Freezing overnight temperatures is in the forecast for the next few days and the City is advising residents to prepare for the cold weather expected to hit this weekend.
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 a warming centre at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) from Friday, January 12 to Saturday, January 13 during business hours:
- Fri.- 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Sat. - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pets are welcome during this time and must be leashed or in a kennel.
Supporting the Vulnerable People
The City of Port Coquitlam works in collaboration with Progressive 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 from 8:30 p.m. - 7:30 a.m. Transportation is provided to transport people to the shelter at pick-up locations below:
- Lincoln Skytrain Station
- Northside of Kingsway at Jane Street (Bus Stop)
- South corner of Pheasant Drive and Christmas Way
Pickups begin at 8:45 p.m. and drop-off is at 7:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome, but no walk-ups are permitted. Call to arrange pick-ups for the above noted locations, 604.318.9876 or email [email protected].
- Bylaw officers and other City staff will continue to check on vulnerable individuals, connecting them with outreach and other supportive services.
- Tri-Cities Street Survival Guide -Resources available at portcoquitlam.ca/housing, developed by the Tri-Cities Homelessness and Housing Task Group, lists available services to those in need.
- Additional Winter shelter at local community church - Coquitlam Alliance Church - 2601 Spuraway Avenue, Coquitlam. Hosted at different Tri-City churches monthly until April 15.
- Emergency shelter spaces are available through BC Housing. Shelter map can be found by visiting smap.bchousing.org
- Emergency Warming Centres or general warming spaces can also be viewed at EmergencyMapBC.ca
City's civic facilities are open during the day to anyone seeking relief from freezing temperatues.
Check-in on family, friends and neighbours to ensure they're staying warm and safe.
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.
- Drink warm fluids.
- Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities or working outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.
- 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:
- Call 911 immediately to request medical support.
- Get the person indoors.
- After obtaining consent, assist the person to a laying position and 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. Call 911 immediately to request medical support.
- Do not rub or massage the area, or 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) and avoid direct heat as it 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.
Residents are encouraged to use the PoCo Sort and Report app to report any City service issues or email portcoquitlam.ca/report or call 604.927.3111.
###
Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]