Weekly Media Release - Fire Department

July 23, 2015

Oak Bay Fire Department 
1703 Monterey Avenue, Oak Bay B.C. V8R 5V6 (250) 592-9121 
Email:  obfire@oakbay.ca       Fax:  (250) 598-2749

News Release

Date: July 21, 2015                                                          OBFD file # 2015-27

For Immediate Release:

Weekly Media Release for Monday, July 13, 2015 to Sunday, July 19, 2015.  Over the past week, Oak Bay Fire Department members responded to 39 calls for assistance.

These calls for assistance include:

 23 - Medical First Responder Requests
 5 – Commercial / Residential Alarm Activations 
 8 - Public Assistance
 1 – Hazmat
 1 – Burning Complaint
 1 – Electrical Wires down

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A DOWNED POWER LINE

Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Power lines are not insulated like power cords. Always assume the power line is live.

  • Don't touch a fallen power line or anything touching the wire.
  • Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line or other equipment.
  • Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires.
  • Do not drive over a fallen power line.
  • Call 911 immediately to report a fallen power line.

WHAT TO DO IF A POWER LINE TOUCHES YOUR CAR

If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line

  • Stay inside! The safest place is in your car. The ground around your car may be energized.
  • Honk the horn, roll down your window and yell for help.
  • Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the equipment or ground around the vehicle may be injured.
  • Use your mobile phone to call 911.
  • Fire department, police and BC Hydro workers will tell you when it is safe to get out of the vehicle.

If there is a fire and you have to exit a vehicle that has come in contact with downed power lines

  • Remove loose items of clothing.
  • Keep your hands at your sides and jump clear of the vehicle, so you are not touching the car when your feet hit the ground.
  • Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from the vehicle without picking up your feet.