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Media
 
Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

Media Relations Dept.
Police Headquarters
P.O. Box HM 530
Tel: (441) 299-4249/4291/4321
Fax: (441) 299-4322
E-mail: Police Media Relations
 
Date:Thursday, July 14,2005
Distribution: All Media

Update: Island Wide Power Outage

The Bermuda Police Service is pleased with the public's response to the power outage crisis. There have been no significant incidents as a result of the blackout. We are reminding the public to stay out of the City of Hamilton, unless it is for work purposes or a matter of importance.

The Bermuda Police Service has a full compliment of officers including the Reserve Police deployed around the island to deal with any situation that may arise. We are also advising the public not to inundate the emergency 911 system with general inquiries. Residents should only call 911 if there is an emergency.

Island Wide Power Outage

The Bermuda Police Service and Bermuda Fire Service responded to a fire at BELCO at 3:05 this morning. It appears that a main switching station was fully engulfed by the fire which resulted in an island wide power outage. BELCO is waiting for the fire to be fully contained by the Fire Service so they can better assess ways to re-route power to the island. BELCO anticipates that it will take all day to fully restore power to the island; however, this will be a gradual process with power being restored to the island in phases.

BELCO is requesting massive power conservation by residents once service is restored. Individuals are asked to use electricity sparingly, as this lessens the burden on the system. This includes all major non-essential appliances such as air conditioners etc.

BELCO and the Police Service will be updating the public with developments as they occur. Police are also reminding the public to use care, caution and courtesy on our roads as the traffic lights across the island are not operational at the moment. We are asking motorists to use caution especially at junctions and major intersections in order to avoid collisions or injury as a result of a collision.

All incidents are under investigation. Police are appealing to members of the public who have witnessed these incidents or may have information pertaining to them to contact their respective Police Station, Police Headquarters at 295-0011 or the confidential Crimestoppers Hotline on 1 (800) 623-8477.

Public & Media Relations Department