Preventing Toy Injuries This Holiday Season

Jan. 8, 2015

Agriculture and Natural Resources Safe Use of Standby Generators

Family and Consumer Sciences Add more zzzzzs in your life

4-H Youth Development Gain confidence through 4-H speech program

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Safe Use of Standby Generators

Sources: National Fire Protection Association, American Red Cross, Centers for Disease

Control

Standby generators provide emergency electrical power during disruptions caused by winter storms and other disasters. However, you need to take some special precautions to ensure safe, efficient operation of these generators.

Make sure to purchase a generator that is rated for the amount of power you need and buy one that will supply more than what you need, so you don’t blow a fuse or damage the equipment you plan to attach to the generator. You’ll find power information on the labels of appliances, lighting and other equipment. The wattage on a light bulb indicates the amount of power it needs.

The main hazards of using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. There are some precautions you can take to make sure you don’t have a mishap.

Use a double-throw type transfer switch if you’re connecting a standby generator directly to an existing electrical wiring system to provide power for a home, farm or small business. A double-throw switch allows you to place the switch into two different positions. One position feeds normal power from the utility line to the load, such as the household or building circuit, just like the power flows under normal circumstances. In the other position, it disconnects the utility line and feeds power from the standby generator to the household or building circuit.

Remember, anytime a standby generator is wired or directly connected into a household or building wiring system, a transfer switch must be used for the connection.

A double-throw type transfer switch is required by the National Electric Code and by electric utility companies for two very good reasons. First, it prevents power backflow from the standby generator through the utility power line. This prevents possible electrocution of utility linemen working to restore service to the power lines. Second, it prevents damage to the standby generator when electrical service is restored; otherwise, the generator could be damaged extensively when power is reestablished.

You won’t need to use a double-throw type transfer switch if you’re plugging individual appliances like a refrigerator, freezer, sump pump or power tools directly into a small portable generator.

These are some more safety considerations to remember when using standby generators:

Ground the generator using number six copper wire and an eight-foot ground rod that is properly bonded to the electrical grounding system.

To avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, never operate a standby generator in a basement or other enclosed area or near windows or doors that may lead into living spaces.

Use battery operated carbon monoxide detectors, and if you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away.

Use extreme caution when operating the generator in wet conditions. Use only approved containers to store fuel. Never refill fuel when the generator is running or while the engine is hot; always allow ample time for it to cool down first.

Do not shut off the generator under load.

For more information on transfer switches and other necessary measures for safe installation and use of standby generators, contact your local electric utility company or a qualified electrician. The (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service also has information on safety practices around the home, farm and business.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Add more zzzzzs in your life

Source: Nicole Peritore, program coordinator for family and consumer sciences extension;

National Sleep Foundation and Mayo Clinic

We all want a good night’s sleep, but for some of us, sleep is hard to come by. If you experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, awakening too early or never feeling rested, you are not alone. Many adults experience sleep disturbances at some point. The National

Institutes of Health estimates that nearly 30 percent of the general adult population complains of sleep disruption, and about 10 percent has functional impairment in the daytime that is a telltale sign of insomnia.

Stresses, anxieties, depression, poor sleep habits and certain medical conditions are common underlying causes of insomnia. Insomnia is also caused by changes in a person’s environment or work schedule, some medications and consumption of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and food too late in the evening. The risk of experiencing insomnia increases if you are a woman, over 60, have a mental disorder, under stress, work nights or swing shifts or frequently travel long distances over multiple time zones.

Sometimes you can make behavior changes to have a more restful night. These changes include following a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime and decreasing or avoiding the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime.

If you consistently have trouble with unsettled sleeping patterns, you may want to see your doctor. More information about living a healthy, active life is available at the (COUNTY NAME) office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Gain confidence through 4-H speech program

Source: Jennifer Tackett, extension specialist for 4-H youth development

Public speaking is one of Americans’ biggest fears. 4-H gives youth a chance to conquer this fear at a young age by giving them public speaking experience through the speech program. By the end of the program, some of the shyest young people can feel the accomplishment of conquering this fear.

Public speaking is a component of many 4-H events including the 4-H country ham, poultry and equine competitions. By learning public speaking skills while they are young, youth will have the confidence, organizational skills and composure to become the influential leaders of tomorrow.

The important thing is for young people to give 4-H speech a try. The earlier they begin the program and the longer they stick with it, the stronger their public speaking skills will be. 4-H leaders can help youngsters become more comfortable with public speaking by having them draw a common household item out of a bag and then talk about it for 30 seconds to a minute.

This exercise shows youth they shouldn’t be afraid of public speaking.

Youth can deliver speeches on any topic they find interesting. As they look for more information on the topic, they develop valuable research skills. They also learn organizational skills by composing the speech and giving it the proper structure. Finally, they must use creative techniques to get the audience’s attention.

There is also a statewide 4-H speech competition. These competitions begin at the county level. County winners advance to a district tournament, and district winners advance to a state tournament, which is usually held in July at the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington.

Judges evaluate the presentation and the speaker’s ability to clearly deliver a message.

Speeches can be on any topic, and youth compete in one of nine age groups.

It’s not too late to get involved in a 4-H speech program in your county. If you’re interested, contact (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.