Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

GG, Legion mark 100th anniversary of poppy symbol

GG, Legion mark 100th anniversary of poppy symbol
Donations collected during the fundraising campaign are used to support various Legion programs for veterans, including emergency food and shelter as well as bursaries, disaster relief and remembrance activities.

GG, Legion mark 100th anniversary of poppy symbol

Winds delay salvage crew's access to ship off B.C.

Winds delay salvage crew's access to ship off B.C.
The coast guard says in a statement posted on social media that a salvage crew from Resolve Marine is on the scene, but the wind storm that lashed Vancouver Island and the south coast has prevented anyone from boarding the ship.

Winds delay salvage crew's access to ship off B.C.

British Columbia releases climate change plan

British Columbia releases climate change plan
The strategy includes increasing the price of carbon pollution by meeting or exceeding the 2019 federal benchmark of $170 per tonne starting in 2023 through taxes consumers would pay on fuel and goods as well as by industry that emits carbon dioxide.

British Columbia releases climate change plan

Duncan, B.C., man charged with double homicide

Duncan, B.C., man charged with double homicide
The RCMP say second-degree murder charges have been laid against a man for the deaths of two people in the Vancouver Island community of Crofton. They say 33-year-old Justin Dodd was arrested early Saturday morning without incident.

Duncan, B.C., man charged with double homicide

Drivers being warned ahead of time by Richmond RCMP regarding a protest at YVR this afternoon

Drivers being warned ahead of time by Richmond RCMP regarding a protest at YVR this afternoon
Drivers are encouraged to watch for pedestrian traffic and additional signage in the area of Templeton Street and Grant McConnachie Way, and are asked to follow the directions of police and flag persons on scene. 

Drivers being warned ahead of time by Richmond RCMP regarding a protest at YVR this afternoon

Global climate finance goal three years behind

Global climate finance goal three years behind
Wilkinson and Flasbarth were asked by COP26 president designate Alok Sharma in July to come up with a plan to finally deliver on the financing pledges made to raise US$100 billion annually by 2020.

Global climate finance goal three years behind