It is expected to be a busy weekend for NB Power crews.
NB Power Spokesperson Marc Belliveau says there are two main concerns for the utility, “Grand Manan and those areas, they are talking about the possibility of freezing rain which is always an issue as far as trees or lines. The other is obviously, with the gusting winds can break trees or branches and make contact with our power lines.”
Freezing rain, heavy snow and high winds can weigh down or snap power lines, causing power outages.
“For anyone who sees a downed line, you should call 9-1-1. It may look like there is no power going to it, but it could be very much be a live wire. We always say the best rule of thumb is to stay about thirty metres away from the wire which is the length of a school bus.”
Belliveau asks customers to be patient if their power does go out. He says road conditions in one of the last storms made it difficult for crews to get to their destination to do repairs, “To restore the power, it is sometimes difficult to just get to the site.”
NB Power also recommends that all residents have a 72 hour emergency kit in your home.
“Be prepared. It’s really not pleasant for someone to be scrambling to find flashlights or other items. It’s better to have a kit in the house. We show tips on our website, www.nbpower.com of what should be in that kit. Things like non-perishable food items, and enough water. Sometimes outages don’t last very long, but it all depends how much damage is done to the infrastructure,” Belliveau says.
