BELCO Issues Hurricane Readiness Reminder
BELCO today advised that” Hurricane Beryl is a reminder to be prepared for any storms that may impact Bermuda this season.”
A spokesperson said, “Hurricane Beryl rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a category 5 hurricane in a matter of days and has already caused widespread damage as well as several deaths in the Caribbean.
“BELCO is taking all the necessary steps to prepare should Bermuda be impacted by a storm this season and encourages the public to prepare as well, specifically trimming trees on private property. Ensuring that trees remain 10 feet away from power lines is the sole responsibility of property owners.”
BELCO Managing Director of Transmission, Distribution and Retail Shelly Leman said, “Hurricane Beryl is a timely reminder that we are expecting a very active and potentially dangerous hurricane season. When Bermuda is impacted by a storm, trees and foliage coming into contact with power lines is the leading cause of damage and outages on our network. It is important for property owners to act now to ensure trees are clear of power lines. Trimming trees at least 10 feet back from power lines can help to prevent branches from pulling down power lines and even utility poles.”
The spokesperson said, “Should property owners wish to trim their trees, it is critically important to remember that a power line’s electricity must be disconnected before trimming trees next to it. To schedule a temporary disconnection for tree trimming safety, property owners can call BELCO at 295-5111 or email treetrimming@belco.bm at least three weeks in advance.”
BELCO President Wayne Caines said, “Meteorologists have predicted an above average Atlantic hurricane season this year. The rapid intensification of Hurricane Beryl to a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale so early in the season is evidence that we can expect several major hurricanes and Bermuda should remain vigilant. Certainly, our thoughts are with the people of the Caribbean who have been impacted by Beryl and remain in the path of such a catastrophic storm.”
The spokesperson said, “BELCO is a member of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation [CARILEC], and Mr. Caines serves as Deputy Chair of the CARILEC Board. As a member, BELCO is part of the CARILEC Disaster Assistance Programme whereby workers from member utilities travel to assist other member utilities recover from disasters, including hurricanes. Since becoming a member of CARILEC, BELCO has travelled to several countries to assist in hurricane recovery efforts and members from other CARILEC utilities have also travelled to Bermuda to assist with post-storm recovery.”
Mr. Caines said, “BELCO is monitoring the impacts of Beryl and I am in communication with CARILEC members who have been impacted by the storm and we stand willing and ready to assist should the need arise. The next few months could be a very difficult and dangerous time for the Caribbean and Bermuda, and it is important that we support each other however we can in preparation, during storms and in recovery efforts. I encourage all residents and businesses in Bermuda to review their own hurricane safety plans as well as tips and advice on the BELCO website to keep their family and property safe should we be impacted by a storm this season.”
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