Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
National

Metro Vancouver least ready for outage: BC Hydro

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 Nov, 2021 10:43 AM
  • Metro Vancouver least ready for outage: BC Hydro

VANCOUVER - BC Hydro says storm-related outages are more frequent in British Columbia due to climate change but when it comes to preparing for a blackout, a new report shows Lower Mainland residents are in the dark.

The report from the Crown utility says more than half of Lower Mainland residents think their region is the most prepared for storm-related power outages, but fewer than half have an outage plan or emergency kit at home.

Hydro spokesman Kyle Donaldson says people in areas such as northern B.C., where outages are more frequent, are less confident in their region's preparedness, but 62 per cent have an emergency kit ready to go when the lights go out.

Vancouver Islanders also have frequent storm-related outages and the report shows 58 per cent of respondents say they are prepared to lose electricity, although just 22 per cent think their region is the most prepared overall for a blackout.

Seventy per cent of B.C. residents also say it's important or very important to have cellphone access during an outage, but the report shows nearly 75 per cent of Lower Mainland residents would rely on their phones and 13 per cent would rather go without their partner than their cell during an outage — the highest of any region.

Regional differences aside, Hydro says the key to coping with a storm-related blackout is to have an emergency kit with supplies to support every member of the household for 72 hours, and to know what to do before, during and after an outage.

Tips for managing without electrical power include covering stand-alone freezers with blankets or sleeping bags to add further insulation, Hydro says in its list of outage do's and don'ts.

"Give our electrical system a chance to stabilize after an outage," it says of the recovery phase.

"Turn on the most essential appliances first, and wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting the others."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Rogers case heads to B.C. Supreme Court

Rogers case heads to B.C. Supreme Court
The son of late Rogers founder Ted Rogers claims he has the power to fire and appoint board members because he is chair of the Rogers Control Trust, which holds voting control through its ownership of 97 per cent of the company's Class A shares

Rogers case heads to B.C. Supreme Court

B.C. to take next step against tainted drug deaths

B.C. to take next step against tainted drug deaths
Figures released in September from the BC Coroners Service show there were 1,204 illicit drug toxicity deaths between January and the end of July, a 28 per cent jump over the same period in 2020.

B.C. to take next step against tainted drug deaths

Man arrested after video allegedly shows him exposing himself in a school park

Man arrested after video allegedly shows him exposing himself in a school park
According to the complainant, he had seen the unidentified man in the school park on one previous occasion speaking with kids. On October 25, 2021 the complainant allegedly observed the man with his genitals exposed and recorded it.  The complainant reported the incident to school officials on October 27, 2021 who in turn contacted police.

Man arrested after video allegedly shows him exposing himself in a school park

Liberals, Tories raised record sums last quarter

Liberals, Tories raised record sums last quarter
The Liberals say more than 57,100 contributors coughed up $7.65 million in the three months between July and September. The party says both numbers mark a record for the Liberals.

Liberals, Tories raised record sums last quarter

B.C. opens 'first of its kind' addictions centre

B.C. opens 'first of its kind' addictions centre
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson says the 105-bed Red Fish Healing Centre is the first of its kind and will allow patients to be treated for mental health and addictions together.

B.C. opens 'first of its kind' addictions centre

584 COVID19 cases for Friday

584 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are 4,982 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 197,396 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 436 individuals are in hospital and 156 are in intensive care.

584 COVID19 cases for Friday