Preparing For A BC Hydro Planned Outage In Your Area.
At BC Hydro, planned power outages are essential in maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure of the power system. Scheduled power outages are required for the safety and reliability of your electricity and might disrupt your routine if you're not prepared.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach for preparing yourself for a BC Hydro planned outage in your area. From understanding the notification process to managing your day during the outage, this post has got you covered for planned downtime.
Understanding Planned Outages
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What Are BC Hydro Planned Outages
Planned outages are those when BC Hydro cuts power temporarily to certain areas where maintenance or system upgrade and repairs will be conducted. Such service saves the system from delays in the eventual service breakdown and guarantees a reliable power supply to your home and community.
Because planned outages were planned beforehand, rather than emergency outages that are caused by either some terrible weather or equipment failure, it gives a chance for the user to prepare.
How BC Hydro Notifies Customers about Planned Outages
BC Hydro usually uses the following ways to notify affected customers about such planned outages: - Email and Text- On notification about planned outages, alerts may be sent to those registered to receive notifications about the outage in that particular area. - Calling - Automated phone calls regarding the outage schedule may have been made. - Website and Outage Map
Updating contact information in your BC Hydro records will ensure timely and appropriate notification of planned outages.
How to Verify Whether Your Neighborhood Is Affected
Look at the Outage Map Managed by BC Hydro: Input your address, and confirm whether your neighborhood features a planned outage.
Log Into Your BC Hydro Account: You'll have access to outage data pointed at your home.
Contact Customer Support: Call BC Hydro's hotline for further confirmation, if you need it.
Planning Ahead for a BC Hydro Planned Outage
1. Mark Your Calendar
Notice the outage and immediately note down down the date and time. Set alarms to prepare way ahead and avoid surprises at the last minute.
2. Determine Your Home's Needs
Find out what appliances and systems consume electricity in your home like these examples:
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Heating or cooling systems
- Medical devices (if applicable)
List those essentials and rank them according to priority from the highest to the least during an outage.
3. Obtain the Supplies for Comfort and Safety
Gather standby supplies:
- A flashlight and some additional batteries
- Portable charging units or power banks for electronic devices
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- An extra blanket for those colder months
Consider the possibility of making some ice packs or determining a cooler to keep any perishable food fresh during this time of outage. Know more details!
4. Backup Power Solutions
For those who need electricity for dying critical needs, maybe it could be a good idea to invest in a backup power source.
1. Portable Generators: use them outside, not in the house, to avoid the risk of dyin g from carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Battery Backup Systems: Excellent for feeding only small appliances or medical devices.
Strategize your day around the edit:
- Schedule errands or work: Plan for activities outside the home during the time of outage.
- Notify employer or school: Let the school/employer know if the time of outage interferes with remote work or online classes.
- Communicate with family: All family members should be made aware of the outage. Ideas for save power!
To Do Prior to Outage to Prepare Your Home
1. Unplug Sensitive Electronics
Unplug televisions, laptops, and gaming systems before the power goes out to shield them from surges in electricity when the power is brought back on.
2. Charge All Devices
Complete charging of:
- mobile phones and handheld computers
- computers
- portable chargers and power banks
This ensures that you remain in contact even during an outage.
3. Prepare for Food and Water
Cooking meals in advance or simply stocking up on no-cooking options such as canned food. Fill the water bottles and pitchers if your water supply is dependent on an electric pump.
4. Adjust Your HVAC System
Heat or cool your house prior to the outage, according to the season.
Use thermal curtains or blankets to maintain a comfortable temperature.
5. Inform Other House Members About It
Schedule an outage assignment; for example, gathering supplies or keeping up to date with the news. Click here!
Manage the Day of the Planned Outage
1. Stay Calm and Organized
This is a time for taking a breather because, remember, planned outages are just temporary. Take this time to do other things that do not require electric power, such as reading, walking, or spending time outside.
2. Use Battery-Powered Devices Sparingly
- Switch to low-power mode, for example, on your devices for energy conservation.
- Limit it to really ensuring the need, such as updates and checking up on loved ones.
3. Keeping Food Safe
- Do not open the refrigerator or freezer.
- A full freezer keeps food frozen about 48 hours, while a refrigerator will keep food safe for about 4 hours.
- Make sure, through the use of a thermometer, that food is at safe temperatures.
4. Stay Updated on Restoration Times
Always visit the BC Hydro app or website to check the progress of the outage for updates. Expect even longer outage restoration times due to elements of unforeseen occurrence. Check how to plan and times!
Once you get back the power,
Tips on being Prepared in the Long Run
Conclusion
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