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Wildfire Preparedness

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  1. Safety & Education
  2. Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire Mitigation & Preparedness

Wildfire Mitigation: A Top Priority at OTEC

Wildfire Mitigation is a top priority at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. For OTEC, which operates in heavily forested areas across four counties in Eastern Oregon - much of it state and federal land - mitigating wildfire hazards is a significant part of providing safe and reliable electricity to its member-owners and the communities where we live and serve.

OTEC revised and formalized its Wildfire Mitigation Plan in 2022. The plan outlines OTEC's programs to adapt its electric system to evolving fire-related conditions, implementing new technologies to detect issues before they arise and enhancing operational practices to mitigate the potential for ignition.

Click here to read OTEC's Wildfire Mitigation Plan

Public Safety Power Shutoff

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?

One way to reduce the threat of wildfires during elevated weather events is to proactively shut off power temporarily. This is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff or PSPS. Weather conditions calling for a possible PSPS would include high winds (including Red Flag warning by the National Weather Service), low humidity and dry vegetation that could serve as fuel.

OTEC has protocols in place for deciding if or when to execute a PSPS. PSPS events are temporary and are meant to keep OTEC member-owners and communities safe. 

Click Here to Learn More about PSPS Events, Protocols and How to Prepare Check if you're in a high-fire risk area in OTEC's Service Territory

Preparing Your Home for Wildfire Season

Is Your Home and Property Prepared for Wildfire Season?

One of the most basic tips for wildfire preparation is creating defensible space around your home - thinning or removing trees and brush and picking up pine needles, grasses and finer fuels.

Homeowners should focus on three home ignition zones: Immediate Zone (the home itself and 0-5 ft), Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet) and the Extended Zone (30-100 feet).

While full-scale tree (brush) thinning or removal might not need to be done on an annual basis, pine needles, grasses and finer fuels need to be addressed at least once if not twice a year.

Click Here to Learn How to Prepare for Wildfires

Is Your Home at Risk of Wildfire? See Oregon's New Wildfire Risk Map

Ready Set Go

When an emergency occurs, do you know when to stay and when to go?

Oregon has a program called Ready, Set, Go. When the Ready (Level 1) notice is issued, residents are encouraged to be prepared to go and have a plan to evacuate. Also, it's a good idea to monitor local news and social media for information and to sign up for your county's emergency alert system.

When the Set (Level 2) notice is issued, residents need to be prepared to leave. This level means there is a significant danger in the area and residents should load their "go-bag" in the car and be ready to leave. If there is time before leaving, write EVACUATED on a pillowcase and hang near the end of the driveway to let emergency personnel know the property is evacuated.

And finally, if the Go (Level 3) notice is issued, all residents need to evacuate immediately. There is not time to grab emergency kits or make efforts to protect property.

Again, it is recommended you sign up for your county's emergency notification system. You can do that now by clicking on your county's link below:

Union County   Baker County   Grant County   Harney County   

Click here for more information on wildfire preparedness
ways residents can reduce risk
are you ready for wildfire season?
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Outage Center

Baker Office

4005 23rd St.

Baker City, OR 97814

541.523.3616

Burns Office

567 W. Pierce St.

Burns, OR 97720

541.573.2666

John Day Office

400 Patterson Bridge Road

John Day, OR 97845

541.575.0161

La Grande Office

2408 Cove Ave.

La Grande, OR 97850

541.963.3155

Office Hours

8 AM – 5 PM | Monday – Thursday

9 AM – 5 PM | Friday

Offices Closed Holidays for 2023

New Years – Monday, January 2nd (Observed)

President’s Day – Monday, February 20th

Memorial Day – Monday, May 29th

Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4th

Labor Day – Monday, September 4th

Veterans Day – Friday, November 10th (Observed)

Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 23rd & 24th

Christmas – Monday, December 25th

 

©2023 Oregon Trail Electric Co-op. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Your Cooperative
      • History
      • What Is A Cooperative?
      • Where Your Power Comes From
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Your Board of Directors
    • Annual Meeting & Board Elections
    • Bylaws, Tariffs and Rates
    • Careers
    • Newsletter
  • Members
    • Value of Membership
    • Apply for Membership/Service
    • Prepaid Metering Agreement
    • Bill Pay
    • Call 811 Before You Dig
    • Capital Credits
    • New Construction
    • Sample Bill
    • OTEC Claims Reporting Form
  • Community
    • OTEC Member Foundation
    • Charitable Giving
    • Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
    • Scholarships
    • DC Youth Tour
    • Idaho Youth Rally
    • Member to Member
    • Mini-members
    • Co-op Connections
    • Use of Meeting Space
  • Economic Development
  • Energy Solutions
    • Programs & Rebates
    • Renewable Energy
      • Oregon's Hydropower
      • Community Solar
      • Solar
    • Electric Vehicles (EVs)
    • Touchstone Energy Savings
  • Safety & Education
    • Safety First
    • Winter Storm Safety
    • Wildfire Preparedness
    • Public Safety Power Shutoffs
    • Call 811 Before You Dig
    • Power Surges
    • Understanding Electromagnetic Fields
    • Kids Electrical Safety Artwork Contest
    • Safety Quiz
  • Outage Center
    • Outage Map
    • Power Outage Tips
    • Restoration Process
    • Generator Safety
  • News
    • Ruralite
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter
    • Legislative
    • Power Eastern Oregon