Plan ahead for evacuations

Do you have a plan in the event of a fire, earthquake, or flood?

In an emergency, people may be ordered to leave their homes and to evacuate.

Be prepared

• Develop an emergency plan and share it with your family. Be sure that everyone knows what to expect and what to do. Examples of plans and tips on completing a plan can be found at PreparedBC.
  
• Include in your plan what you’ll do in the event there is an extended power outage.
• Know where your electrical main power switch is. Label it and know how to shut if off safely should you have to leave your house during an emergency.
• Make a list of local emergency contact numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.). Include 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766) for reporting an outage.
• Prepare a Grab and Go emergency kit and store it in an easy-to find, safe location. Check it regularly to make it is well stocked and that all equipment is in good working order. Tips on the types of emergency supplies to have on hand and in your kit is available from PreparedBC.
  

What to do during an evacuation

If you are under an evacuation order:

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

Power outages and disconnections during evacuations

Power services may be impacted by the hazard yet 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 infrastructure or if there is a safety concern for the public or emergency responders.

Important note: BC Hydro will be restricted from entering evacuated areas to restore power during an outage.

Returning home after an evacuation

When the evacuation order has been lifted, if you experience problems with your power, call 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766) or *49376 on your mobile phone. Depending on the extent of damage, power could be out for several days.  BC Hydro will coordinate with agencies and local authorities to restore services.