FortisBC urges customers to prepare for fall and winter power outages

With storm season approaching, FortisBC is reminding customers to prepare for potential power outages caused by severe weather across B.C.’s Southern Interior.

High winds, heavy snowfall and falling trees can damage power lines and electrical equipment, sometimes leaving multiple communities without electricity for extended periods.

FortisBC public safety manager Ada Nadison says preparing in advance can help households stay safe during outages.

The utility recommends keeping an emergency kit stocked with at least 72 hours of food, water, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies. Customers should also charge phones and backup batteries, make alternate arrangements for essential medical equipment and learn how to manually operate powered garage doors and gates.

FortisBC says it works year-round to reduce outage risks through vegetation management, infrastructure upgrades and emergency response planning.

Customers can monitor outages and estimated restoration times through the FortisBC outage map.