Local Fourth Graders Learn Simple, Safe Ways To Stay Back From Power Risks
Story and photos by Heather Land
Every year, students learn the basics in school — math, reading, and how to work together. But there’s another lesson that matters just as much: how to stay safe around electricity.
That’s where school safety talks come in.
In March 2026, Wasco Electric Cooperative crews visited elementary schools in Dufur, Maupin, Warm Springs, and Sherman County to share simple, life-saving tips. These talks focused on fourth-grade students, with more than 160 kids taking part.
The message was clear and easy to remember: be safe around electricity.
Students learned to look up and stay away from power lines. They talked about why it is not safe to touch wires, climb poles, or go near locked areas like substations. Crews used simple words and real-life examples to help kids understand what to do — and what not to do.
The goal is not to scare kids. It is to give them calm, clear steps they can use every day.
Parents play a big role, too. A quick chat at home can help kids remember what they learned. Ask what they saw. Talk through a few “what if” moments. Keep it simple, but clear.
As spring turns to summer and kids spend more time outside, now is a great time to remind them: stay aware, make safe choices, and when in doubt, stay back. Safe habits start young — and they last a lifetime.
