With active wildfires in parts of New Brunswick, we’re working closely with emergency management partners to help protect communities and the grid during this unprecedented weather.

Record-breaking temperatures can also impact our lines. For the safety of our communities and to prevent a greater risk of fire, we sometimes have to initiate temporary outages to safely complete critical repairs or maintenance. We know outages are disruptive, and we work hard to keep them as short as possible.

While we work to protect the grid and communities, you can also take steps to be ready for an outage during extreme heat, please refer to the government of new Brunswick web site: Heat Alert and Response System - gnb.ca

• If you lose power, report your outage at 1-800-663-6272 or nbpower.com/outages
• Have your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit ready.

The safety of our employees and all New Brunswickers remains our priority as we navigate these challenging conditions together. 

Stay informed about the wildfires:  NB EMO Fire Watch 

Access safety resources: NB EMO safety tips 

Put safety first this holiday season! Decorations add to the festive spirit of the season but can also increase the risk of fire and injury if not used properly. Fortunately, when it comes to electricity and safety, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Safe decorating tips

1. Lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use. Read the package instructions and never exceed the recommended wattage.
2. Buy decorations with the mark of an accredited certification agency.
3. No more than three light strings can be safely connected together in most cases — read manufacturers’ instructions for directions.
4. Make sure bulbs don’t touch supply cords, wires, cloth, paper, or any material.
5. Use the proper clips for securing lights and decorations. Staples and nails can damage electrical cords!
6. Check for overhead powerlines before using a ladder outside or when you’re hanging lights on trees.
7. Watch that children don’t put electrical decorations or cords in their mouths.
8. Keep an eye on pets – they may chew or damage electrical cords.
9. Turn off holiday lights and decorations when you leave the house or go to bed.
10. Holiday decorations aren’t designed for year-round use and can deteriorate over time. Take them down when the holidays are over.

Advice for extension cords, plugs and outlets

• Inspect and replace damaged electrical products.
• Avoid plugging too many decorations into an outlet. Overloaded circuits can start a fire.
• Use GFCI-protected receptacles to protect you from shock when plugging in outdoors.
• Make sure your outdoor receptacle has a special cover to help protect against the elements even when a cord is left plugged in.
• Never remove the third prong on plugs — this “grounding pin” prevents shock in the event of electrical equipment failure.
• Don’t run extension cords under carpets, through doorways, or in places where they can be damaged by furniture.
• Keep outdoor connections above ground and out of puddles; don’t run them across driveways or walkways.

Knowing the potential hazards and how to minimize risk will help prevent fires and electrical shocks. It will also give you and your family peace of mind this holiday season.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday from the NB Power team.

Source: Electrical Safety Authority

For many New Brunswickers, the Victoria Day weekend means it’s time to enjoy the outdoors and finally tackle the long checklist of things to do around the house, yard or cottage. Whether you are just headed out to do a little work in the garden or are off to take on more ambitious outdoor projects, it’s important to keep safety top of mind. Most of us think that we know enough about electricity to stay safe. After all, we are surrounded by it and use it everyday. However, each year people are injured and millions of dollars in property damage are caused by electrical hazards that could have been avoided.

This weekend, follow the tips below to help protect you, your family and your home from harm;

Working around power lines:

Look up! Check the surrounding area to ensure that you will not accidentally come in contact with overhead power lines. Remember minimum safe distances of approach:

• Up to 750 volts - 0.9 metres (3 feet)
• 750 to 100 kilovolts - 3.6 metres (12 feet)
• 101 to 250 kv - 5.2 metres (17 feet)
• 251 to 345 kv - 6.1 metres (20 feet)

Look down! Some power lines are buried as little as one foot underground. Don't take a chance. Be sure you know where power lines are located before digging to install a fence, plant a tree or dig holes.

To ensure you have all the information you need before starting your project, call NB Power at 1 800 663-6272. We can:

• Mark underground lines
• De-energize and insulate overhead lines
• Raise overhead lines
• Provide warning signs for hazardous areas

Equipment Safety

Planning on using some tools this weekend? Make sure you do it safely. 

• If you haven’t used your electric tools all winter, inspect them for damage to cords, plugs and wiring. If required, take the tool to a qualified professional for repair.
• Protect yourself from injury. Turn the electric tool off, unplug it and put it in the “lock” position when carrying or connecting attachments such as mower baskets or saw blades.
• When working outdoors, use only weather-resistant heavy gauge extension cords marked “for outdoor use.” These weather resistant cords have added safeguards designed to withstand the outdoor environment.
• Never leave electric tools unattended where children or other unqualified adults can misuse them.

Tree trimming

NB Power always advises leaving tree trimming to the professionals, particularly when the tree and its limbs are anywhere near a power line. 

But if you do plan to do some trimming, here are some safety reminders:

• Make sure your ladder or pole doesn’t come within the safe minimum distance to a power line – it doesn’t even have to touch the line, if electrical arcing occurs, you could still be in danger.
• Use fiberglass ladders outdoors; metal or wooden ladders can conduct electricity.
• Do not climb with tools in your hands and be sure to wear safety equipment at all times.
• Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.

Be smart, be safe, stay out of danger!