Look Out for ScamsUnfortunately, in today’s world, scams are inevi-table. Scammers threaten you with everything from legal action in-volving the IRS to turning o� power to your home.

Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric coopera-tive. The scammer may use threat-ening language to frighten you into o� ering your credit card or bank account information. Don’t fall victim to these types of scams. Understand the threats posed and your best course of action: If someone calls your home or cell

phone demanding you pay your electric bill immediately, gather as much information as you can from that individual including a call-back number, hang-up the phone

and contact the local authorities and let Twin Valley know about it as soon as possible. Scammers often use threats and urgency to pressure you into giving them your bank account number or loading a pre-paid credit or debit card (such as a Green Dot card). Twin Valley Electric Cooperative will never ask you to o� er up personal fi nancial information over the phone. If you have any doubts about your utility bill, contact our o� ce either in person, or over the phone at 866-784-5500. If someone comes to your home

claiming to be an employee of Twin Valley Electric Cooperative to collect money or inspect parts of your property, call us to verify their employment. If the individual is not a co-op employee, call local authorities for assistance and do not let them into your home.

There are other types of scams

Board of DirectorsDaniel PetersonPresident

Bryan CooverVice President

Dareld NelsonTreasurer

Bryan HuckeSecretary

Rodney BakerTrustee

Tom EllisonTrustee

Larry HubbellTrustee

Diane McCartneyTrustee

Jason ZwahlenTrustee

O� ce HoursMonday-Friday8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact Us1511 14,000 RdP.O. Box 368Altamont, KS 67330866-784-5500www.twinvalleyelectric.coop

Twin Valley Electric Co-op, Inc.Ron Holsteen, CEO

1511 14,000 Rd, P.O. Box 368, Altamont, KS 67330866-784-5500

www.twinvalleyelectric.coop

T W I N VA L L E YE L E C T R I C CO - O P

NEWS

Co-op Connections

Ron Holsteen

FROM THE CEO

Continued on page 16-C

In 2017, members collectively saved MORE THAN $390 using their Co-op Connec-tions Card discount on over-the-counter medications.

Twin Valley Holiday O� ce ClosingsOur o� ce will be closed the following dates during the holiday season:

Christmas Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26

New Year’s 2018 Monday, Jan. 1

Twin Valley Electric would like to wish you and your family a joyful and safe festive season.

DECEMBER 2017 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 16-A

Hunters have their sights on wild game when preparing for hunting season. Twin Valley Electric urges hunters to take precautions when preparing for hunting and be aware of potential electrical hazards while hunting. A few moments devoted to safety can help prevent an accident with utility equipment.

Before leaving for a hunting trip, make sure you have safety items to signal for help in case of an emergency. Always carry emergency supplies—cell phone, whistle and fl ashlight, for example—in the event of an accident.

Note the location of power lines and other electrical equipment before you begin a hunt. Be especially careful and observant in wooded areas where power lines are easy to overlook.

Obey all signs or postings that advise electrical safety, especially

when selecting the location of a tree stand. Tree stands are the leading cause for hunting injuries. If you are using a tree stand, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instruc-tions and inspect the stand for wear before use.

When setting up and taking down the stand, make sure you do not make contact with any over-head electrical equipment. Never use power poles to support a tree stand. Look for an ideal tree for your stand, one that is sturdy and healthy. When setting up a stand, keep at least three points of contact while you climb.

Never shoot nearby power lines or other electrical equipment. A single shot can cause vast damage to the electrical system and can result in power interruptions and physical risks to those nearby.

If you are using a portable elec-trical generator on your hunting trip, make sure that you do not run it in a confi ned area. Do not use it inside a cabin or RV. Make sure that it is used outside where there is plenty of ventilation.

Give Safety A SHOT

G E T T Y I M A G E S / M B P R O J E K T _ M A C I E J _ B L E D O W S K I

Seasonal Safety: Space HeatersSpace heaters are commonly used to stay warm during the winter as they are quick to heat a room and localize it. However, with the convenience comes danger when not used properly.

Space heaters cause 25,000 home fi res a year and 6,000 emergency room visits, according to the Harvard Uni-versity Environmental Health & Safety group. Approximately one-third of all house fi res nationwide happen during the home-heating months between December and February.

To avoid potential hazards when using space heaters take the following precautions: Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and UL approved. Make sure the unit is equipped with an emergency tip-over shut-o� feature and heating element guards. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition before using your space heater. Place heater out of high-tra� c areas and on a level, hard, non-fl ammable fl oor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture or countertops. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from combustible liquids and fl am-mable items like fuel, spray cans, paint, draperies, blankets and sofas. Never allow pets or children near an electric space heater. Accidental contact could result in serious shock or burns. Don’t overload circuits. Never use extension cords or multiple plugs with a space heater, and make sure the unit isn't plugged into the same circuit as other electric appliances. Never leave space heaters unat-tended. Turn o� and unplug your space heater before leaving the room or going to bed.

Energy E� ciency Tip of the MonthPurchasing electronic gifts this holiday season? Remember to purchase Energy Star®-certifi ed electronics and give the gift of energy e� ciency. Visit www.energystar.gov/productfi nder for a full list of e� cient products.

A few moments devoted to safety can help prevent an accident with utility equipment.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING DECEMBER 2017

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16-B

Merry, Bright and E� cient Holiday LightingDecking the halls doesn’t have to take a toll on your energy bill. Keep your holiday merry, bright and energy e� cient with the following tips.

Why Buy LED?If possible, invest in LED lights this season. Un-like the fi rst versions to hit the market that were characterized by rather harsh and unattractive colors, the newest generation’s colors are remi-niscent of the incandescent lights of yore.

Unlike incandescent lights, whether the large or mini bulb, LEDs will last for many, many years. LEDs have no fi laments to burn out. Aside from physically destroying the bulb, the LED is amazingly robust. Given the modest number of hours of operation, you can expect LEDs to last seven or more years.

Then there is the cost of operation benefi t from LEDs. A 1,000-bulb strand of miniature, incandescent lights uses 408 watts of energy, while a 1,000-bulb strand of LED mini lights consumes 48 watts of energy. You can also cut energy use by investing in tim-ers to turn the lights on and o� automatically or a smart plug so you can program and control you lights from your smart phone.

Decking the Halls SafelyWhether indoors or outside, keep these safety tips in mind when installing your holiday lights. Have a ground crew to steady your ladder and pass you the decorations—an invaluable part of safety and for keeping you supplied with untangled light strings. Keep a safe distance from your overhead electric service. Don’t overreach. If you cannot get to a point with your body completely centered between the sides of

the ladder, climb down and move it. Don’t overextend the ladder. If your ladder is too short, rent or borrow a longer one. A ladder extended beyond its working limits is dangerous as is standing on rungs too close to the top. Don’t overload circuits by stringing more light sets together than the manufacturer recommends. Check the packaging for details. Check your wires for breaks and cracks in the insula-tion that can lead to shorts.

Once you have installed your lights, try to leave as much of the outside portion of lights in place year-round. Think of the reduced stress! Simply disconnect them after the holiday and protect the plugs and sockets from dirt and debris. With the longevity of the LEDs, you can enjoy this freedom and practically eliminate the risks associated with high-wire seasonal gymnastics.

Save energy by setting a timer for outdoor lighting and decorations. Program the timer so the lights turn on in the evening and turn o later at night when you typically go to sleep.

consumers should watch out for:Government agencies, like the IRS,

will never call to inform you that you have unpaid taxes or other liens against you. You will always receive this type of informa-tion in the mail. If someone calls claiming to be the IRS, hang-up immediately. If you receive an email from an

unknown sender, an email riddled

with spelling errors and typos or an email threatening action unless a sum of money is paid, do not click any links provided within the email, and do not respond to the email. Simply delete the email, or send it to your spam folder. If someone calls your home claim-

ing to have discovered a virus on your computer, hang-up. This caller’s intent is to access personal

information you may be keeping on your computer.

Twin Valley Electric wants to make sure you avoid any and all types of scams that could put you or your fi nancial information in jeop-ardy. If you have any questions or would like more information about how you can protect yourself from scammers, call us at 866-784-5500 or visit www.twinvalleyelectric.coop.

Look Out for Scams Continued from page 16-A

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DECEMBER 2017 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 16-C

Energy Explorers COOPERATIVE

Holiday Safety ActivityThe holiday season is a festive time of year! Remember to keep electrical and fi re safety in mind as you decorate your home.

Can you fi nd the four hazards in the home below? Use the safety tips for clues.

Electrical Safety Tips Don't overload electrical outlets with too many decorations or appliances. Never leave a candle burning if you’re not in the room. Make sure your tree is watered daily. Check extension cords for fraying/damaged or exposed wires.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING DECEMBER 201716-B

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