A new BC Hydro report has found that many British Columbians are unprepared for storm-related power outages, one year after the most damaging winter storm in BC Hydro’s history.

Spokesperson Dag Sharman says a number of storm related outages happen when trees come into contact with power lines.

He says about seven per cent of affected customers were without power last year for more than 72 hours.

“The wind storm that hit the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island last year over the holiday season affected over 700,000 customers,” he said. “We want to remind British Columbians of being prepared of weather related power outages as more severe storms seem to be becoming the new normal.”

Sharman adds about 60 per cent of people that were surveyed had not taken steps to be prepared for wind storms and outages in recent years. He notes only 12 per cent of those without a kit are planning to buy one this year.

“When everything is great, we don’t think about emergencies, but we should always be prepared for emergencies, so we want to get the word out to remind folks, especially as the weather gets colder to have an emergency kit and have an emergency plan for your family and make sure that everyone knows the emergency plan.”

He says a good emergency kit will have enough food, water, and supplies – a flashlight and extra batteries and a first aid kid – for at least 72 hours.

He’s also reminding people to consider all down and damaged power lines as live and dangerous and report it to 911.