With multiple hydro lines down in the Greater Victoria area due to high winds, police and BC Hydro are alerting residents to what to do in the case of a potentially live wire.
Do you know what to do if you see a downed power line? Stay back 10m and dial 9-1-1: https://t.co/cGqBKnfAhT #DownDangerDial pic.twitter.com/imSVIvrMkF
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) February 5, 2019
Saanich Police are advising residents to be aware of the hazards of live wires after trees knocked down lines in the areas of Prospect Lake Road, Wesley Road, and Bodega Avenue.
The Sooke Fire Chief Twitter account reported that the highway in and out of Sooke is closed in both directions due to multiple power lines down.
The highway in and out of town is now closed in both directions due to multiple powerlines down. The Sooke emergency program is aware of the situation and monitoring BC Hydro’s efforts. The fire departments operation centre will be active and advise of any further information.
— Sooke Fire Chief (@FireChiefSooke) February 9, 2019
The Township of Esquimalt is asking people to use alternative routes after trees went down on power lines on Fraser Street between Lyall and Juno and on Aral Street.
#Esquimalt #windstorm – due to downed trees on power lines, road access is restricted on Fraser Street between Lyall and Juno and on Aral street – please use alternate routes.
To report an outage dial *HYDRO or online: https://t.co/QEik3jC3B3— TownshipOfEsquimalt (@EsquimaltBC) February 9, 2019
RELATED: Multiple power outages around Victoria keep BC Hydro crews busy
If you come across a downed line, BC Hydro recommends staying back 10 meters – about the length of a bus – and calling 911.
A line doesn’t have to be on the ground to be dangerous either. If a tree falls on a line, or if you see a drooping line or leaning power pole, these could be hazardous too. If you see one of these scenarios, call 911.
If you accidentally come across a downed line and you are closer than 10 meters, shuffle away to a safe distance.
If you hit a power pole in your car or if a pole or line falls on your car, stay in your car if there is no fire or imminent danger and dial 911. If you are sure you can drive away safely, drive at least 10 meters away and call 911.
If there is danger and you need to get out of the car, jump out and land on both feet, not touching any part of the car, then shuffle away at least 1o meters and call 911.
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