Freezing overnight temperatures is in the forecast for the next several days and the City is advising residents to prepare for the cold weather expected to hit this week.

The City continues to monitor updates from local health authorities in regards to extreme weather notifications and has been working diligently and proactively to prepare to open an emergency shelter.

Supporting the Vulnerable People

A civic space has been provided to the province and the City will continue to work with senior levels of government to assist in opening the shelter to those most vulnerable in the community during this extreme weather.

The City of Port Coquitlam works in collaboration with BC Housing, Fraser Health and Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group to provide additional support to those unhoused or vulnerable people within our community which include:

• Tri-Cities Extreme Weather Response Facility – Kyle Centre – 125 Kyle Street, Port Moody (transportation provided to transport people to shelter)
• Exploring opportunities for additional spaces at the 3030 Gordon shelter
• Additional emergency shelters at local community churches
• Bylaw officers and other City staff continue to check on vulnerable individuals,connecting them with outreach and other supportive services

City’s civic facilities are open during the day to anyone seeking relief from freezing temperatues. Holiday hours will be in effect from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4. Visitors are reminded to adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/holidayhours for a full list of recreation facilities and operating hours.

Steps To Cold Weather Safety 

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Check the weather report before going outside
• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.
• Stay dry. Risk of hypothermia (see below) is much greater if you are wet.
• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
• Drink warm fluids.
• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if its windy.
• Visiting vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

Hypothermia

• Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature
• Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g. difficulty walking) can occur.

What to do:

• Get medical attention immediately.
• Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
• Get the person indoors.
• Gently remove wet clothing.
• Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.

Frostbite

• A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.
• Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
• No sensation – the area is numb or tingling.

What to do:

• Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help!
• Do not rub or massage the area.
• Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
• Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (40°C to 42°C). Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.

Visit getprepared.gc.ca for more tips on weather safety.

Stay Informed

For more information about what to do during extreme weather, visit portcoquitlam.ca/weather or follow us on our social media channels for updates.

For health related inquiries call 811 or visit healthlinkbc.ca.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca