear as they move into their fields to bring in their crops. All that increased activity puts farmers and farm workers at greater risk, warns Glenn Broyles, Safety Director at Hendricks Power.
Be sure to make these tips standard in your workshop:
- Inspect tools before using them
- Inspect cords and plugs for signs of wear
- Ensure cords aren't a tripping hazard
- Use the right tool for the job
- Use heavy-duty properly-rated extension cords without any damage
- Use a clamp to secure whatever you're working on
- Make sure your area is well-lit
- Wear the proper clothing and protection for the task
- Keep floors and areas as clean and dry as possible
Indiana weather can be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. That’s why you should prepare for dangerous situations before a storm hits.
It is especially important to develop a plan for prolonged power outages during these harsh months. Heavy snows, freezing rain, and ice storms can all create electrical hazards.
On a late wintry Saturday afternoon, Nick and Blake decided to take Nick’s car to a movie — despite falling snow and parental advice to stay home.
