Planning for Fire Season
Dear Member,
Wildfire season started last month, so it’s a good time to get ready for the possibility of planned and unexpected power outages. In some cases—though it’s rare—Douglas Electric Cooperative (DEC) might need to implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff. That’s when we temporarily turn off power to help prevent wildfires during extreme weather, such as high winds, hot temperatures, or dry conditions. You might also notice more unplanned outages during fire season, because our equipment is set to be extra sensitive for safety.
During a PSPS, we may shut off power on purpose to help prevent wildfires. So far, DEC has only done this when a fire actually entered our service area. It’s a last-resort safety measure, and if we need to take that step, we’ll make sure members are well-informed. We do everything we can to keep you updated through our member services team, website, and social media. Make sure your contact information is current so you can stay in the loop.
Unplanned outages can happen when something as small as a bird or tree branch touches a power line in a way that could be dangerous. Our equipment is set to shut off power instantly in these situations to keep everyone safe. This extra sensitivity—especially during fire season—can lead to more frequent outages. It’s designed to stop the flow of electricity to any line that might be at risk.
When DEC’s protective devices are set to their highest safety levels, outages may happen more often, and it might take a little longer to get the power back on. We know this can be tough, especially during fire season, so it’s important to be prepared.
Here are a few steps you can take to stay ready:
- Make a family safety plan that includes everyone in your household.
- Put together an outage kit with water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
- Freeze containers of water to help keep your food cold. Try not to open the refrigerator or freezer unless absolutely necessary.
- Fully charge any medical devices. Plan ahead for medications that need refrigeration.
- Make sure your generator is in good shape and ready to run safely.
If you experience an outage, there are resources available throughout Douglas County to help. Local cities and community organizations can provide updates on cooling centers, charging stations, and other important services. The Douglas Public Health Network also offers helpful information in “Umpqua Prepared,” a family emergency preparedness handbook. For more details, visit the Douglas Public Health Network website or call (541) 440-3571.
At Douglas Electric, safety always comes first for our members, our employees, and our community.
Sincerely,
General Manager
Keith Brooks