VANCOUVER: New BC Hydro research finds that while most B.C. parents worry about electrical hazards inside and outside of the home, only one-third discuss electrical safety with their children occasionally or regularly – and many lack confidence in their kids’ ability to recognize potential dangers.
“Parents in B.C. are deeply committed to their children’s safety and electrical safety is one of the many potential hazards to consider,” said Matt Wilson, BC Hydro’s Senior Vice-President of Safety. “By starting these conversations early and consistently modelling safe practices around electricity, parents can significantly reduce risks and help keep their children out of harm’s way.”
The recent survey highlights a significant gap in electrical safety awareness among B.C. parents. Only one-third correctly stated that the proper response to a downed or damaged power line is to stay back at least 10 metres and call 911. And, some parents mistakenly believed that posting about the incident on social media was the best course of action.
Additionally, one-quarter of parents with children under five admitted they have never discussed electrical safety with their little ones. More than half of parents with children under 11 cited a lack of awareness about electrical hazards as their primary safety concern.
The survey also found many children have already engaged in dangerous interactions with electricity, with incidents ranging from pulling on plugged-in cords and inserting objects into outlets, to climbing trees near power lines, flying kites in hazardous areas, and even scaling electrical infrastructure such as power poles and transmission towers. Some of these incidents have led to electric shocks and burns.
Last week, BC Hydro staff discovered teenagers dangerously scaling a transmission tower in Coquitlam, where they had also ignited a fire close to power lines. Earlier this spring, emergency responders rushed to a similar scene in Vancouver, where two teenagers were spotted climbing a transmission tower more than 30 metres (100 feet) above the ground. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in either case, but these incidents serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of education in preventing such hazardous situations.
BC Hydro recognizes that parents work hard to keep their children safe and aims to bridge the knowledge gap through year-round public safety awareness and education, as well as its Electrical Safety Week campaign, running from May 12 to 16 across B.C. As part of this initiative, BC Hydro employees visit kindergarten to Grade 7 classrooms across the province to deliver one-hour safety presentations focused on helping children develop safe habits around electricity. Since its launch in 2015, the program has educated nearly 50,000 students, growing each year to reach more families.
BC Hydro also urges British Columbians to remember these potentially life-saving electrical safety tips:
- Always treat fallen power lines as dangerous – even if they’re not smoking, sparking, or buzzing. Stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a bus) and call 911 immediately.
- Keep at least three metres of distance from working power lines – about the length of a standard four-door car.
- Be mindful of power lines nearby – never carry balloons or fly kites near them. Securely fasten inflatables to prevent them from being swept into a power line by sudden gusts of wind.
- Never climb or touch electrical infrastructure – this includes transmission towers, power poles, and pad-mounted transformers (the green or grey utility boxes).
- Never trespass into BC Hydro facilities – this includes dams, powerhouses or substations, and always respect safety signage at these sites.
- Stay inside the vehicle and call 911 – if a motor vehicle accident involves electrical equipment. BC Hydro crews will safely isolate and ground the damaged equipment before first responders can assist. If staying inside is not possible due to an emergency, exit carefully by jumping away from the vehicle with feet together, then shuffle at least 10 metres (the length of a bus) to safety.
For more information on electrical safety, visit bchydro.com/besafe.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468