FortisBC is reminding Kootenay residents to look up, check for overhead power lines and plan ahead before planting this spring.
Corporate communications advisor Holly Harrison of FortisBC said trees planted too close to power lines can cause problems.
“So trees and vegetation when they’re growing too close to our electrical infrastructure, such as overhead powerlines, can really create serious safety hazards, as well as increase the risk of power outages.” Harrison said.
Harrison explains the first important step in the spring planting process.
“If you’re planning to plant some trees, maybe some shrubs in your garden, you really want to reach out to BC one call before you do that. And that’s to locate any underground utilities such as gas lines, electrical lines, waterlines, all that kind of stuff. So you know what’s below the ground where you’re gonna be working so you can avoid damaging those utilities,” said Harrison.
She said residents should also plan what they plant, not just where they plant it.
“You want to then think about what trees and shrubs you’re thinking of planting and how tall or big those will grow at the time of maturity. Often we can think that it’s a small tree, it looks good now, it’s not close to a powerline, but think about when it grows to its full height, will it be touching a powerline? Be mindful of that.” said Harrison.
Harrison said there are several planting zones residents should understand.
“We’ve got a clear zone, so that’s gonna be within five meters on either side of a powerline and you don’t want to plant anything in that area, so keep that area clear. The low zone is about ten meters away from the infrastructure so you can plant trees and shrubs that are going to be quite small, so less than five meters in height. Then finally we’ve got the medium and tall zone so that’s kind of beyond the low zone. Larger trees may be planted there as long as they’re not going to reach or fall on powerlines when they fully grow.” said Harrison.
She said residents in the Kootenay region should be especially mindful during stormy or windy conditions.
“It’s important especially in the Kootenay area where you know we see a lot of different seasons there and tend to see quite heavy windstorms. So be mindful that trees during those windstorms and branches can crack and come down on lines so that’s why we want to be mindful in those zones.” Harrison said.
FortisBC also reminds residents to keep a safe distance from power lines.
“Powerlines and electrical equipment, they can pose some serious safety risk if approached too closely. So you want to make sure that you stay back at least six meters from overhead powerlines. If you see a downed powerline, stay back at least ten meters. That’s about the length of a school bus and staying away from that is important because electricity can arc through the air and energize objects nearby, even without direct contact.” said Harrison.
Residents who see a downed power line or a tree contacting a line are asked to stay back and call the FortisBC 24-hour emergency line or dial 911.
Harrison said it is important to stay prepared for emergencies and outages year-round. She recommended using surge protectors, knowing how to open garage doors manually and having essential food and supplies on hand.
“It’s really important to be prepared for service disruption throughout the year and for a variety of reasons. So we encourage customers and businesses to stay prepared by having an emergency kit, having an emergency plan for your household and business should you be without power. We also always recommend people visit PreparedBC for additional resources on preparing for emergencies like power outages.” said Harrison
FortisBC said its goal is to promote safe planting and is urging the public to plant smart and keep a safe distance from power lines to prevent outages and reduce risk.
