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

B.C. surgeries cancelled due to unvaccinated staff

B.C. surgeries cancelled due to unvaccinated staff
Health Minister Adrian Dix says there are currently 3,325 health-care workers across the province who have not been immunized against COVID-19 in violation of the government's proof-of-vaccination policy for health-care workers.

B.C. surgeries cancelled due to unvaccinated staff

VPD contends with violent crime, disorder during hectic Halloween

VPD contends with violent crime, disorder during hectic Halloween
VPD received 4,550 calls for service during the weekend, including 2,418 which were placed to 9-1-1. That’s a 10 per cent increase in 9-1-1 calls, compared to the same weekend last year.

VPD contends with violent crime, disorder during hectic Halloween

Coroner confirms 595 heat-related deaths in B.C.

Coroner confirms 595 heat-related deaths in B.C.
A statement from the coroner and the Ministry of Public Safety says all the deaths are being investigated and reports on each fatality should be complete by early 2022.

Coroner confirms 595 heat-related deaths in B.C.

Legion hopes for more normalcy this poppy campaign

Legion hopes for more normalcy this poppy campaign
In the lead-up to Remembrance Day, the organization says it will have more than 34,000 traditional poppy boxes at locations across Canada, where people can donate cash and receive a poppy pin — roughly 9,000 more boxes than last year.

Legion hopes for more normalcy this poppy campaign

Canada moving on promise to cap oil, gas emissions

Canada moving on promise to cap oil, gas emissions
The prime minister was speaking at the 26th meeting of the Council of Parties to the UN climate convention, known as COP26, where more than 120 world leaders have gathered for two days to assess global efforts to address what many see as an existential problem.

Canada moving on promise to cap oil, gas emissions

Man charged in hospital attack, homicides

Man charged in hospital attack, homicides
Mounties say they first found 73-year-old Judy Swain dead in the Rural Municipality of Hanover, south of Winnipeg, and had information that a suspect was headed to the city.

Man charged in hospital attack, homicides