Downed power lines warning issued for drivers
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Updated: November 26, 2009 5:42 PM
Two women were left trapped in their car last week at the north end of Shelbourne Street when a tree fell across the road, bringing down a set of power lines.
Saanich police say the pair did the right thing by calling for help and not exiting their car or attempting to manoeuvre the vehicle around the live wires, which fell Nov. 18 and landed in front of and behind the car.
“They did the right thing by not panicking and bolting out from their car with live lines around them,” said Sgt. Julie Fast. “Thankfully, they got out safely with no injuries.”
Traffic in the area was shut down from the entrance of Mount Doug Park to the intersection of Cadboro Bay Road and Ash Road until 8 p.m.
“Never assume a line is not active or that it’s just maybe a telephone or cable line. We always want to believe they are hydro lines and they are live,” Fast said.
“We’re going to have power, telephone and cable lines coming down on people’s properties, on the sidewalk, on the roadway. Regardless of where it is, that safety zone has to be maintained until we can prove that the line is safe.”
kslavin@saanichnews.com
Staying safe
What to do if you come across a downed line:
• Call police, or B.C. Hydro at 1-888-POWER-ON or *HYDRO (*49376) on your cell phone.
• Do not approach the lines.
• Stay back at least 10 m.
• If you are in a vehicle, do not exit it or attempt to move around the line.
• If you must exit the vehicle for your safety, jump out with your feet together and shuffle away. Never make contact with the ground and your vehicle at the same time.
– Courtesy B.C. Hydro
