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Prepare For Winter
Before a winter storm arrives, plan ahead so you can comfortably and safely carry on during the winter season.
  • Make arrangements with family members who may be elderly or have limited mobility issues and who do not live with you– help them prepare for winter.
  • Get your home winter ready – have your furnace inspected, shut off outside water, and clean the catch basin grates before snow arrives.
  • Assess the trees on your property and trim dead branches to reduce the danger of them falling onto power lines or your house during a storm.
  • Winterize your vehicle and, when it snows, drive only with good winter tires.
  • Make alternate plans for getting to work in the snow.
  • Be sure to have warm clothing and solid shoes or boots with good traction.
Assemble the following basic emergency supplies to help your family be self-sufficient for 72 hours:
  • Water – at least 4 litres of water per person per day (to consume and for food preparation/hygiene)
  • Food – that won’t spoil and requires little or no preparation (i.e. canned, or dried)
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Battery powered or wind up radio
  • First Aid Kit
  • Specialty items (for the needs of infants, elderly, disabled persons and pets)
  • Extra keys and some cash in smaller bills
  • A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
Planning Ahead

Home
  • Have a flashlight, electric lantern, extra batteries
  • Consider an alternative safe heating system
  • Choose approved heating units that do not depend on an electric motor, electric fan or other electrical device to function
  • Check with the dealer or manufacturer regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures
  • Use caution and follow directions when operating generators, insuring they are in a proper well-ventilated area
  • Furnace and fireplace maintenance considerations are very important in preparing for winter weather.
  • Never use a camp stove, barbecue, or propane or kerosene heater indoors.
Vehicle Preparation
Colder temperatures demand a lot of your vehicle, so it's important to prepare for the winter season. Visit a qualified technician to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Make sure you have the following items in your vehicle to help you in the case of an emergency:
  • Jumper cables
  • Shovel
  • Traction pads or chains
  • Ice scraper
  • Towing cable
  • Flares
  • Blanket, warm gloves and boots
  • First aid kit, candles and non-perishable foods such as candy bars
  • Flashlight
  • Cellular phone
Quick Links
For more information on Emergency Preparedness training opportunities or to register, contact:
Port Coquitlam Emergency Preparedness Office
Tel 604.927.5466
Fax 604.927.5406
Email fire@portcoquitlam.ca

Location and Mailing Address
#1 Fire Hall
1725 Broadway Street
Port Coquitlam BC V3C 2A8

Business Hours
8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)