Temperatures are rising as the summer months kick off and there doesn't appear to be an end in sight! Please help us keep our communities and our electric system safe as we navigate triple-digit temperatures.
Wildfire Safety:
Umatilla Electric Cooperative is working to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout our service territory. Through regular vegetation management and grid maintenance and hardening practices, we are proactively working to reduce risks and improve the reliability of our local system.
As a member of UEC, there are steps you can take to prevent wildfires.
- Properly extinguish campfires. Always douse your campfire with water, stir the ashes and ensure everything is cool to the touch before leaving the area.
- Don’t burn during summer months. All outdoor burning is banned this time of year, but especially when it’s windy or dry, be extremely careful with equipment, as sparks can easily spread and ignite surrounding areas.
- Clear vegetation and debris. Maintain a defensible space around your home by removing dry leaves, dead branches and other flammable materials.
- Use equipment safely. Tools like lawnmowers or chainsaws can spark fires. Use them during cooler times of the day and keep them in good working condition.
- Follow local fire regulations. Always check for burn bans or restrictions in your area before burning anything or using open flames outdoors.
Beat The Peak:
As temperatures rise, many of our homes and businesses use large amounts energy to run air conditioning units and fans, aiming to keep indoor spaces cool. Please help us navigate the peak-usage by following these tips:
- Save energy-intensive chores like laundry for evening hours, when air conditioning units aren't working as hard.
- When the dishwasher is ready to run, set it on a delay to run in the late evening hours or middle of the night, when less energy is in use.
- When possible, raise your thermostat a few degrees, especially when you don't plan to be home. Your cooling system requires a lot of energy use - by raising it a few degrees, you can save energy and reduce demand on the system.
- Keep blinds, curtains, and shades closed. Keep the heat out during the warmest parts of the day to preserve energy and allow your home's cooling system to work more efficiently.
- Use fans to circulate air. Fans use less energy than your HVAC system and can make a big difference in how cool you feel, without needing to lower the thermostat.
- Weatherize your exterior doors to conserve energy:
- Replace old or cracking weatherstripping. The added insulation of sealed doors helps keep your cool air in, and the heat out!
- Consider installing a storm door. Additional insulation can help keep your home cool
- Add a door sweep. Do you have a significant gap between the bottom of the door and your flooring? A door sweep can help save energy costs in cooling your home.
