A generator can be a valuable piece of equipment to keep appliances working during a power outage. Generators can be either temporary or permanently installed. A permanent generator is wired into a house by a qualified electrician using a transfer switch that prevents a generator from feeding electricity back into overhead lines, which can be deadly for linemen. A temporary generator is powered by gasoline and should not be attached…

Call 811 Before You Dig August 11th is 811 day. Did you know that every six minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone dug without first calling 811? Call 811 before you dig to make sure you know what’s below. Even if you think you could get lucky or that digging one small hole (or two) won’t matter, don’t take for granted what lines might lurk beneath the…

If you own a pool or hot tub, you know there are several steps required to keep it clean and well maintained. One aspect of owning a hot tub or pool that is often not top of mind for homeowners is the electrical system, which can pose a significant or even deadly hazard.   Since pool and hot tub areas mean wet skin and wet surfaces, the chance of electrocution increases…

If there is something wrong with the wiring in or near boats or docks, the electric currents can flow into the water. As a result, people swimming nearby can experience an electrical shock. Victims can completely lose muscle control, suffer from ventricular fibrillation, and die from electric shock. That’s why you should never swim near electric-powered boats or docks.   Tips to prevent electrical injuries on boats and in the water: …

Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative wants to remind everyone that you should always be aware of the location of overhead power 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! From cleaning the pool, to working at heights around the house, or using large equipment, all could put you…

Paducah, KY – Jackson Purchase Energy Cooperative wants to remind everyone that National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 17-21 to remind motorists to be careful around those men and women whose jobs put them along the roadways and into harm’s way. But not all work zones are for road repair. Kentucky’s electric cooperatives note that utility crews also work along the roadsides to build, repair and maintain the highway…

Trees add immeasurable value to your property but maintaining them comes with a cost. They need pruning, sometimes heavy trimming or removal.  “We know hiring professionals to do some of these tasks goes against that independent streak some of our consumers have,” says Greg Grissom, president and CEO of Jackson Purchase Energy, “but trimming and removing trees can be dangerous and even deadly. Before attempting any work yourself, please understand…

A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from a variety of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can cause damage to electronic devices and equipment in your home.   See below for common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics:  Lightning – When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere––unfortunately in many cases, it’s…

Having a generator on hand, whether portable or permanent, may sound like a great idea for times when the power goes out, but misusing one is dangerous. Although they can help light your home or cool your perishable food when the neighborhood is dark, if used incorrectly you could have a much bigger problem on your hands.   When using a portable version, there are two ways to connect it to a home.…

After a storm, many think the dangers have gone when the snow or Ice stops falling—but sometimes danger can come during the storm recovery period. Keeping your distance from downed power lines, and knowing what to do if you see one, are the first steps when recovering from a storm safely. If you see a downed power line, which could be making contact with tree limbs, vehicles and puddles, always…