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. Keep flammable materials away from a hot light bulb. 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. Connect all appliances directly to the generator. 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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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 85% of its energy delivered in 2024 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. 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. AEP's family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Schneè Doyle
Communications Specialist, Sr.
574-218-5987
smdoyle@aep.com