Close X
Saturday, November 23, 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

New top judges embraces 'belief in pluralism'

New top judges embraces 'belief in pluralism'
Justice Mahmud Jamal says that means faith in the inherent value of the diversity of nationalities, ethnicities, religions, languages, legal systems and perspectives that exemplify what it means to be Canadian.

New top judges embraces 'belief in pluralism'

Two charged - 2020 investigation of edibles in Halloween bags

Two charged - 2020 investigation of edibles in Halloween bags
Police say they had been unable to pinpoint the home where the drugs were handed out at the time of the complaint, but an investigator kept note of the distinctive cartoon logo on the packaging.

Two charged - 2020 investigation of edibles in Halloween bags

Killings may be linked to hospital attack: police

Killings may be linked to hospital attack: police
RCMP say they found a 73-year-old woman dead in the Rural Municipality of Hanover yesterday and had information a suspect was headed to Winnipeg. A short time later, police responded to a report of a stabbing at the Seven Oaks General Hospital, where a woman in her 60s who works at the hospital was found seriously injured.

Killings may be linked to hospital attack: police

B.C. premier to undergo biopsy surgery

B.C. premier to undergo biopsy surgery
The premier says he won't step down and he plans to retain his position as the head of the Council of the Federation. He says as a precaution, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth has been appointed deputy premier to support him.

B.C. premier to undergo biopsy surgery

Another stranger assault in Dowtown Vancouver on a 23 year old female leaving a coffee shop:VPD

Another stranger assault in Dowtown Vancouver on a 23 year old female leaving a coffee shop:VPD
The troubling incident happened around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, as the 23-year-old victim was leaving a coffee shop near Main and East Pender streets. The 35-year-old suspect is known to police. She was released from custody after agreeing to attend court at a later date.              

Another stranger assault in Dowtown Vancouver on a 23 year old female leaving a coffee shop:VPD

Canada leads G20 in financing fossil fuels: report

Canada leads G20 in financing fossil fuels: report
The report, which includes 2019 and 2020, adds up loans, loan guarantees, grants, share purchases and insurance coverage provided to fossil fuel producers by governments, government agencies and government-owned multinational development banks.

Canada leads G20 in financing fossil fuels: report