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NORTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.


April 2014


Storm safety: When thunderstorms, tornadoes strike By B. Denise Hawkins


B


eware. Spring can usher in more than April showers. Now through the summer months, thunderstorms can quickly roll in and tornadoes can touch down, often during the afternoon and evening hours, according to researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory.


Follow these tips from NOAA


and the American Red Cross to keep you and your home safe when tornadoes and severe thunderstorms come your way. (14400001) • Prepare for high winds by removing diseased and damaged tree limbs. • Listen to local news or Na-


tional Weather Service broadcasts to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. • If possible, take shelter in your home’s basement, a small interior


room, or under stairs on the lowest level. Also, have a battery-operat- ed weather radio handy along with emergency supplies. • If in a mobile home, imme- diately head to a sturdy shelter or vehicle. Mobile homes, especially hallways and bathrooms, are not safe places to take shelter during tornadoes or other severe winds. • Unplug your electronics.


Avoid using electrical equipment and corded telephones. • Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or any- thing else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile. • If you are caught in a storm while on the road, the American Red Cross urges drivers to turn their headlights on, try to safely exit the roadway, and park. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends.


Supercell thunderstorms rolling in over the plains provide a backdrop for power lines.


Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


• Stay safe after a storm. Re- main indoors at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Also, stay away from downed power lines. Report them to us at 580.256.7425 immediately.


Sources: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Labora- tory, and American Red Cross


B. Denise Hawkins writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arling- ton, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.


Membership has its benefits NWEC returns $853,613 in capital credits


Y


our electric coopera- tive belongs to you and the other members who receive electric service from Northwestern Electric. Your ownership interest in the Co-op is known as capital credits. At the end of each year, after financial obligations have been met, the Co-op determines if there are excess revenues called margins. These margins are al- located to the members as capital credits based upon their pay-


ments for electricity during that year.


When the Co-op’s financial conditions permit, your Board of Directors votes to refund the capi- tal credits to you, our members. This year, NWEC will pay back $853,613 to members who paid for electric service in 1992 and 1993. Active members will receive a credit on their April bill unless the amount is over $600, then a check will be mailed. Inactive members will receive a check in the mail if


their amount is over $10 or it is their final capital credit check. Some checks go unclaimed due to addresses that are not cur- rent for former members. If you know someone who has moved, please ask them to update their address with us. Forms may be obtained from our website at www.nwecok.coop, by emailing us at cc@nwecok.org or giving the office a call at 256.7425 or 800.375.7423.


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