NIPSCO Consumer Information
We've included some helpful energy-related consumer information here. Please check this page regularly for product information, safety tips, etc.
Downed Power Lines
Never touch a fallen electric power wire.
If a power line is down, call NIPSCO as soon as possible, 1-800-4-NIPSCO.
Don't touch the line or use any object to move the line - always assume it is live.
If you see someone touching a downed line, call 911. Don't try to rescue them yourself.
If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, remain in your car and wait for help. You are safe as long as you remain inside. If you MUST exit the car, jump, being careful not to touch the car and the ground at the same time.
Call Before You Dig
To avoid injuring yourself and interrupting someone's utility service, it is important to know where underground utility services are buried in your area before you begin digging.
Two working days before you dig, call Indiana Underground Protection Services at 1-800-382-5544.
Call before you dig! It's the law!
Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place
Do not plant large-growing trees in confined areas or nearby overhead utility wires. Be sure to plant trees and bushes at least 10 feet away from underground lines or pad mounted transformers. Never trim or remove trees near overhead lines yourself. Call an expert!
Learn more about NIPSCO's Forestry Program
Household Wiring and Appliances
Make sure your hands and feet are dry when using electric appliances. Never use electric appliances in a bathtub, shower or around a sink.
Know where your fuse box or circuit breaker is and how to operate it.
Unless you are qualified, get expert help with wiring improvements in your home or office.
Use plastic caps in outlets when not in use to protect small children.
Teach your children about electrical safety.
Make sure plugs and prongs are not loose or worn.
Check electrical cords for fraying or nicks.
Never yank the appliance cord from the electric outlet.
Be careful not to risk overloading wall outlets with adapters.
If one appliance repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker, or if it has emitted an electric shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) can prevent many electrocutions. GFCIs are devices installed in kitchen and bathroom outlets. They should be used in any area where water and electricity may come into contact.
 Energy Saving Ideas
Using energy wisely can reduce consumption and save money on utility bills, according to the American Gas Association (AGA) and Northern Indiana Public Service Company. We offer these suggestions for homeowners looking for simple ways to conserve energy:
Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts -- with caulk or weatherstripping.
Set thermostats between 65-70°F in the winter, at least five degrees lower when you're sleeping, and at 58°F when you're away from home for more than a few hours. (Warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly persons or infants.)
Set water heater temperatures at 120°F and install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets.
Change filters or clean the filters in heating and cooling units twice a year. Close vents and doors in unused rooms. If pipes or ducts run through unheated areas, insulate them.
Use drapes, shutters, awnings, shade trees, glass with reflective film or solar screens to keep sunlight out in the summer and let it in during the winter.
Check to see if attic and basement (or crawl space) have the recommended level of insulation.
If you have a woodburning fireplace, consider installing a natural gas fireplace insert, which can save on energy costs compared with wood. A gas fireplace also will dramatically reduce the air pollution created from burning wood.
Consider storm or thermal windows and doors or double-paned glass. A less-expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and windows to retain heat or air conditioning.
Be sure that dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers are fully loaded before using them.
When buying new appliances, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. A slightly higher initial cost for high-efficiency appliances could be recovered in a very short time through energy savings and lower utility bills.
Click here to view "99 Ways to Conserve Energy" brochure.
Prevent Fire-Related Tragedies
 Here are some tips to consider to prevent fire-related tragedies in your home. Unfortunately, you may have fire hazards in your home that you don't even know about. Take some time to remove, or minimize, potentially flammable items and make sure caution is taken around anything that can cause a fire. For example:
Inspect your home from the top down. The next time you're in your attic, check the insulation. If you have cellulose insulation, made of ground newspaper, consider removing it because it is naturally flammable. While cellulose is treated to make it fire resistant, the permanency of the treatment has recently come into question. (To find out what kind of insulation is in your attic, contact a professional insulation contractor. To find one, look in the Yellow Pages of your telephone book. If you have cellulose, consider having it replaced with a noncombustible insulation.)
Install smoke detectors or check your existing ones. In the event of a fire, smoke detectors can reduce the risk of death in a home fire by nearly 50 percent.
Install detectors throughout the home if you don't already have them. If you have some, check the batteries at least once a year.
Plot out and regularly practice escape plans. Hold frequent "fire drills." In a two-story home, consider keeping a ladder near all upstairs beds.
Install automatic residential fire sprinklers. If a fire breaks out, sprinklers can help contain and subdue it quickly.
Use caution with cooling equipment, heating devices and smoking materials. Keep fire extinguishers handy in the kitchen in case of a fire.
Have your heating system checked yearly by a qualified specialist, or through NIPSCO's 13-Point Furnace Check-Up program. Preventive maintenance can uncover a problem before it occurs. It's a simple procedure to call us or a heating contractor to inspect and test the system.
Use caution with the fireplace and woodburning stoves. Always use a screen when a fireplace is in operation. Also, have the fireplace cleaned annually.
|
