BVIEC Promotes Electrical Safety at Disaster Expo
The BVI Electricity Corporation participated in the inaugural National Preparedness Expo hosted by the Department of Disaster Management to promote essential electrical safety measures. Utility officials provided critical tips on pre-storm preparation, generator maintenance, and handling flood conditions. Residents were also strongly reminded to treat all downed power lines as energized and hazardous.
The BVI Electricity Corporation participated in the Department of Disaster Management's inaugural National Preparedness Expo, offering critical electrical safety guidance to residents, businesses, and community stakeholders ahead of potential tropical weather disruptions. As the sole electricity utility provider in the Territory, BVIEC used the platform to demonstrate how thorough preparation can significantly reduce risks to life, property, and electrical infrastructure, while also assisting crews with smoother, safer power restoration efforts following a major storm.
During the event, BVIEC representatives engaged attendees on essential pre-storm measures. These included maintaining clear perimeters around homes and commercial buildings by trimming overhanging branches away from power lines. The utility also urged customers to inspect backup generators well in advance, verify safety switch mechanisms, and connect sensitive electronics to high-grade surge protectors.
Guidance was also issued on what steps to take during severe weather, particularly if rising floodwaters enter a building. Residents and business owners were advised, when safe to do so, to immediately unplug electrical appliances and switch off the main breaker supplying power to the property.
Post-storm safety remained a major focal point of the corporation's message. Officials emphasized that members of the public must never touch, move, or drive over downed power lines, even in areas where electricity service appears to be completely interrupted. Acting Occupational Health and Safety Manager Shenelle Christopher explained that private power setups can pose hidden dangers to the community.
She noted that even if utility lines are de-energized, an improperly installed generator or solar array can backfeed electricity into the grid. This backfeeding creates life-threatening conditions for the public, emergency responders, and repair technicians. Public Relations and Marketing Media Manager Kamal Haynes noted that preparedness extends beyond storing supplies to understanding surrounding electrical risks.
BVIEC commended the Department of Disaster Management for organizing the expo and encouraged all residents across the Virgin Islands to stay vigilant, maintain safety systems, and report any hazardous electrical infrastructure to the corporation.
Primary source: BVI Electricity