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UTILITIES

   This year is going to be tougher on everyone to get their utility bills paid.  Prices will definitely be higher and everyone lives in fear of getting that shut-off notice.  Do the best you can in paying at least some of the bill to show you are making an effort. 

   If you have lived in your home or apartment for at least one year, you can call the utilities companies and ask that your payments be adjusted so that you pay the same amount every month.  That way when your bill is lower, you are paying a little more to make up for the higher bills in the winter months.  It’s the same as pre-paying but doing it on a monthly basis.

   If you have propane, pre-pay during the summer when the price per gallon is lower.  It can save you a great deal of money.

Have someone check your propane tank and your furnace to make sure there are no leaks.  Also make sure you change the furnace filters once a month so they work more efficiently….and cheaper.  This is a good time to make sure it is vacuumed and cleaned too.  If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned, do so now.

   In early spring, check your air conditioners and fans to make sure they work.  Once it turns hot, it is far more difficult to get a repairman out the same day.  If you need a fan, call OACAC.  They loan out fans every year, but call early to make sure you get one as they run out fast.  If you have a medical problem and you have to have an air conditioner, call OACAC and see what they can do to help.

   Again, make sure your house is weatherized to keep your electricity bill down.  You don’t need to be paying for the outdoors to be heated or cooled.  It costs less than $10. to plug up any places around your doors and windows.  If you have rooms you don’t use, don’t heat or cool them. 

    There are organizations that are doing their very best to help those in need, but the number of people in need has increased dramatically and they may not have the funds to help everyone.  All you can do is call around for help. 

  Utilities are, of course, a necessity to take the steps to work with the utility companies instead of ignoring them and hoping some how, some way, they will get paid.  They won't....not without you putting some effort into it.

Please find additional information at www.guide2kc.com.

   NOTE:  Many of the utility companies have a program for assisting those who are in need of help paying their utility bill.  Call them and they will send out a form for you to fill out (especially if you are a senior citizen or disabled so they cannot shut off your service during bad weather).  Many of their customers add a dollar or two to their bill every month donating the money to help those in need.

   Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake  (417) 739-3200   Hwy 13  Kimberling City, MO 65686  Emergency financial and emotional assistance.  They can help with utility payments but I believe you have to have a shut-off notice to get help.  Save gas-call them.

   OACAC----Sign up for Energy Assistance the first of November of every year (they also    will help with the purchase of firewood).

     Branson West       15765 State Hwy 13 Suite #4 Branson West, MO 65737           ……………………..stone1@oacac-caa.org

     Ozark OACAC  (417) 581-7631  429 South  Ozark, MO

     Springfield  (417) 862-4314   215 S. Banes Ave

     Taney County Neighborhood Center  (417) 239-1882 or 339-0063    115 Corporate ……………………..Place   taney@oacac-caa.org

   Salvation Army  (417) 339-4434   1819 W Hwy 76 Branson, MO 65616   Emergency assistance to victims of flood, major disasters, and to needy local residents.  Help with temporary housing, food, clothing, utilities.

  Many churches all over the area have money that is donated, to help those less fortunate.  Call around and ask if they have a way of helping or know of a church that does.

NOTE:   During the winter months, do all you can to close up any places in your home or apartment that drafts come in.  If there is a room you don’t use, block it off and shut the vents to that room.  Wear a sweater and socks around the house so you don’t have to keep the temperature up so high.  Every degree you turn your thermostat down, you save money.  Call OACAC .  They have a weatherization program.

PHONE

   Call your local phone company and tell them if you are disabled and you will be given a special rate for your basic service.  Some phone companies even give you a discount on long distance service, especially the program for a monthly charge no matter how many calls you make to anywhere in the U.S.

   Many organizations can get you a cell phone for emergency use only.  If the power goes out, you can still use your cell phone to call for emergency help.

WATER

  Make sure you keep gallons of water available in case you have a problem during the winter when pipes may freeze.  In fact, it is a good idea to keep a few gallons all year long in case of an emergency.

     Collect water off your roof into 55 gallon drums with a lid and a spigot to water your garden.