As the weather cools, we are likely to spend more time indoors. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is urging customers to make electrical safety a priority in their households.
Our homes are where we should feel safe and warm. With the below safety reminders, you can keep your family protected from an electrical hazard.
- Use caution near lights and outlets. Mantenga los materiales inflamables lejos de una bombilla caliente. Remember, a 100-watt bulb can get up to 300°F. Use power strips with several outlets and a built-in circuit breaker. Remind children to never touch hot lights or plugs.
- Operate appliances safely. Regularly inspect appliances for frayed wires or damaged plugs. If you notice any wear, replace or repair the appliance. Never use appliances near water. Unplugging appliances, like toasters, blenders, coffee makers and video game consoles, when not in use can prevent potential electrical fires and save energy.
- Clean exhaust fans. Some appliances have fans which can become dirty, making the appliance likely to overheat causing a potential fire hazard.
- Don’t overload circuits. This can cause fires. Check the label or manufacturer’s instructions to see an appliance’s wattage. Do not use an extension cord to plug in high-wattage appliances, like refrigerators or air conditioners. Extension cords should be used temporarily.
- Use caution when using space heaters and electric blankets. Inspect these heating devices regularly and do not use if wires are frayed or damaged. Always unplug a heater or an electrical blanket when not in use and never sleep with them on. Make sure the devices are not near flammable items.
- Run generators safely. Conecte todos los electrodomésticos directamente al generador. Don’t use gas-powered generators in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, like a garage or home. Keep gas-powered generators away from open windows so deadly exhaust does not enter anyone's home. Please follow all instructions on the manufacturer’s manual.
- Install smoke alarms. Evaluate smoke alarms monthly and change batteries yearly.
Being aware of the risks and following the above tips can keep your family safe through the colder months. For more safety information visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/Safety.
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La sede de Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) se encuentra en Fort Wayne, y sus, aproximadamente, 2,000 empleados prestan servicios a más de 600,000 clientes. Más del 85% de la energía eléctrica que proporcionó en 2024 fue libre de emisiones. I&M tiene a su disposición diversas fuentes de generación, lo que incluye 2,278 MW de generación de energía nuclear en Michigan, 450 MW de generación de energía eólica comprada de Indiana, más de 22 MW de generación de energía hidráulica en los dos estados y, aproximadamente, 35 MW de generación de energía solar a gran escala en los dos estados. The company's generation portfolio also includes 1,497 MW of coal-fueled generation.
At American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, we understand that our customers and communities depend on safe, reliable and affordable power. Our nearly 17,000 employees operate and maintain more than 40,000 miles of transmission lines, the nation's largest electric transmission system, and more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver power to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with nearly 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including approximately 6,100 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP is investing $43 billion over the next five years to make the electric grid cleaner and more reliable. We are on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and have a goal to achieve net zero by 2045. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement and inclusion. La familia de compañías de AEP incluye a AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (en Virginia y Virginia Occidental), AEP Appalachian Power (en Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma y Southwestern Electric Power Company (en Arkansas, Louisiana, este de Texas y la región del Mango de Texas). AEP también es propietaria de AEP Energy, que brinda soluciones energéticas competitivas e innovadoras en todo el país. Para obtener más información, visite aep.com.
CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:
Schneè Doyle
Communications Specialist, Sr.
574-218-5987
smdoyle@aep.com