Louisiana Country, Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative, May 2026

Country Louisiana

Community C necti s

Tammany Trace trailheads are vital to Northshore culture

Page 12

SAFETY

Board

President

Vice

Secretary/Treasurer

Power Life Safel y May

is Electrical Safety Month

Every May, Electrical Safety Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preventing electrical hazards at home. Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life, but if handled improperly, it can pose serious risks, including injuries and property damage.

The Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives understands the risks associated with improper electricity use, which is why we’re committed to reminding you to stay vigilant and practice electrical safety year-round. By following key safety practices, you can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and ensure your family stays protected. Here are five essential tips for powering up safely at home:

surge protection, so read the product label carefully. Surge protectors can lose effectiveness over time and should be replaced when damaged or outdated.

1. Be vigilant. Regularly inspect your home’s electrical system, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, for signs of damage or outdated components. Electrical fires can start silently and out of sight, making functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors essential for early detection. Test alarms monthly, and replace batteries annually. Ensure you have alarms installed in key areas of your home, including inside and outside of bedrooms.

3. Practice safe use of power strips. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with power strips that exceed the outlet’s capacity. High-energy devices, such as heaters, microwaves and hair dryers, should be distributed across multiple outlets. Overloading an outlet with “busy” power strips can lead to overheating and create a fire hazard, so be sure to check the power strip’s wattage rating before plugging in items.

2. Use surge protectors. Safeguard your sensitive electronics and appliances with surge protectors. These handy devices help divert excess voltage away from your electronics, reducing the risk of damage or electrical fires. Not all power strips include

4. Don’t mix water and electricity. It may seem obvious, but accidents involving water contact with electrical items happen. Always keep electrical appliances and devices away from water sources, such as sinks, bathtubs or swimming pools. Make sure your hands are dry before touching any electrical switches, devices or appliances. Ground fault circuit interrupters should be installed in areas where water and electricity are typically in proximity, including kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor outlets.

5. Educate family members. One of the best ways to ensure the safety of everyone in your household is to talk about electrical safety. Teach children not to play with electrical outlets or appliances, and ensure they understand the potential dangers of electricity. Create and practice a home fire escape plan that includes electrical safety precautions in the event of an emergency.

Practicing electrical safety at home is essential for protecting your family, property and peace of mind. Remember, electrical safety isn’t just a one-time effort— it’s a year-round responsibility. Taking these steps can help ensure a safer, more secure home for you and your loved ones. 

Avoid overloading electrical outlets with power strips that exceed the outlets’ capacity. PEXELS PHOTO BY ZION

Getting Ahead of Wildfires

As the threat of wildfires increases nationwide, electric cooperatives are working to mitigate the risk of fires and protect their local systems and communities. Co-ops are:

• Deploying advanced technologies, such as power line sensors and advanced imaging cameras, to help detect fires or conditions that lead to them.

• Proactively managing vegetation near power lines and other electrical equipment to decrease the volume of fuel and slow the spread.

• Advocating for smarter land management policies like the Fix Our Forests Act that would allow co-ops to better maintain power lines on public lands and reduce wildfire risk.

PANOLAHARRISON

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

410 E. Houston St. • P.O. Box 1058

Marshall, TX 75671

903-935-7936 local • 800-972-1093 toll-free

Website: phec.us

OFFICE HOURS

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday 24-hour service for outages and emergencies

GENERAL MANAGER

Austin Haynes

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

District 1: Paul Fortune | Treasurer

District 2: Albert Tiller | President

District 3: Jay Goswick | Vice President

District 4: Brad Richardson

District 5: Debbie Burch

District 6: Roger Connell

District 7: Gene Stough

Year organized: 1937

Counties and parishes served: Harrison, Panola, Caddo and DeSoto

Connected meters: 20,648

Members: 13,722

Energized line: 2,465 miles distribution; 72 miles transmission

Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a civil rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination complaint form online at ascr.usda. gov/complaint_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call 866-632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, by fax to 202-690-7442 or by email to program.intake@usda.gov.

Volume 43, Issue 3

Louisiana Country (USPS 473-180) is published bimonthly by the Association of Louisiana Electric Co-ops Inc., 10725 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, in partnership with Pioneer Utility Resources.

Annual subscriptions: Members $2.79. Nonmembers $5.

Postmaster: Send form 3579 to 10725 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

Periodicals postage paid at Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821, and additional mailing offices.

Saving Energy During Peak Times Benefits All

Conserving electricity during peak energy use times not only lowers your monthly bill—it can benefit our entire community.

“Peak times” refer to periods of the day when the demand for electricity is highest. Think early mornings when people are getting ready for work or school and evenings when families return home, cook dinner and unwind with electronics. When everyone uses energy at once, it adds pressure on the electric grid.

Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative works around the clock to ensure that electricity flows to your home whenever you need it. Behind the scenes, an enormous and intricate system is at work—one of the most complex machines in the world: the U.S. power grid. The grid is made up of three major interconnections that span the country, each managing supply and demand through regional authorities to keep the lights on and our economy running smoothly.

Electricity comes from a diverse mix of sources—hydropower, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and more. Some power plants can respond quickly to spikes in demand, while others are less flexible. Once energy is generated, it travels through highvoltage transmission lines to local utilities,

like PHEC, which then delivers it to your home or business through distribution power lines.

When electricity demand surges during peak times, it’s more expensive to generate or purchase power. That’s why using less energy during peak hours is more important than ever. It not only eases strain on the grid but also helps you save money.

So how can you “beat the peak?” Start by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during peak hours. Smart thermostats can automate this for you. Delay using energyhungry appliances like ovens, clothes washers and dishwashers until later in the evening. Charging your electric vehicle overnight instead of right after you get home can also help.

Small actions taken by many households can lead to big results. When we all work together to reduce energy use during peak times, we protect our power grid, help control costs and ensure reliable electricity for our communities.

BILL PAYMENT INFORMATION

Bring your electric bill or bill stub when visiting the co-op office in Marshall with billing inquiries or payment questions.

Payments can be made by mail, at our local office, by phone, on our website or in the PHEC mobile app. We accept a variety of payment forms, including cash, check, electronic funds transfer, credit card and check-by-phone.

Call 866-520-1211 or 903-935-4657 to pay by credit card or check-by-phone. You can also pay online at phec.us or through our mobile app.

Make Your Life Easier With the PHEC Mobile App

Did you know Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative has an app designed for quick and convenient account management?

Available for download on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, our app gives you convenient access to your account anytime, anywhere.

Make secure payments.

Report outages.

Access the same features as our website, phec.us.

View bills and account details.

ENERGY SCAMS TIPS TO AVOID

If you receive a call from someone stating you have overpaid your energy bill and that you should provide your banking information or a credit card number to receive a refund, hang up because it’s likely a scam.

If you overpay your bill, your cooperative will apply the overpayment credit to your account balance or mail a check. They will not call and request your banking information to issue the refund.

Source: Utilities United Against Scams

Your Lawn Care Electrify

By Miranda Boutelle

Electric lawn equipment has seen drastic improvements in cost, motor efficiency and battery power in recent years. From hedge and string trimmers to leaf blowers, chain saws, and push and riding mowers, there are lots of options for electric lawn equipment.

Electric equipment is quieter than its gas-powered counterpart and typically needs less maintenance. There’s no more mixing fuel, changing spark plugs or worrying about gas going bad over the winter. Advances in rechargeable battery technology eliminate having to lug around a heavy extension cord to get your work done. Just pop in a battery and go.

Most popular lawn equipment brands offer battery-powered options, along with newer brands that specialize in electric tools. If you need multiple tools, buying the same brand with the same battery type allows you to swap batteries among different pieces of equipment. That also means fewer battery chargers to store or keep on your workbench.

Opt for equipment with brushless motors. They are more efficient, more powerful and have a longer lifespan than traditional brushed motors.

A brushed motor transfers electricity using physical brushes, which can wear down over time. The friction caused by the

brushes makes equipment run hotter and noisier. A brushless motor uses electronic commutation with less friction, which makes it more powerful, extends the lifespan and allows you to get more done on a single charge.

A brushless motor typically costs more but is worth the improved efficiency.

Just as gas-powered lawnmowers require safe storage and handling of gas and oil, battery-powered equipment requires proper maintenance, charging and disposal. Always use the manufacturer’s original charging equipment. Charge batteries on hard surfaces away from anything flammable, and store chargers in a cool, dry place.

Most manufacturers recommend charging batteries only until they reach full capacity instead of leaving them on the

Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energy-efficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company.

charger until you are ready to use them. This helps prevent damage to the battery from overcharging and heat buildup and reduces potential fire hazards. Unplug chargers when not in use to avoid wasting energy.

Similar to gas and oil, old or damaged batteries should not end up in household garbage and landfills, where they can ignite fires and leak toxic chemicals into soil and groundwater. Instead, recycle them at a big-box store or at a waste management site.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more efficient, lower maintenance lawn care routine, rethink your equipment options and consider electric models. If you decide to make the switch, check with your electric utility or state agency for electric lawn equipment rebates. 

Spinning Tails, Not Tales

Harness the best of spinnerbaits and worm fishing

By John N. Felsher

Since the dawn of fishing, anglers have been spinning tales, even an occasional true one. But now they can tell stories of spinning tails that catch more bass.

One hot Louisiana day many years ago, Dad wanted to make a quick fishing trip in the morning before the scorching heat became too oppressive. Of course, I wanted to fish from dawn to dusk, but Dad had the driver’s license. We headed to a pond that everyone called the Ol’ Swimming Hole, but it held big bass.

On hot summer days, swimmers jumped off the bank about 3 feet above water at one corner of the rectangular pond. Next to the bank, a sandbar came up to the shoreline. That’s where Dad and I launched our pirogue into the pond.

We fished for several hours that morning with nothing to show for it. As the morning heat began to rise, swimmers came to cool off. Then, my dad uttered those dreadful words I never wanted to hear.

“We haven’t caught anything all morning,” he said. “Let’s go.”

My immediate standard response was always, “One more cast, pleeeeeaaaassssse!”

Without waiting for Dad’s approval, I

tossed a bright red worm equipped with three exposed hooks and tipped with a propeller on the nose. The worm landed beyond a submerged sandbar that ran parallel to the shoreline. The bait slowly sank to the bottom in the trough between the bar and the bank. Then, I reeled steadily to slowly turn the propeller.

As the lure slipped up the back side of the sandbar, something grabbed it. After quite a fight, I finally lipped a bass weighing nearly 6 pounds. Instantly, red harness worms became my new favorite bait. That fish remained my personal best largemouth for another 30 years.

Long before many people even heard the term Texas-rigged worm, anglers used prerigged harness or propeller worms. They came with two or three hooks protruding from the belly of a straight worm linked together with fishing line. On the nose, a straight wire held several colored metal, glass or plastic beads and what looked like a miniature aircraft propeller.

Few bass anglers still fish with prerigged worms, if they can even find one. Anglers might find some on dusty shelves in the back of old tackle shops, at country general stores or maybe a flea market. However, these worms began to make a comeback of sorts. Now called a tail-spinner worm, it’s a straight worm or similar soft-plastic enticement with a propeller screwed into the tail rather than the nose.

“I started using tail-spinner worms in tournaments and caught a lot of good fish on them,” says Keith Poche, a professional bass angler born and raised in Natchitoches. “I take a simple straight plastic worm or stickbait with a little weight to it. To the back of the worm, I attach a No. 1 or 2 spinner blade with a swivel and a split ring.”

In the old days, most harness worms came prerigged with wire weed guards that snapped over the hooks. Today, most people insert their hook points barely into the plastic worm body. When rigged weedless, a tail-spinner worm can go through most types of entangling cover to get down where lunkers lurk. Some people attach a small split-shot to the line about 12 inches in front of the nose to add casting heft or to fish it deeper.

“I typically throw it weightless with a 5/0 extra-wide gap hook,” Keith says. “I insert the hook into the plastic to make it weedless. I can throw a tail-spinner worm into grass, wood, fallen trees, brush piles or anything else, and it won’t hang up.”

A tail-spinner worm somewhat combines the attributes of spinnerbaits, crankbaits, wacky worms, soft jerkbaits and Texas rigs. The propeller creates vibrations and flash like traditional spinnerbaits, but with a more lifelike silhouette.

When big bass feel the vibrations or see the flash, they investigate. They see something that looks like helpless natural forage, so they attack. Since the worm feels lifelike, a bass might hold onto it longer than a spinnerbait.

“It’s a very versatile but subtle bait,” Keith says. “It’s a finesse technique that combines a spinnerbait with the look of a worm. The blade is just big enough to give off some flash, but not too bulky to chase fish away. The spinner draws attention to the bait and allows a person to fish it a lot faster than a Texas rig. With it, I can cover a lot more water than just working a standard soft-plastic stickbait.”

Because they sink slowly when rigged weightless, tail-spinner worms work best in shallow water with abundant cover like stumps, fallen trees and weed beds. They also work around flooded brush, dock or bridge pilings, riprap or similar places where bass feed in the shallows or near the surface.

Toss it into a sweet spot and let it sink. Steadily reel it just over the bottom or higher in the water so the propeller turns. Occasionally pause the retrieve to let the bait sink a few feet. When passing a stump, log or other object, let the worm sink to the bottom before renewing the retrieve. Bass commonly hit worms as they fall with the propeller still spinning. Some people hop it off the bottom.

“I usually fish the worm in water 5 feet deep or less,” Keith says. “I look for little ditches with slightly deeper water in the back of pockets. Bass use these ditches to migrate into and out of the shallows. I also look for dark spots that could indicate submerged stumps. Let the bait fall, and then slowly start retrieving it to make the blade spin. I’ll bump it forward a little and then let it fall again. Bass hit it aggressively.”

Unlike the old prerigged worms, anglers can easily change colors or propeller sizes on a tail-spinner rig. Experiment with different colors, configurations and retrieves to see what bass want that day. 

Tammany Trace trailheads are vital to Northshore culture Community Connections

Story and

photos by Colette Boehm

Tammany Trace includes scenic bayou overlooks and long stretches of piney woods and moss-draped oaks. Since its inception in 1992, this 31-mile trail has served as a ribbon, tying together communities across St. Tammany Parish.

Today, the rails-to-trails path is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers, offering a combination of easy accessibility, remote beauty and scenic views. But beyond its popularity for outdoor recreation, the trace’s trailheads combine outdoor recreation, art and local culture in Abita Springs, Covington and Mandeville.

The trailheads are favorite spots for many locals, offering a variety of opportunities for community connections

and outdoor fun. These spots are central to the culture and hubs of activity for these towns. They host weekly farmers markets, local art installations, entertainment venues, special events and more.

Culture in Covington

In Covington, a converted depot serves as a trailhead and visitor center. The center features rotating art exhibits, and the site includes a campanile, bandstand and amphitheater. Here, residents enjoy free concerts, arts and crafts markets, festivals and a lunchtime farmers market on Wednesdays. On Saturdays, a market is held just down the trail on the nearby grounds of the Covington Police Department.

The Wednesday and Saturday markets feature locally grown fresh produce,

prepared food and live music. Patrons may also find free samples from a participating local chef.

Jennifer Loos, proprietor of Bear Creek Road, has been operating her home-based bakery in Covington for 11 years. She transitioned from working in commercial kitchens to better balance her family life, and she finds the Covington Saturday Farmers Market to be not only an excellent retail venue but also a community gathering place. She is a vendor each weekend and, like many other regulars, her business is a favorite among local patrons.

Kristen Clinton, who grew up in Mandeville, now lives in Covington and visits the Covington market every weekend with her daughters. In addition to stopping at the Bear Creek booth for waffle mix, they have many other favorite vendors, as well.

“We love the cheese man, Mr. Jesse,” Kristen says. “And then we get waffle mix and a muffin. The waffle mix, we get it every single week. We love it. And the red bean lady over there and the mushroom man. And we always get a balloon, too,” she adds with a smile.

Balloons are a common sight throughout the grounds, as children play while parents shop or stop to enjoy the live music performed under the gazebo.

“They also have all of the fundraiser walks and other events at the trailhead,” Kristen says. “Last weekend, there was a music festival there. There's always stuff going on here.”

Mandeville Meetups

Saturdays in Mandeville bring the weekly Trailhead Community Market at the town’s park and renovated train depot, with more than 80 vendors participating. The Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center are adjacent to the trace and host the Saturday markets as well as free Friday evening concerts and other

special events. The market spaces here offer more than local produce and food. Vendors include craftspeople, entrepreneurs and artists. There are jams and juices, salsas and tamales, plants and paintings.

Nicole Gillies, local artist and owner of Serendipitous Designs in Mandeville, has been exhibiting at the market for 16 years. She sees both loyal customers and longtime friends there.

“This is a really tight-knit little community, and I see a lot of the same people,” she says. “I've had repeat customers for years. We have some people that I see who come out every Saturday. This is a staple for them. My son grew up out here. He’s in college now. At 3 years old, he was out here sitting underneath the table. Now, every time he comes home from college, he comes back out and helps.”

Nicole also welcomes visitors who stop by her booth while they’re out enjoying the Tammany Trace.

“We get a lot of bikers,” she says. “We get a whole lot of people from Fontainebleau State Park too, because we’re the first stop.

Obviously, some of them will ride all the way to Covington, because you can do the whole thing, but we get a lot here.”

The depot site also includes cultural exhibits, a tower and an amphitheater, where live music is enjoyed by patrons relaxing and viewing from a shaded, grassy area next to the trace. The amphitheater also hosts the Mandeville Live! spring and fall concert series.

Check Out Abita Springs

The Abita Springs Sunday-morning market adds to the variety of activities at this unique trailhead. The one-room Abita Springs Trailhead Museum celebrates the history and culture of Abita Springs with exhibits and photographs. It is open Friday through Sunday, and volunteers are quick to brag about their town and the park that is home to the trailhead.

The park features a historic two-story pavilion, under which rests Princess Abita, a statue commemorating the healing waters the town is known for. There is a water fountain for collecting

that fresh Abita water and a Spirit Stick totem on the site, honoring the town’s history and Choctaw symbology. The trailhead park boasts a playground, splash pad and picnic area.

During the Sunday markets, Gallo D’Oro Farm’s Dan Rinderle, who along with his wife owns a local restaurant, sells his sauces, dressings and vegetable preserves. Garlic, green beans, okra and more fill his table at the market.

“We are a farm—a little 5-acre farm in Abita Springs,” he says. “We grow just enough crops to do what we do here and

then supply what we can for the restaurant. In season, for instance, like if you come and get eggplant, it's fresh off the farm. My wife and daughter make the jellies. Everything else on this table, I make.”

Dan, too, sees local folks each week who have become dedicated customers. He even fills special requests for them.

“Somebody asked me to make honey mustard this week, so I brought it,” he says. “Somebody asked me to make a big jar of carrots.”

These requests come from neighbors and locals who consider markets like these an

important part of what makes the trace’s trailheads so central to life here.

These are also the spots for many popular annual events. From the Not Your Mama’s Gumbo Cook-off in Abita Springs to the Shamrock Sprint and the Rockin’ the Rails Concert in Covington, spring events are only the beginning of a yearlong calendar filled with activities that bring out residents and attract visitors.

Many of those visitors find the outdoor community centers when traveling the trace during a stay at Fontainebleau State Park. This 2,800-acre treasure in Mandeville is Louisiana’s most visited park and, via the trace, is connected to each of these Northshore communities.

The trace’s headquarters in Mandeville is at the Koop Drive Trailhead, which is also a popular local spot for recreation and relaxation. This is home to the Kids Konnection Playground, which is built with inclusion in mind. It includes special features that allow children of all abilities to play together. A green caboose, which serves as the trail’s headquarters, sits on a preserved piece of railroad track and is surrounded by the playground.

In nearby Lacombe, the trailhead is not so much a town center as it is a meditation center. Located in a remote area, this spot is considered one of the trail’s most scenic locations.

A converted railroad trestle, complete with drawbridge to accommodate boat traffic below, spans Lacombe Bayou. The trailhead, with its covered picnic areas on the bayou and a comfort station, provides a picturesque spot for a relaxing break.

Where Community Meets Economy

While the trailheads serve as community hubs, the trace itself has become an important part of St. Tammany Parish’s economy. Bike shops are located near both the Mandeville and Covington trailheads and offer repairs and deliveries for cyclists in other areas. The local restaurants and shops within walking distance of the trail see traffic from cyclists year-round.

It is clear to see the abandoned railroad corridor from 1992 has become an integral part and a recreational centerpiece of the Northshore communities of St. Tammany Parish. The miles of asphalt, remodeled railroad trestles and repurposed depots now connect communities, residents and visitors in new ways.

Those out for fitness, a scenic ride, a family outing or immersion in local food and culture, find Tammany Trace offers the perfect locations for connecting outdoor enjoyment with community charm across St. Tammany Parish. n

SOLAR ENERGY POP QUIZ

Solar energy is amazing because it allows us to use electricity generated from sunlight, a renewable resource.

Complete the quiz below by matching the solar energy terms in the word bank to the correct description.

1. _______________ A star at the center of our solar system that provides light and heat.

2. _______________ Flat devices often placed on rooftops to collect energy from the sun and help power homes and businesses.

3. _______________ Tiny particles of energy that travel through space and reach Earth in about eight minutes.

4. _______________ The basic building block inside rooftop equipment that converts sunlight into usable power.

5. _______________ The type of energy that runs appliances, lights and electronics in your home.

Word Bank

A. Solar Cell

B. Electricity

C. Solar Panels

D. Sun

E. Photons

Answer Key: 1) D 2) C 3) E 4) A 5) B

Make Sure Your Home Can

Beat the

Energy use often rises with the summer heat, but there are a number of simple, economical ways to boost comfort, save energy and reduce electric bills. Most of these energy-saving steps can pay for themselves relatively quickly. For example, weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive ways to boost efficiency and cut energy costs year-round.

A substantial portion of total residential energy costs is spent cooling homes. Reduce energy costs and ready the air conditioner with a cleaning and tuneup. Clean or change filters monthly during the cooling season. If you’re purchasing a new unit, check the efficiency rating, which

could impact your annual energy costs. For greater operating efficiency, install the unit in a shady area, and keep it free from plant overgrowth and debris.

Summer sunlight and heat enter homes through windows. Closing curtains, blinds and shades can reduce heat gain by up to 40%. Installing awnings or shutters over windows exposed to direct sunlight can reduce indoor heat gain by up to 70%.

Outdoor landscaping—such as shade trees, shrubs or other plants around the foundation—can also reduce energy costs.

Ventilate your attic and check insulation. Adequately sized vents or an attic fan can help keep hot air from building up.

Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips

If your attic has less than 6 to 8 inches of insulation, consider adding more. Proper attic insulation can save up to 30% of your cooling bill. Be sure the insulation doesn’t block vents or cover exhaust fans.

Another inexpensive way to keep cool and reduce air conditioning costs is to use ceiling and oscillating fans. The moving air makes the temperature feel cooler even with a higher thermostat setting. For each 1-degree increase in the thermostat setting, cooling costs can be trimmed by about 3%.

 Install a programmable or smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set a higher temperature while you’re away and set it to cool the house before you return home. A smart thermostat can track setting preferences and implements your cooling and heating patterns automatically.

 Turn off lights, TVs and computers you’re not using.

 Make sure heat-producing devices like televisions and lamps are away from the thermostat. They will raise the temperature at the thermostat and cause the air conditioner to run when it is not needed.

 Plan to use appliances that heat up—for example, the clothes dryer, stove and oven—during cooler morning and evening hours.

 Keep your kitchen cooler by cooking in a microwave or grilling outdoors.

Heat

Smooth Streaming

Tips for seamless entertainment

Whether it’s music, movies or games, streaming and interactive online content is a part of daily life for many. With a little care and planning, you can have the smoothest experience possible. Also, keep in mind the professionals with your service provider are always ready to support you, answering questions and offering information needed to make the right choices. Here are a few items to consider:

Anticipate how you will use your streaming services. When assessing internet needs for streaming, consider the number of people in your household and their activities. Will there be remote work, gaming or multiple streaming services involved? Once your internet use patterns are understood, make sure your internet plan matches your needs.

Take into account the amount of devices. Don’t overlook the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi network. It’s common for households to have various smartphones, tablets and smart appliances online simultaneously. Remember, each connected device consumes bandwidth, which can affect the performance of all your devices.

Assess your Wi-Fi coverage. Slow streaming can sometimes be attributed to Wi-Fi issues rather than insufficient bandwidth. Evaluate the placement of your router, and consider investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your home. This can significantly improve streaming performance, especially in larger homes or areas with signal dead zones.

Understand streaming. Streaming involves the continuous transmission of media content from an online server to a digital device. It can include a wide range of content, from livestreams to recorded movies and TV shows. At times, it can seem like an endless stream of content possibilities. However, there are potential bottlenecks, so consider cataloging all the streaming services in use—including online gaming—to make sure you have the internet connection and Wi-Fi setup that’s right for you.

3. 4. 5.

Stay informed about advancements in technology. Streaming technology has rapidly evolved, revolutionizing how we consume media. Stay informed about advancements in streaming services and internet technology to make informed decisions about your streaming setup. For example, image resolution for some movies is now much higher than just a few years ago and requires a faster connection to enjoy.  1. 2.

Use Caution With Cash Apps

While mobile payment apps like PayPal or Venmo make it easy to send and receive money online or through an app on a phone, scammers are also waiting to take advantage. This service becomes an intermediary between your money and whoever is on the other end of a transaction, which can create an added layer of security.

But if a scammer tricks you into sending money, it’s hard to get it back. The Federal Trade Commission notes the risks and offers tips for staying safe.

 Don’t send a payment to claim a prize or collect sweepstakes winnings.

 Never give your account credentials to anyone who contacts you.

 Protect your account with multifactor authentication or a personal identification number.

 Before paying, double-check the recipient’s information to make sure you’re sending money to the right person.

 If you get an unexpected request for money from someone you recognize, speak with them directly to make sure the request is valid—and not a hacker who got access to their account.

If you find unauthorized payments or think you paid a scammer, immediately report the transaction to the service providing the payment app. Instructions should be available on the service’s website. Also, report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov.