Safety in Emergency Situations

danger of death electrocution signElectrical accidents can produce serious injuries or even death. Take care around electricity. If you see a downed power line contact BC Hydro immediately. Our crews have the necessary training, equipment and knowledge to deal with the situation safely.

Wildfire updates: Find out about outages, evacuation procedures and get wildfire updates.

 

What to do if there's an electrical accident

If someone receives an electrical shock:

  • Do not touch the person if she or he is still in contact with the source of electricity (the electricity will travel from their body into yours!).
  • If there is a downed power line, keep people at least 10 metres (33 feet) away.
  • Ask someone to call an ambulance and BC Hydro while you stay with the victim.
  • If the victim has no pulse, perform CPR.
  • If the victim has been burned, avoid touching those areas or any burned clothing. You may gently apply cold water to burned areas until professional help arrives.

To fully prepare yourself for any emergency, take a First Aid course. The few hours you spend learning about emergency medical techniques could save a life.

Motor vehicle accidents and electrical safety

If a motor vehicle has been involved in an accident where a BC Hydro electrical pole, or padmounted transformer has been hit, treat the vehicle and anything it is in contact with as energized. Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away and call BC Hydro immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, BC Hydro will isolate and ground the damaged equipment and will supervise the removal of the vehicle.

Shuffle or hop – don't step

If your vehicle makes contact with an energized line, stay inside until help arrives. If you must get out, due to fire, jump out with your feet together and shuffle away, never allowing the heel of one foot to move beyond the toe of the other. If you cannot shuffle the 10 metres (33 feet) away from the energized area, put your feet together and hop – but never walk or make contact with the ground and your vehicle at the same time.

Last Modified: Jul 28, 2009