Last weekB次元官网网址檚 storm left a number of West Shore residents without power, some were even faced with outages that lasted well into the following evening.

While many were fortunate to only experience their lights flicker, it was a good reminder for all to be prepared for winter storms, because during a power outage you may be left without heat, lights or water.

BC Hydro suggests taking the time to prepare in advance for possible outages to help reduce their effects and encourages residents to take these first steps before the weather turns nasty.

The easiest way to do that, is by preparing an emergency kit and storing it in an easy to find location that all members of the family know. BC Hydro reminds residents to check the kit regularly to make sure it is well stocked for all members of a household and equipment is in working order. Residents need to be prepared for the first 72 hours in the event of an emergency or prolonged outage.

When the lights do go out, BC Hydro is asking residents to first check to see if the outage has already been reported. You can do this by visiting bchydro.com on a mobile device, calling 1-888-769-3766 from a corded landline or *HYDRO on your mobile phone. You can also log in to your BC Hydro account to report an outage online.

Residents are also being reminded to never go near or touch a fallen power line and to always assume that a line or anything it is in contact with is energized. Stay at least 10 metres (about the length of a bus) away at all times and do not attempt to clear surrounding debris.

For more information and tips go to bchydro.com and click on the Safety and Outages menu option.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com