VANCOUVER: With high winds and heavy rain in the forecast, BC Hydro is reminding customers to secure loose outdoor items like patio furniture and decorations and to review what to do if they encounter a downed, damaged or low-hanging power line.
A recent survey1 found that 37 per cent of British Columbians do not secure outdoor furniture or other items during major wind events. This oversight can lead to serious injuries and significant damage to electrical infrastructure.
For example, last November, during a powerful windstorm, a patio furniture cover was blown off a high-rise deck in White Rock. The airborne cover struck a nearby BC Hydro substation, causing extensive damage and around 14,000 customers to lose power.
BC Hydro is also reminding customers that any downed, damaged, or low-hanging power line should be treated as an emergency. If you see one, stay back at least 10 metres, roughly the length of a school bus, and call 9-1-1 immediately. About 47 per cent of British Columbians say they have encountered a downed power line. Even more concerning, 31 per cent are unaware that there is often no visible way to tell if a line is live. It may not be smoking, buzzing, or sparking, but it can still be deadly.
Sagging lines can be especially deceptive. Because they are often still connected to poles, people may assume they are safe, but they are not. Always keep your distance and report the hazard by calling 9-1-1.
During windstorms, driving can also be dangerous. Please remember, that if your vehicle hits a power pole and a line comes down:
- Stay inside and call 9-1-1. Assume the line is live.
- If safe, drive at least 10 metres away.
- If you must exit due to fire or other danger:
- Remove loose clothing.
- Open the door, jump clear without touching the car and ground at the same time.
- Land with feet together and shuffle (heel to toe) away at least 10 metres.
Simple steps like securing outdoor items and knowing how to respond to electrical hazards can prevent injuries and outages. Visit bchydro.com/staysafe for more information and tips.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468
[1] Online survey conducted by 800 provincially representative British Columbians, Census representative by age, gender, and region from Sept. 19-23, 2025.