Power up your lawn care this summer with SEI REMC’s Electric Outdoor Equipment Rebate. Summer is the perfect time to refresh your outdoor routine and make sure you have the right tools to keep your lawn looking its best. If your current equipment is outdated or difficult to maintain, it may be time for an upgrade. Electric outdoor equipment offers a quieter, cleaner, and more efficient way to tackle yard work. With no fuel required and fewer maintenance needs, these tools make it easier to get the job done while reducing noise and emissions around your home. Many electric tools also feature instant start, lightweight designs, and improved battery performance, making them a convenient option for everything from quick touch-ups to larger projects. Whether you are maintaining a small yard or managing more acreage, today’s electric equipment is built to keep up. To help make the switch, SEI REMC offers rebates on qualifying electric outdoor equipment. Whether you’re trimming, mowing, or clearing debris, you can earn money back while investing in tools designed for convenience and performance. From handheld tools to riding equipment, there are options available to fit your needs and help you take your lawn care to the next level. Electric Outdoor Equipment Rebates $50 Rebate Handheld and push-type equipment Trimmers Leaf blowers Chainsaws Push mowers (minimum 36 volts) Rototillers Snow blowers Pressure washers $150 Rebate Riding equipment Riding mowers Zero-turn mowers

As temperatures rise, your cooling system works harder to keep your home comfortable. Small air leaks and blocked airflow can make it even harder to maintain consistent temperatures. The good news is that a few simple updates can improve your home’s efficiency and help your cooling system run more effectively all summer long. What You’ll Need Weatherstripping or caulk Replacement air filter Screwdriver Vacuum or duster Garden hose Step 1: Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors Check for gaps where cool air may be escaping. Apply weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors to keep conditioned air inside and reduce the strain on your system. Step 2: Replace Your Air Filter A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Replace your filter if it looks dusty or dirty. This is one of the easiest ways to help your system run smoothly. Step 3: Clear and Clean Your Outdoor Unit Make sure your outdoor unit is free from leaves, grass, and debris. Gently rinse it with a garden hose to remove buildup and allow proper airflow. Step 4: Check Indoor Vents and Airflow Walk through your home and make sure vents are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs. Proper airflow helps your home cool more evenly. Step 5: Adjust for Everyday Efficiency Set your thermostat to reflect your daily routine. Even small adjustments can help reduce energy use while keeping your home comfortable. With just a few simple updates, you can improve your home’s cooling efficiency, stay more comfortable, and make the most of your energy use this summer. A Quick Safety Reminder Before working around your outdoor unit, turn off power at the breaker to avoid injury. Never reach inside the unit while it is running, and avoid using high-pressure water when cleaning to prevent damage.

Looking out for our members, families, farmers, and communities during the hottest months of the year Summer in southeastern Indiana often means long days spent working outdoors, caring for livestock, tending gardens, mowing fields, completing projects, and enjoying time with family. But with high temperatures and humidity comes an increased risk of heat-related illness. At Southeastern Indiana REMC, Concern for Community is one of our cooperative principles. That means looking out for the safety and well-being of the members and communities we serve. During the hot summer months, it’s important to slow down when needed, stay aware of the heat, and take steps to protect yourself and those around you. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated Whether you’re working in the field, caring for animals, baling hay, mowing, or tackling outdoor projects around the house, heat can take a toll faster than many people realize. Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas can help your body recover and prevent overheating during long periods outdoors. Plan Outdoor Work Carefully Summer chores and projects still need to get done, but planning ahead can help reduce heat stress. When possible, schedule physically demanding tasks during the cooler morning or evening hours. Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat can also help keep your body cooler while working outside. If you work alone outdoors or in remote areas, make sure someone knows where you are and check in periodically during extremely hot days. Watch Out for Family Members and Neighbors Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with medical conditions. Never leave children or pets inside vehicles, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly and become dangerous. It’s also important to check in on neighbors, family members, or others in the community who may not have reliable cooling or who spend significant time outdoors. Keep Animals Safe in the Heat Farm animals and pets need extra care during periods of high heat and humidity. Make sure animals have access to shade and plenty of fresh water throughout the day. Watch for signs of heat stress in livestock and avoid overworking animals during the hottest parts of the afternoon whenever possible. Use Fans and Cooling Equipment Safely Fans, window units, and portable cooling equipment can help keep homes and barns more comfortable during extreme heat. Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords, and make sure electrical cords are kept away from water and high-traffic areas. If using generators or larger cooling equipment, always follow manufacturer safety recommendations. Looking Out for One Another At SEI REMC, we believe strong communities are built by neighbors helping neighbors. As temperatures rise this summer, take time to look out for yourself, your family, your animals, and those around you. A few simple precautions can go a long way in helping everyone stay safe during the summer heat.

Turn your porch, patio, or backyard into a comfortable space for relaxing, gathering, and enjoying the season. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, whether that means relaxing on the porch after a long day, hosting cookouts with family and friends, or simply spending more time outside enjoying the warmer weather. With a few thoughtful updates, your outdoor spaces can become a more comfortable and welcoming extension of your home. Start by focusing on seating and layout. A comfortable place to sit can make a big difference in how often your family uses the space. Arrange chairs and tables in a way that encourages conversation and allows people to gather comfortably. Even small patios or porches can feel inviting with a simple seating area and a few decorative touches. Shade is another important part of creating a comfortable outdoor environment during the summer months. Umbrellas, pergolas, covered porches, or even strategically placed trees can help reduce direct sunlight and make outdoor spaces more enjoyable during the hottest parts of the day. Outdoor lighting can also help extend the use of your space into the evening hours. String lights, pathway lighting, and solar-powered fixtures add both function and atmosphere while helping create a warm and inviting setting for summer nights. Adding flowers, hanging baskets, potted plants, or container gardens is an easy way to bring color and personality to your outdoor areas. Mixing different heights, textures, and seasonal plants can help create a space that feels fresh and welcoming throughout the summer. Outdoor spaces do not have to be large or elaborate to feel inviting. A few updates that reflect your style and fit your family’s needs can help create a space where people naturally want to spend time. A comfortable outdoor space does not have to be complicated or expensive. A few thoughtful updates can help turn your porch, patio, or backyard into a place you’ll enjoy all summer long.

Finding balance between staying connected and taking time to recharge Technology plays an important role in everyday life. From streaming entertainment and checking the weather to working remotely and staying connected with family and friends, reliable internet helps keep households running smoothly. But during the busy summer months, it is also important to take time to step away from screens and recharge both mentally and physically. Summer naturally encourages people to spend more time outdoors, enjoy longer evenings, and slow down from some of the routines of the school year and colder months. Whether it’s sitting on the porch after a long day, working in the garden, taking an evening walk, or spending time with family outdoors, small moments away from devices can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Constant notifications, busy schedules, and long periods of screen time can sometimes leave people feeling mentally drained. Setting aside intentional time each day to unplug—even for a short period—can help create a healthier balance between staying connected online and being present in everyday life. Creating screen-free routines can also help strengthen family connections. Consider putting phones away during meals, spending time outside together in the evenings, or setting aside time for hobbies and activities that do not involve screens. These small habits can help create more meaningful conversations and opportunities to reconnect with the people around you. Sleep is another important part of wellness that can be affected by screen time. Reducing device use before bed and creating a relaxing nighttime routine can help improve sleep quality and make it easier to feel rested and refreshed the next day. Of course, technology itself is not the problem. In many ways, it helps families stay informed, entertained, productive, and connected. The key is finding a healthy balance—using technology when it adds value while also making time to recharge away from screens.