BC Hydro Releases Flood Plans

Wednesday, May 09, 2007 03:54 AM

BC Hydro and the BC Transmission Corporation have updated flood and emergency response plans and implemented pre-flood measures to protect facilities in preparation for the upcoming spring freshet.

“Our primary objective in updating these plans is to be ready if flooding becomes a reality,” said BC Hydro’s Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer, Ray Stewart. “As flooding presents risks to our employees, customers and first responders we want to be prepared to de-energize flood impacted areas when required to minimize electrical hazards and to restore the system in a timely and safe way once waters recede.”

In other words, they want to make sure their plans to pull the plug on power and , when its safe, restore electricity are ready to go on a moment's notice.

“Water and electricity do not mix so there are precautions customers living in flood plain areas should take to protect themselves and their homes in the event of a flood,” added Stewart. “Plan ahead, locate your electrical main power switch, label it, and know how to shut it off safely. If you have to evacuate and the building is still dry, turn off the electrical main power switch. If the building is already flooded, leave the building immediately and do not attempt to turn off the main power switch.”

BC Hydro has posted flood preparedness information on its web site at www.bchydro.com/floodprep in order to help customers prepare for a potential flood. Additional personal flood planning information is available on the Provincial Emergency Planning web site at www.pep.bc.ca

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