Earthquakes, wildfires & floods

Print This Page

Spring 2012 update: Deep snowpack increases flood risk

This year's higher than normal snowpack in B.C. has increased potential flood risk across the province.

• Get details on the risk and how BC Hydro is preparing
• Flooding information, bulletins from Emergency Management BC
• Learn how to keep your family safe if flooding occurs

Be prepared for emergencies

Because we live in such a beautiful, natural environment, sometimes we are confronted by emergencies resulting from the unpredictability of the natural world.

Here are some suggestions on how you can keep safe during:

• Earthquakes
• Wildfires
• Floods

Evacuation preparedness

Plan ahead for possible evacuation

Locate your electrical main power switch, label it and know how to shut if off safely.

During a natural disaster such as an earthquake, wildfire or flood, emergency services such as fire, police and ambulance may be unavailable. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to two weeks. Preparing an emergency plan will help.

What to do during an evacuation

If you are under an evacuation order, please:

• Turn off all unnecessary appliances such as air conditioners and hot tubs.
• Unplug electrical equipment and appliances, such as televisions and computers.
• Remove all food from your refrigerator and leave the door open if you have time before evacuating.
• Turn off all lights except for one exterior light, which will indicate to BC Hydro crews that power is on at the residence.

If you choose to remain in an area under an evacuation order, please know that BC Hydro is restricted from entering evacuated areas to restore power in the event of an outage.

Power outages and disconnections during evacuations

We keep power on for as long as possible in communities affected by evacuation orders and alerts. Power will only be disconnected when there is an immediate threat to BC Hydro or BC Transmission Corporation infrastructure or if there's a safety concern for the public or emergency responders.

Returning home after an evacuation

Do not return to your home until you are advised by local authorities that it is safe to do so.

When the evacuation order has been lifted, if you experience any problems with your power, call 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766) or *49376 on your mobile phone.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are part of our daily lives in British Columbia. We experience thousands of minor earthquakes every year.

In many areas of the province where lots of people live, electrical wires are in tunnels and transformers are in concrete vaults below ground. BC Hydro employees access these systems using manholes.

The tunnels and vaults are designed to withstand enormous stress, but earth movement can crack concrete, sewers, gas lines and water mains.

This can produce a hazardous mixture of explosive and toxic gases in addition to dangerously high water levels.

If the electrical cables fail under these conditions, they can produce explosions and fires.

If you see a smoking manhole during an earthquake:

• Immediately report the location to BC Hydro by calling 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766) or *49376 on your mobile phone.
• Do not open the manhole for any reason.
• Keep everyone clear of a manhole that has been blown open in an explosion.

Wildfires

During the summer season wildfires are common in the forested areas of British Columbia.

BC Hydro crews work closely with local and provincial emergency authorities on various forest fire situations to ensure safety and the timely restoration of power.

For updates on the status of wildfires, fire danger ratings and fire bans, visit the B.C. Wildfire Management Branch.

Floods

Water and live electrical wires can be a lethal combination. And while floods are common in B.C., you can take steps to ensure the safety of your family.

If flooding occurs, leave the building immediately.

• If you must evacuate, only turn off the electrical main power switch if the building is dry. If the building is already flooded, do not attempt to turn off the main power switch.
• Move any portable electrical items to an upper floor or somewhere not at risk of flooding.
• If flooding is expected, you can have a licensed contractor remove hot water tanks, clothes dryers and stoves and cap the gas pipe leading to the appliance shut-off valve.
• Do not enter flooded basements or buildings that may have energized wires or appliances.
• Do not touch damp walls.
• If you are boating in a flooded area, avoid power lines. Do not travel by boat at night, as you’ll be unable to see power lines.

After the flood has ended, remember that electrical hazards may exist long after the water dissipates. Do not enter the building until a licensed electrician has determined it is safe to do so.

Be cautious when returning home. When an electrical appliance has been in water there is a risk of shock or fire when turning it on again.

You may need to get a qualified electrician to do the following:

• Dry, clean and test the main electrical panel.
• Replace any circuit breakers that were submerged and destroy old breakers to prevent them being used again.
• Dry, clean and test the electrical components of appliances or heating, pressure or sewage systems.
• Inspect all wiring before turning on the main power switch.