Just a little reminder that Cleveland Public Power’s 2nd Annual Solar Sprint is coming up! This is an awesome event for your students in grades 3-8 to exercise their math, science and creativity skills.
Workshops are planned to give them an overview before head back to their studios and create masterpieces! The process promotes teamwork and a renewed interest in STEM subjects.
Sign up your student today – you won’t regret it!
Storms potentially lead to down power lines and blackouts. STAY AWAY from down wires and report them to your electric utility or police department. (City of Cleveland Photo Bureau)
The National Preparedness Community has provided the following six tips to aid us all in case of a blackout. As we approach spring and the potential for rain storms and other situations that can lead to power outages, please keep these tips handy.
Tips to prepare for blackouts below!
- Follow energy conservation measures to reduce electricity usage, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts.
- Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. Leave about an inch of space inside each one to account for expansion. Chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
- Be aware that most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
- Keep your car tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so know that you may need help in lifting it.
- Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home, in case the garage door will not open.
So now we’re asking for your input, how do you prepare for blackouts?
As snow falls in CLE, remember these tips to stay safe and warm.
As a fresh coating of winter white comes down, we thought we would share some tips to keep you warm, while trying to save some money at the same time. The cold weather prompts concern and Cleveland residents should be aware of the fact that the majority of electrical fires take place in the winter months.
Some of the contributing factors in these fires are electric blankets, space heaters, over exerting power strips and/or extension cords, and the use of counterfeit electrical products that have not met safety standards.
When using these items you should follow these safety tips:
- Always unplug your electric blanket when not in use.
- Keep all furniture, draperies, flammable materials, and other household objects at least three feet from your space heater.
- Plug portable space heaters directly into the outlet – DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD!
- If an in-wall or baseboard heater is shut off at the circuit breaker, be sure to lock or tag the circuit breaker to prevent someone else from turning it back on.
- Because it is common for portable heaters and electric blankets to be recalled, make sure you check your brand and model to ensure that your particular heater or blanket has not been subject to any product recalls.
- Never ever purchase a counterfeit electrical product because they have not met any of the testing or safety standards and they can be extremely hazardous.
By following this safety advice, you should have a warm cozy and safe winter season. Additionally, be sure to check the batteries in your smoke detector as well as your carbon monoxide detector.