E-mailing resume's? (gen. resume' ?'s)

Long story short work has dropped of the deep end with the natural gas boom moving even farther south and a few co-workers making petty mistakes on very expensive projects. I also feel as if I'm not being treated fairly, or compensated for my skills and work ethics. So, I've decided to seek other employment.

I don't have a lot of free time to get out and about job hunting. Is it acceptable to fax or e-mail resume's to human resources department, or the department head?

Anyone have experience looking at lots and lots of resume's that can give some tips to stand out?
What about things to avoid?