Evening Rotary gets media update
Clark Tutt, right, along with Jim Hinnett, was a recent speaker at the Kinston Evening Rotary Club. Tutt Media Group, Inc., which has been operating TV station TACC-9 for many years, is bringing three new TV stations to Eastern North Carolina. Channel 21 based in Trenton, Channel 41 based in Jacksonville and Channel 29 based in Wilmington will serve more than a million people, offering various programs such as The Nashville Network. The studio will be at the TACC-9 building on Queen Street. Having an antenna, inside or out, will allow households to receive many channels free. Evening Rotary meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the House of Wang.
Home Solutions: Home generator safety facts, Part 1
Portable generators can provide a good, temporary source of power, but can become deadly if improperly installed or operated.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International urges consumers to become more knowledgeable about electrical safety. Understanding the dangers associated with portable generators could save your life.
From 1999-2008, 481 carbon monoxide deaths associated with portable generators were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. More than 80 percent of them occur in the home.
One third of all generator-related carbon monoxide deaths involved the use of generators during a temporary power outage from a weather event. Nearly 50 percent of all portable generator-related carbon monoxide deaths occurred during the winter months.
These few precautions can provide safety from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and electric shock.
Have a licensed electrician install home generators to ensure they meet electrical codes. Do not connect directly to household wiring without a transfer switch. This could backfeed along power lines and electrocute someone.
Ground generators properly. Use a ground fault circuit interrupter to prevent electrical shock injuries. Equip your home with a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide alarm.
Never operate a generator in a partially or fully enclosed space. Carbon monoxide levels build quickly and are not prevented by open window, door or fan ventilation.
Position the generator outside away from doors, windows and vents. Carbon monoxide is the “silent killer.” Get to fresh air right away if you feel dizzy or weak.
Do not overload. Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor rated three-pronged extension cord rated for the load. Inspect for damage before use.
Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting it down. Store fuel safely. Before re-fueling, turn off and cool the generator.
Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
Next week, Part 2 will address how to select a generator.
Resource: esfi.org
Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.