PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STORY CONTACT: Bonnie Jones

PHONE: 706/367-6114 (office)

706/207-7973 (cell)

Jackson EMC Reminds Consumers: Call Before You Dig

It’s fall, a time to plant trees and perennials to beautify yards and save energy. Do you know if you have underground utility lines and where they are located?

Call before you dig, say energy experts with Jackson EMC. If you're planning any digging and don't want the unpleasant surprise of digging into an electrical line or water pipe, be sure to call the Utilities Protection Center at least three days before you plan to dig. A representative of each utility will mark lines so that you can dig safely. The number in the Atlanta dialing area is (770) 623-4344. The toll-free number is (800) 282-7411.

It's not just to avoid inconvenience; it's the law. The Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act requires anyone with plans to dig to submit a request to the UtilitiesProtectionCenter at least 48 hours in advance. The 48 hours begins on the next business day after the request, excluding hours during non-business days.

When you call, be ready with the necessary information, including municipality, street address, extent of work, caller's name, contact person's name, address and phone numbers.

After calling, wait for the site to be marked before digging. Marking could be in the form of paint, flags or stakes.Dig slowly and with care. If digging within 24 inches of either side of the colored flags or markings, use your hands.

Jackson EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and relatedservices to 194,000 customers in metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia. Collectively, Georgia’s 42 customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 3.7 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73% of the state’s land area. Georgia’s 42 electric membership cooperatives now serve more customers than any other state network of EMCs in the nation.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STORY CONTACT: Bonnie Jones

PHONE: 706/367-6114 (office)

706/207-7973 (cell)

YOU CAN CONTROL INDOOR AIR QUALITY

The spring leads to allergy problems for many, with daily weather reports about unhealthy pollen counts. Unhealthy air outside causes some people to remain inside, making it more important than ever to control indoor air quality.

Energy professionals with Jackson EMC suggest controlling indoor air quality by eliminating air leaks and indoor pollution. Many common sources and products such as cigarette smoke, organic chemicals in furnishings and carbon monoxide from ranges can cause indoor pollution. Jackson EMC suggests keeping drapery fabric, cleaning products, carpeting, paints, and furniture containing harmful chemicals out of your home. Instead, seek natural and non-toxic products.

Some homeowners assume that having a leaky house flushes out pollutants, but pollutants can accumulate in a poorly ventilated house. Having a well ventilated, energy-efficient house will use air-to-air heat exchangers to flush out stale air and bring in cool, fresh air.

Jackson EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 194,000 customers in metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia. Collectively, Georgia’s 42 customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 3.7 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73% of the state’s land area. Georgia’s 42 electric membership cooperatives now serve more customers than any other state network of EMCs in the nation.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STORY CONTACT: Bonnie Jones

PHONE: 706/367-6114 (office)

706/207-7973 (cell)

JACKSON EMC OFFERS OUTDOOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS

Springtime signals a time when children participate in outdoor activities. Unfortunately, accidents may occur if children play near electrical substations, high-voltage equipment and power lines.

According to energy experts with Jackson EMC, you can help protect your kids by reminding them of these important tips:

  • Keep a safe distance from power lines when fishing or sailing.
  • Do not try to retrieve items that touch power lines. Instead, contact Jackson EMC for assistance.
  • Emphasize that a “High Voltage” sign means “Keep Out” or “Do Not Enter.”
  • Fly kites away from overhead lines. Jackson EMC recommends using kites made of wood or paper, not metal, with cotton or nylon string and tail.
  • Avoid using ladders near electrical lines.
  • Do not go near a fallen electrical line. It could be fully charged and dangerous. Contact Jackson EMC for assistance.
  • Call Jackson EMC if balls and toys end up behind an electrical substation fence. Do not try to retrieve items on your own.

Jackson EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 194,000 customers in metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia. Collectively, Georgia’s 42 customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 3.7 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73% of the state’s land area. Georgia’s 42 electric membership cooperatives now serve more customers than any other state network of EMCs in the nation.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STORY CONTACT: TBD

PHONE: TBD

E-MAIL: TBD

JACKSON EMC RECOMMENDS SPRING CLEANING TIPS

With spring around the corner, many people prepare for the inevitable “spring cleaning.” Jackson EMC offers outdoor spring cleaning safety reminders to keep you safe while doing outdoor chores:

  • Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers for unraveled cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken covering.
  • Replace or repair damaged cords.
  • Unplug portable power tools not in use.
  • Do not use power tools in the rain or allow tools to get wet.
  • Avoid carrying appliances by the cord.
  • Do not yank appliance cords when disconnecting; instead, pull the plug.

Jackson EMC is a consumer-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to 194,000 customers in metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia. Collectively, Georgia’s 42 customer-owned EMCs provide electricity and related services to 3.7 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73% of the state’s land area. Georgia’s 42 electric membership cooperatives now serve more customers than any other state network of EMCs in the nation.

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