GRAND FORKS — FortisBC is urging its electricity customers in the Boundary and across B.C.’s Southern Interior to prepare for power outages as fall and winter storms approach. In an Oct. 29 advisory, the utility said high winds, heavy snowfall and fallen trees can damage electrical equipment and interrupt service.
The company recommends that households keep enough emergency supplies for at least 72 hours, including food, water, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies. Customers should charge phones and power banks before severe weather and arrange backup power or other plans if they rely on electrically powered medical devices. FortisBC also advises residents to learn how to open garage doors and gates manually.
Anyone encountering a downed power line should assume it is energized, stay at least 10 metres away and avoid touching trees or other objects in contact with it. Call 911 or FortisBC’s 24-hour electricity emergency line at 1-866-436-7847. Estimated restoration times, when available, can be checked on FortisBC’s online outage map. Customers can also use the company’s mobile app for outage information and sign up for notifications.
Creston RCMP are warning residents and businesses after an increase in reported fuel thefts across the Creston Valley.