March 2023
A Fun and Educational Trip for High School Students
Do you know an outstanding or deserving high school freshman, sophomore or junior in WCEC’s service territory who would benefit from a free leadership seminar this summer?
 
WCEC needs your help finding candidates for the annual East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar (ETREYS). ETREYS is a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip to be held June 19 - 23 on the camp of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall. 
 
The 10 participants selected for this opportunity will join more than 120 of their peers attending from nine East Texas co-ops.
 
While at camp, students will participate in workshops, seminars, and peer group activities that range from leadership development to pure entertainment. Nationally-known personalities, industry leaders and community leaders are scheduled to speak at this year's event. Additionally, each student has a chance to compete for scholarships. All that, and it's FUN!
 
Students interested in applying can download the application at www.wcec.org. The deadline for entry submission is March 28th.  
$18K in College/VOTEC Scholarships Available
The March 24th deadline is quickly approaching for area high school students to apply for WCEC's Power My World Scholarship.

WCEC is offering 10 $1,500 scholarships for students pursuing a traditional college degree. In addition to these, we are offering three $1,000 scholarships for VOTEC students.
 
Qualifications include:
  • Applicant must be a dependent of an active member within WCEC's service for at least six months prior to the application deadline.
  • Applicant must reside primarily at the member's address served by WCEC.
  • Completed applications are due by March 24, 2023.
  • Applicants that do not follow all instructions or submit late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • All judging will be completed by an independent panel made up of WCEC Members.
  
Funding for the Power My World Scholarships does not come from WCEC's operating budget. They are funded entirely by unclaimed capital credit payments returned to WCEC by the state of Texas.

Applications are available online at wcec.org.
Safety Tip of the Month
Stay Safe During Windy Months
The old adage “In like a lion, out like a lamb,” refers to March weather beginning stormy and windy and ending calmly.

“Across most of the country, spring is the windiest time of the year,” according to a South Carolina weather forecaster’s blog. “Wind speeds and wind power tend to be three to four times stronger in March and April than in July and August. In the Dust Bowl days, most of the dust storms were in late winter and spring.

High winds can blow objects around and present a threat to your safety. Understanding what to do before, during and after high winds can help you weather windstorms more safely. Consider these tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Always Be Prepared
  • Trim tree branches away from your house. Call WCEC or put in a Tree Trimming Request at wcec.org about tree branches that are too close to power lines.
  • Secure loose gutters and shutters.
  • In advance, plan where you will find shelter.
  • Charge batteries of all essential items such as cellphones, booster packs and weather radios.
  • Secure any items that could blow away to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.

During Strong Winds
  • Immediately go inside a sturdy structure and move to an interior room.
  • If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up.
  • Take shelter in your car if you are not near a sturdy building. If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy structure. If no shelter is available, avoid trees and power lines.
  • If you’re driving and aren’t near a sturdy building, hold the steering wheel with both hands and slow down.
  • Keep a safe distance away from high-profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers. One strong gust of wind can be enough to flip a trailer onto its side.
  • Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may become loose during strong wind gusts.

After Strong Winds
In the event of a downed power line:
  • Do not go near downed power lines. Report downed power lines to WCEC. Do not try to free lines or to remove debris yourself.
  • Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Puddles and even wet ground can conduct electricity in some cases. Warn others to stay away.
  • If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any of the metal frame of your vehicle. Honk your horn, roll down the window and warn anyone who may approach of the danger. Ask someone to call the police. Do not exit the car until help arrives, unless it catches on fire. To exit, open the door, but do not step out. Jump, without touching any of the metal portions of the car's exterior, to safe ground and get quickly away.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Washing windows and screens is a great way to practice energy efficiency during spring cleaning. Clean windows and screens make your home brighter by allowing more sunlight in, reducing the need for lamps and fixtures.

Clean screens also allow more fresh air in the home when the windows are open to recycle indoor air. Natural light and clean air are energy savers, and they enhance overall health and productivity.