Pictured are Kosciusko REMC personnel Jeff Moore, lineman supervisor; Emily Cowan, manager of marketing and customer service; Kurt Carver, manager of operations and engineering; Bruce Goslee, CEO, Kosciusko REMC; Joni Truex, executive officer, Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties; guest speaker Chuck Tiemann, Senior Risk Management and Regulatory consultant, Indiana Statewide Rural Electric Co-ops; Kosciusko REMC personnel Katy Stegall Berger, communications specialist; Carol Presley Ousley, energy advisor; Ryan Miller, field engineer; and Brett Harter CGP, Freeman & Harter Custom Homes and BAKFC board president. (Photo provided)

Kosciusko REMC recently hosted the Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties and Trade Allies at its facilities in Warsaw. In addition to learning about Kosciusko REMC, door prize drawings were handed out and attendees were introduced to Kosciusko REMC personnel by CEO Bruce Goslee.

Guest Speaker for the evening was Chuck Tiemann, Senior Risk Management & Regulatory consultant for Indiana Statewide Rural Electric Co-ops. Dispelling the myths most people have about electricity was the message brought home by the former lineman. Electric lines are not insulated. There are no breakers or other devices attached to electric lines to de-energize the line when it becomes detached or is on the ground. Electric lines are energized at 7,200 volts – not 110 or 120 volts.Mr. Tiemann suffered serious injury as a lineman in Oklahoma resulting in the loss of his left arm below the elbow and his right leg below the knee after making contact with a live power line. The accident also momentarily took his life and he has made it his personal mission to educate people everywhere on the respect and caution we all need to exercise regarding electricity. Chuck also explained the importance of not planting trees anywhere near a power line. Trees grow and children climb trees, making a deadly accident waiting to happen.

Anyone involved in an accident with a power pole needs to be aware of the best way to handle the situation. Chuck explained the best scenario is to remain in the vehicle – moving toward the center – and call 911 requesting they contact the energy provider (Kosciusko REMC or NIPSCO in our area). First responders are not trained to de-energize an electric line and could be injured or killed trying to help.

If you smell gasoline or the vehicle is on fire – open the door, swing both legs over to the side, and jump clear of the vehicle – keeping both legs together and landing on both feet. Bunny hop away from the vehicle taking small hops to remain balanced. You do not want to touch the ground with your hands or arms.

Once you are a safe distance away do not return to the vehicle for any reason. One suggestion is to put Kosciusko REMC and NIPSCO numbers in your phone in case you ever need to contact them following an accident.

President Brett Harter, Freeman & Harter Custom Homes and BAKFC board president, ended the meeting by thanking Kosciusko REMC for its continued support of the Builders Association.

Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties is a not for profit membership organization dedicated to the enhancement of the building industry. Maintaining affordable housing, member education, and community philanthropy are among the areas of focus. Visit bakfc.com for further information.