Safety shines at the heart of Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) because of the proactive efforts of staff and their commitment to you, our members.
Beyond powering homes and businesses, WEC is dedicated to bringing safety awareness to elementary school students as well as the general public. Through programs and community engagement, we encourage a culture of safety that radiates throughout the community.
Safety education starts early. WEC has developed a program tailored for elementary students. These initiatives go beyond conventional classroom lectures, including the use of an interactive safety table.
The co-op also sends activities home with students to share with their families. This information can help save lives.
With its school safety program, WEC sends a journeyman lineworker into classrooms to present a hands-on safety demonstration. By simulating electrical hazards and sharing practical tips on staying safe around power lines, these sessions empower children with lifesaving knowledge in a fun and memorable way.
Students learn the importance of looking up when working around the house, that ladders and power lines do not mix, what happens when tree branches grow into power lines, and the importance of staying out of trees near power lines. These are all good reminders for community members when they are working or playing outside.
After the presentation, students are provided with material highlighting the importance of being aware of electricity
WEC has seen students advocate for safety following these presentations by encouraging other students not to play on guy wires (the wires that secure a pole from leaning) or pad mount transformers (the green boxes). These small acts of awareness continue to keep our community safe.
WEC also takes the importance of safety beyond the classroom and engages with the community to promote a year-round culture of safety. The co-op does this through various outreach initiatives, such as participating in community events and safety fairs and continual communication to the public.
While interacting with the public at events is a priority, WEC also understands the importance of continued education. The co-op engages in social media platforms to provide content relevant to daily lives to keep the community informed and empowered to make safety decisions in their daily lives.
As WEC promotes safety awareness throughout the year, it strives to serve as a reliable source of safety for its members.
Electrical Safety Month Tips
- Always look up! Carry ladders horizontally and keep them at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
- If you see a downed line, call 911.
- Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines.
- Never spray water near power lines.
- Never drive over downed power lines or through water that is in contact with 1.
- Do not touch anything in contact with a power line.
- Beware of fencing near power lines.
- Never try to move a downed power line. Using items that typically are not conductive does not prevent injury or death.
- When working outdoors, use lighting and power tools that have the label of an independent test laboratory. Make sure they’re made for outdoor use.
- Do not use extension cords or power strips with heaters or fans, this could cause the cords to overheat and result in a fire.
- Don’t plug extension cords into 1 another. Frayed or damaged extension cords are dangerous and should never be used. Damage to the cord can expose wires and cause fire and shock hazards.
- Unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock or fire.
- Do not run extension cords through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which is a fire hazard.
- Never use 3-prong plugs with outlets that only have 2 slots.
- Never cut off the ground pin to force a fit, which could lead to an electric shock.
- Use the appropriate wattage lightbulb for lighting fixtures.
- Keep water and other liquids at least 5 feet away from electrical equipment and sources of electricity.
- Childproof your outlets. Use outlet covers when there are children around to avoid electrocution.
- When removing a plug, pull on the plug, not on the cord.