FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE 8:00 p.m. – With strong winds again in the forecast for the evening the City of Prince George is urging residents to be prepared and watch for updates.
A number of areas within City limits still remain without power, with BC Hydro advising that extensive storm damage will require work that will continue at least until tomorrow and potentially longer, although the hardest hit areas are outside of city limits.
Our emergency programs team are monitoring the situation closely.
Residents are advised to prepare for a power outage by:
- Prepare your emergency kit. Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can take right away
- Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs
- Consider options for backup power such as batteries or power banks
- Keep flashlights with batteries in accessible locations
- Keep your gas tank at least half full, or your electric vehicle charged, if there is risk of a power outage
Parks staff are aware of trees down in a number of park locations throughout the city and will be addressing these in the coming days after higher priority tree clean-up has been completed.
BC Hydro are updating their outage map regularly; you can get the latest here.
Weather alerts are being sent from Environment Canada and can be viewed here.
Additional resources:
https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/power-outages/during-an-outage.html
original release:
Prince George, B.C. – Prince George Fire Rescue (PGFR) and City operations crews are responding to damage caused by high winds on November 6.
The windstorm brought down trees and power lines across Prince George, creating hazardous conditions. PGFR is working with BC Hydro to assess the damage.
Parks crews have been working since 9 p.m. yesterday to clear fallen trees and respond to service calls. They are prioritizing access for residents and emergency vehicles. Cleanup continues, and residents are asked to give crews space to work.
Power outages were reported across the city, including at the Elksentre. Power has been restored at the arena, and the rink is ready for the next scheduled user group at 11:15 a.m.
Residents are urged to use caution, as windstorm-related hazards will take time to address.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, Communications Manager
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca