Electrical Safety: A Holiday Reminder from Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative

As the holiday season fills Eastern Oregon with lights and celebrations, it’s also the perfect time to raise awareness of electrical safety. Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) is committed to helping residents and business owners in Baker, Grant, Harney, and Union counties stay safe around electrical equipment. From decorating homes to running small businesses, paying attention to safety precautions is essential for protecting people, pets, and properties this holiday season.

Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

With holiday lights and decorations going up, keeping safety in mind is especially important. For households, OTEC recommends checking electrical cords and outlets before plugging in lights and decorations. Overloaded outlets and damaged cords are common fire hazards, especially in winter when additional heating devices may also be in use. Simple precautions, such as ensuring all cords are in good condition and avoiding excessive extension cords, can reduce risk significantly.
Maaike Schotborgh, Manager of Safety & Loss Control at OTEC, also warns people about safety around powerlines. “We always encourage our members to be safe around powerlines. This means staying 10 feet away from any lines at all times, including when decorating houses or trees outdoors, and especially when using ladders. Members should also review safety information on power strips and lights to ensure they do not overload their home electrical system.”

For business owners, prioritizing electrical safety is just as important. From lighting decorations in storefronts to installing electrical decorations in lobbies and common areas, ensuring all equipment is safe and up to code can prevent accidents. Additionally, business owners are encouraged to conduct routine inspections and use OTEC’s online resources for tips on safeguarding employees and customers from electrical hazards.

Local Training and Education Resources

OTEC provides the community with hands-on safety training through innovative programs and community groups. For instance, OTEC’s Downed Powerline Virtual Reality (VR) training allows first responders to practice lifesaving skills in a realistic but safe environment. With VR headsets that simulate various emergency situations involving power lines, first responders can prepare for emergencies they might encounter on the job. This training is available for local fire departments, EMS, and volunteer personnel, helping make Eastern Oregon communities safer. Their VR training shows what to do and what not to do, when a powerline is on the ground. Especially during slick winter conditions, this information can help save lives at accident scenes.

For residents, OTEC’s safety outreach doesn’t stop with VR. The cooperative's safety manager and skilled linemen regularly visit schools across the region, educating children about the dangers of electrical equipment. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive setups, these presentations are designed to make electrical safety memorable and engaging for young students. Teaching kids to recognize and avoid dangers, especially as they begin to explore more independently, is an essential part of OTEC’s safety mission.

Year-Round Electrical Safety Resources

OTEC offers a variety of resources year-round to keep community members informed and protected. Available on the OTEC Safety Resources page, the cooperative provides guidance on electrical safety for various settings, including workplace safety, generator tips, and information about preparing for power outages. For those who want to educate their families or employees, OTEC’s resources are easily accessible and designed to answer common questions while providing valuable prevention tips.

Staying Safe and Connected This Season

By raising awareness about electrical safety, OTEC is helping the communities of Eastern Oregon create a safe and joyful holiday season. Whether decorating at home, running a business, or simply going about your daily routine, practicing electrical safety protects everyone. 

For more tips and to learn about OTEC’s training programs, visit otec.coop/safety or economicdevelopment.otec.coop and help make this season both festive and safe.