One hundred and ten high school students participated in Missouri's 63rd annual Missouri Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., June 14 – 20. Local delegates Brylee Barnes of West Plains and Mya Voyles of Eminence represented HOEC on the weeklong trip. This year, all 40 of Missouri's electric distribution cooperatives participated in the program.

Never go near a downed power line; always assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay far away and call 911 immediately to report it. If you are in a vehicle near downed power lines, stay inside the vehicle and call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Do not exit unless there is an immediate danger such as fire.

Older homes have charm, but they can also come with higher energy use. Small upgrades can make a big difference, like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, upgrading to LED lighting and servicing HVAC systems regularly. For more info, see Energy Tips and Home Energy Audit.

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a special electrical outlet, identifiable by the “TEST” and “RESET” buttons on the front, designed to protect against electric shock. GFCIs quickly shut off power when they detect an electrical imbalance.