Safety & Environment

A power outage occurs when the electrical power goes out. Planned or unexpected, it can last for minutes, hours, days or longer.

Plan now to have what you need and to know how to stay safe.

Protect yourself during a power outage:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
• Check on neighbours.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS:

Prepare NOW:

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged. Obtain a portable charger/power bank to recharge devices.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored.
• Keep electric vehicles charged.

DURING:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Check on your neighbours.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.

Be Safe AFTER:

• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odour, colour or texture.
• If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

Downed power lines present both visible and hidden hazards. These lines can be energised even if they don’t hum or spark and can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or even death.

Electricity wants to move from a high voltage zone to a low voltage zone – and it could do that through your body. Downed lines can also energise other objects, such as the ground or nearby puddles, utility poles, vehicles, fences, trees or foliage and ladders.

If you see or experience a downed power line, please remember the following safety tips:

• Always assume downed power lines are energised and dangerous. You cannot tell whether a power line is energised or not just by looking at it.
• Call 955 immediately to report downed power lines and wait a safe distance away (33 feet or more, which is approximately three car lengths) for BELCO’s emergency crews to arrive.
• Stay clear of piles of debris or downed foliage that may conceal live power lines.
• Don’t run from a fallen line. Running from a fallen line may cause your legs to bridge current from higher to lower voltage and you may receive a shock. Instead, keep your legs together and shuffle away with both feet on the ground. Shuffle a safe distance (33 feet or more, which is approximately three car lengths) away from other utility poles.
• Do not touch downed power lines, utility poles or any fallen power equipment and remain a safe distance (33 feet or more, which is approximately three car lengths) away.
• Stay at least 33 feet or more away from downed power lines (that’s approximately three car lengths) and ensure others do the same.
• Never touch anything that is touching a power line, such as a fence, ladder, pole or tree.
• Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using another object, such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, can conduct electricity if even slightly wet.
• Be careful not to touch or step in water near where a downed power line is located.
• Do not drive over downed power lines.

What Should You Do if a Power Line Makes Contact With Your Vehicle?
Power lines in contact with a vehicle create a dangerous situation for drivers, passengers, bystanders and first responders.  

If your vehicle comes in contact with a power line or other electrical equipment:

• If you are inside the vehicle, stay in the vehicle as long as it is safe to do so. Call 911 immediately to report the emergency and/or honk your horn to summon help, but direct others to stay at least 33 feet (approximately 3 car lengths) or more away from your vehicle.
• If you must leave your vehicle due to fire or other imminent danger, do NOT touch your vehicle and the ground at the same time. You must jump out of the vehicle, landing with both feet together. Then keeping your legs and feet together, your feet on the ground at all times, shuffle at least 33 feet (approximately 3 car lengths) or more away from the vehicle. Do NOT return to the vehicle.

Overhead power lines are electrical wires that are suspended in the air to deliver electricity from one location to another. While these lines are essential for our daily operations, they pose significant safety hazards if proper safety guidelines are not observed. 

Please remember the following safety tips:

• Trim your trees at least 10 feet from power lines. Contact BELCO 3 weeks in advance to schedule a power shutdown so you can trim safely and avoid unnecessary power outages.
• Never climb trees near power lines.
• Never climb utility poles.
• Never fly your kite or drones near overhead power lines.
• Call 955 if your kite or drone is caught in a power line.
• Do NOT attach, adhere or post anything to a utility pole, inclusive of mirrors, signage, banners, cameras and so on.
• If you see someone in contact with a power line, do not touch them, call 911 immediately and remain a safe distance (33 feet or more, which is approximately three car lengths) away.
• Carry ladders and equipment horizontally if overhead power lines are near to avoid accidental contact with electricity. Use wooden or fibreglass ladders outdoors as metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Look up before raising a ladder or pole to avoid coming within 10 feet of any power lines.
• Be aware of all power lines located around your property.
• Electricity can jump or arc and cause injury or death. Always stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• If work needs to be done around an overhead power line, contact BELCO to schedule the power line to be de-energised first.

What Should You Do if a Power Line Makes Contact With Your Vehicle?
Power lines in contact with a vehicle create a dangerous situation for drivers, passengers, bystanders and first responders.  

If your vehicle comes in contact with a power line or other electrical equipment:

• If you are inside the vehicle, stay in the vehicle as long as it is safe to do so. Call 911 immediately to report the emergency and/or honk your horn to summon help, but direct others to stay at least 33 feet (approximately 3 car lengths) or more away from your vehicle.
• If you must leave your vehicle due to fire or other imminent danger, do NOT touch your vehicle and the ground at the same time. You must jump out of the vehicle, landing with both feet together. Then keeping your legs and feet together, your feet on the ground at all times, shuffle at least 33 feet (approximately 3 car lengths) or more away from the vehicle. Do NOT return to the vehicle.

If you plan to dig or trench on your property, please call BELCO (and other relevant utilities) before starting. We will send an expert to visit your site to locate and mark underground cables.

Contact us at least 1 week in advance so we’ll have time to do our part. When you call before you dig, you help ensure the safety of workers, and you can be certain that your electricity supply will be uninterrupted. This service is free, but damaged cables are repaired at your expense.

Safety in and around electrical substations is essential to prevent accidents and injuries, protect employees and the public and ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

The significance of electrical substation safety cannot be overstated—adhering to safety guidelines saves lives and safeguards critical infrastructure.

Please remember the following safety tips when near a BELCO substation:

• Do not trespass onto substation property. Take notice of the clearly posted warning and restricted access signs around electrical substations.
• Do not attempt to bypass or deliberately scale the fence and/or secure barriers surrounding electrical substations. Barriers and/or fencing are put in place to prevent vehicle intrusion and unauthorised access. A secure perimeter ensures public safety and infrastructure protection.
• Be sure to watch children when a substation is near to ensure they do not wander into a restricted and unsafe area.
• Do not enter any substation without authorisation. Substations are not intended to support visitor traffic and unauthorised access to an electrical substation poses significant safety risk and can lead to equipment damage and even widespread outages.
• If you notice any unusual sounds, vibrations, alarms or equipment behaviour emanating from a substation, call 955 to report. Ignoring unusual alarms, vibrations, sounds and/or equipment behaviour in an electrical substation can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Generators are helpful and convenient sources of backup power, especially in the aftermath of storms, or periods of prolonged power outage. However, generators must be used properly, or you risk the safety of yourself and others.

A residential generator is a backup power solution that supplies power to a house during an outage of the main power supply. Residential generators are fueled by various fuel types and come in a range of sizes to suit different household power needs.

Residential generators can be categorised into two main types:

1. Portable Generators
   Portable generators are smaller, portable devices that are manually connected to appliances or a home electrical system. They must be manually started. They are best suited for temporary use and can power essential appliances like refrigerators, lights and small electronics.
2. Standby Generators
   Standby generators are permanent installations that automatically kick in when the power fails. They are typically hardwired directly into a home’s electrical system. They provide uninterrupted, seamless power and can power the entire home, including HVAC systems, medical equipment and security systems.

Some important generator safety tips to remember are:

• NEVER use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces and basements.
  NOTE: Open windows and doors may NOT prevent CO₂ from building up when a generator is located in an enclosed space.
• Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of a structure (home, office, trailer, etc.) unless a qualified electrician has properly installed the generator with a transfer switch. Attaching a generator directly to a building electrical system without a properly installed transfer switch can energise wiring systems for great distances. This creates a risk of electrocution for utility workers and others in the area.
• Always plug electrical appliances directly into the generator using the manufacturer’s supplied cords or extension cords that are grounded (3-pronged). Inspect the cords to make sure they are fully intact and not damaged, cut or abraded. Never use frayed or damaged extension cords. Ensure the cords are appropriately rated in watts or amps for the intended use. Do not use underrated cords—replace them with appropriately rated cords that use heavier gauge wires.
• Do not overload a generator; this can lead to overheating which can create a fire hazard.
• Keep a generator dry; do not use it in the rain or wet conditions. If needed, protect a generator with a canopy. Never manipulate a generator’s electrical components if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water. Equipment must be thoroughly dried out and properly evaluated before using.
• Power off and do not use any electrical equipment that has strange odours or begins smoking.
• Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
• Do not use a generator outdoors if its placed near doors, windows and vents that could allow CO₂ to enter and build up in occupied spaces.
• If you or others show symptoms of CO₂ poisoning—dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness—get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Do not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe by trained and properly equipped personnel.
• Before refuelling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool. Generators become hot while running and remain hot for long periods after they are stopped. Generator fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.) can ignite when spilled on hot engine parts.
• Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are properly designed and marked for their contents and vented.
• Do not store generator fuels in your home. Store fuels away from living areas. Keep fuel containers away from flame producing and heat generating devices (such as the generator itself, water heaters, cigarettes, lighters and matches).

Electricity is an invisible force that powers nearly every aspect of our daily lives — from lighting and heating to charging our devices and operating our appliances. It’s so seamlessly integrated into our routines that we often forget the immense risks that come with its misuse.

Electrical safety should always be a top priority in your home. Here are a few general safety tips to practice at home:

• Educate your family about electrical safety.
• Keep dangerous electronic devices and appliances away or out of reach of children until they are old enough to operate them properly and safely.
• Schedule regular preventative maintenance service for appliances.
• Always follow manufacturer instructions for appliances.
• Give your appliances proper space for air circulation to avoid overheating.
• Unplug all your appliances and electrical devices when not in use.
• Be careful of high wattage appliances – never leave them unattended while in use.
• Purchase good quality appliances and electrical products.
• Do not use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.
• All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
• Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
• Always reach out to an experienced technician to test and repair faulty electric equipment.
• Use the correct wattage lightbulbs for your fixtures and appliances.
• Move flammable items, like clothing or stationery, away from lamps or exposed bulbs.
• Keep curtains away from lightbulbs.
• Ensure that all your exhaust fans are clean to prevent fire hazards.
• Avoid using hazardous cleaning agents that can be sprayed or dropped on electrical accessories.
• Upgrade old wiring and outdated electrical systems.
• Keep electrical panels accessible and familiarise yourself with the layout of the circuit breakers.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) which are designed to protect against electrical shock.
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Install safety caps and covers over all outlets to prevent children from inserting objects into the outlet, protecting them from shock.
• Secure extension cords and outlet strips with shields and cable coverings.
• Never overload an electrical socket with too many plugs.
• Ensure receptacle outlets and switches have wall plates/faceplates.
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots. Never cut off the ground pin to force a fit, which could lead to electric shock.
• Show children how to pull cords out of an outlet by carefully holding the plug and not yanking on the cord.
• Only use extension cords as a last resort.
• Don’t attempt to plug extension cords into one another.
• Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the device being used.
• Replace or repair damaged electrical cords.
• Regularly inspect electrical cords and outlets.
• Do NOT substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
• Remember that power strips only add outlets – they do not change the amount of power the outlet receives.
• Use waterproof electrical cords in an outdoor application.
• Store electrical cords away from walking surfaces to avoid wear out.
• Do NOT nail or staple extension cords to trees, poles, walls or baseboards.
• Do NOT run extension cords through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If an electrical cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
• Only buy extension cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.
• Don’t allow dirt, grease or dust to accumulate on electrical equipment.
• Don’t touch electrical equipment, including power cords, with wet or damp hands.
• Keep appliances and electrical devices far away from water.
• Wear rubber or plastic-soled footwear in laundries, on concrete floors and outdoors.