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Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of

CALLING ALL CO-OP KIDS!

Central Rural Electric Cooperative is excited to announce a Co-op Kids program to introduce children from birth up to the age of 18 to the world of electric cooperatives.

“The goal of Co-op Kids is to create excitement and an understanding of an electric cooperative and the cooperative way,” said Jillianne Tebow, Central’s Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. Co-op Kids will connect with children throughout different stages of their childhood with birthday cards, gifts and invitations to cooperative events. “We plan to have events where Coop Kid members can interact with lineman, learn about electrical safety and what makes cooperatives special,” Tebow said. Benefits of the Co-op Kids program are free to all Central members and open to children and grandchildren regardless if the child lives in Central’s service area. “This program will not only engage children and grandchildren of our members, but hopefully bring a better

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understanding of Central to our members as well,” said Tebow. Members must maintain membership for the child or children to remain in the Co-op Kids program. Want to register your child or grandchild for Co-op Kids? Visit MyCentral.coop/coopkids or scan the QR code to the right.

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CENTRAL LINEMAN GRADUATE

January 2022 Central Board of Trustees: Carol Dvorak, President (District 3) James Wells, Vice President (District 6) Gary McCune, Secretary/Treasurer (District 1) Greg Tytenicz (District 2) Sid Sperry (District 4) Mark Pittman (District 5) Bill Davis (District 7) Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer Empowered Editors: Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Larry Mattox - Director of Communications Kory Frazier - Marketing and Communications Specialist Ivy Hill - Marketing and Communications Specialist

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Notice: Central’s office will be closed January 3 for New Years Day. Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Central apprentice linemen Logan Karner, Garrett Cundiff, Blane McPhail and Bryce Mason at their graduation ceremony with Central’s Director of Operations, Dewayne Drury.

Central apprentice linemen graduated from the Northwest Lineman College and were honored at the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Apprentice Lineman Graduation and awards ceremony in December. “I’m really proud of these guys and the hard work they put into this achievement,” said Dewayne Drury, Central’s Director of Operations.

A lineman apprenticeship takes 8,000 hours, roughly four years, of handson work and training classes. The newly initiated linemen have combined experience of 23 years at Central. Karner has worked for Central for four years; Cundiff for six years; McPhail for eight years and Mason for five years.

BE WINTER PREPARED

Holiday events to enjoy in Central’s service area During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before a winter storm hits. On top of the frigid weather, January and February can bring high bills to members, especially those who use electric appliances and use electricity to heat their homes. Be prepared before a winter storm hits by following these tips:

Take steps before the storm hits

Preparing your home and making a kit for your car are great ways to prepare for the inevitable frigid temperatures. Consider installing a backup generator. Central is working with Generator Supercenter to offer systems to members. Read more at MyCentral.coop/generators. Be sure and listen to weather forecasts and check your supplies before a winter storm or extremely cold weather. Though we can’t always predict extreme cold in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes give you several days of notice to prepare. Have your vehicle serviced before winter weather is expected, replace any worn tires, keep the gas tank near full and replace any fluids needed in your car.

warm. Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls, caulk and seal doors and windows, and repair roof leaks and cut away branches that could fall on your home during a storm. If you or a loved one are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age. Older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. Check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.

Create an emergency car kit

It is best to avoid traveling during winter storms, but if it is necessary make sure these items are in your car: • Cell phone, portable charger and extra batteries. • Blankets, extra hats and gloves. • Windshield scraper. • Shovel to dig through snow. • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries. • Water and snack foods. • First aid kit with any necessary medications. • Tow chains or rope. • Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction or road salt. • Jumper cables. • Hazard or other reflectors and emergency flares. Want to learn more ways to be winter weather prepared? Visit CDC.gov.

WHAT TO DO WHEN POWER GOES OUT Power outages never happen at a convenient time. Do you know what to do when your electricity goes out? If you experience a power outage, Central suggests you check the breakers in your house and/or at the meter pole first. Check with neighbors to find out if their power is off, too. Then report the outage to Central. Report by Calling Call Central at 800-375-2884 or 405-372-2884. Centranet out? Call 405-533-3278 to speak with tech support. Report through SmartHub Use your app to report an outage! Report by Texting Report your outage by texting OUT to 800-375-2884. Haven’t enrolled in two-way texting? Text JOIN to 800-375-2884 to enroll. Report Online Report a power outage online at MyCentral.coop/report-outage. If your power has not been returned within 48 hours, be sure and report the outage again.

Prepare your home

Weatherproofing your home is an easy way to conserve energy and stay 3

CENTRAL IN OUR COMMUNITY

for sale Great Plains no-till drill, 30 ft. Cat Challenger Ag 65C track tractor. Call 405-714-3422.

Central employees participated in a lot of fun community events during December!

Nonprofit Postings Alzheimer’s Association No one should face Alzheimer’s or other dementia alone. Get the support and information you need without leaving home. We are available around the clock, 365 days a year via our free, 24/7 Helpline. Call us today at 800-272-3900 and visit alz.org.

Employees and board members participated in local parades around Central’s service area.

Central Community Foundation grant applications are due on January 15, to be reviewed at the February foundation meeting. Learn more and submit your application at MyCentral.Foundation.

SUBMIT YOUR AD Submit your ad by email to editor@mycentral. coop by the 5th of each month! Ads will be edited and run as space allows. Central members visited Central’s booth during the Luther Pecan Festival.

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS: WIN A WEEK-LONG TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C. Application Deadline: FEbruary 11, 2022

YOUTH TOUR 2022 4

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