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FEBRUARY 2012  Cont’d


 Once you’ve applied caulk, give it time to dry. Curing time is described in two ways. The tack-free time tells you how quickly the fresh caulk’s outer surface will dry or skin over. The total cure time indicates the time required for the caulk to become completely stable—or reach the point where no further drying or shrinking will occur. Keep pets and small kids away from caulk as it dries.


For larger gaps, use sprayfoam


Be sure to use the correct type of spray foam for the job. Polyurethane expandable spray foam works well around pipes and gaps around the foundation, but it expands with so much force that it can damage window and door frames. In those spots, use a water- based spray foam.


Expanding foam is ideal for filling cracks that caulks can’t handle. It comes in aerosol cans and takes a short time to cure. The foam is very sticky and attaches itself quickly, so be prepared to pick up messes fast.


To seal gaps too wide for foam, use foil-faced bubble wrap. For really large holes, cut sections of rigid foam insulation to fit and then glue into place with expanding foam before covering the area with wood or another appropriate building material.


Caulking is just one of several affordable “do- it-yourself” improvements proven to lower your energy costs. If you’re really serious about saving energy, I encourage you to join us on Date Here for our first-ever energy saving workshop for members. Details about the workshop are found on page 4 of this issue. Hope to see you there!


If you wish to speak with a CEC energy use specialist about finding ways to save energy, please call John Drake or Mark Zachry at 800- 780-6486, ext. 233. Remember, CEC offers FREE energy audits for co-op members.


PLAY IT SAFE Ten easy resolutions Heed these precautions for a safer year


BY GUY DALE coordinator of safety & loss control


electrical shocks, tripping hazards and house fires is easier than those other goals. Here are 10 simple resolutions you can keep:


W 1. Inspect your outlets. Loose-fitting plugs


can surprise someone with a shock or even start a fire. If your wall plate is broken, replace it so wires won’t be exposed. Insert plastic safety caps into unused outlets if your family includes young children.


2. Make peace with plugs. If a plug doesn’t comfortably fit into an outlet, don’t force it. Try a different plug. Never remove the grounding pin (third prong) so a three- prong plug will fit into a two-prong outlet.


3. Be careful with cords. They’re not designed to last forever. Toss frayed or cracked cords and move them out from under carpets or rugs, where they endure constant pounding that can rip them or wear them out—exposing you to fire from overheated wires.


4. Pack up extension cords. They’re fine for connecting holiday lights together, but afterward, pack them up and store them. Extension cords are designed for temporary use.


e all make resolutions to improve ourselves, lose weight, or quit smoking. Believe it or not, protecting your family from


5. Watch your wattage. The light bulbs in your lamps and overhead fixtures should match the specifications on those fixtures. A bulb whose wattage is too high can overheat.


6. Find no fault. Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are a must in every outlet in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, basement, garage and outdoors. If water could touch electricity, you need GFCIs on every outlet in the room.


7. Fuss with your fuses. If you don’t know whether your fuses are the right size for the circuit they’re protecting, call an electrician, who can clue you in.


8. Adjust appliances. If a circuit trips every time you plug in your hair dryer, or if your coffee maker has ever shocked you when you plugged it in, you either have faulty appliances or an overloaded circuit. An electrician can identify and solve your problem.


9. Upgrade the wiring. Faulty electrical wires start many house fires. If you hear popping or sizzling sounds behind the walls or if light switches feel hot, do not use those fixtures or switches until a licensed electrician has replaced them.


10. Get what you need. Unless you live in a brand-new house, you probably are using more electricity than the builder ever dreamed you would. Check with an electrician to determine whether your home needs more electrical capacity.


Schedule a safety class or free CPR course for your business, classroom or community group! Guy Dale and Brad Kendrick offer CPR training to the community at no charge. Please contact Guy Dale to schedule a free presentation today. To reach him, please call 800-760-6486, ext. 227. For more safety tips, please visit www.choctawelectric.coop.


We offer low interest loans for small and large appliances. 800-760-6486


PAGE 7


CEC


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