Extreme Weather

Safety Tips

• Check the weather report before going outside or driving
• 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.
• Visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.
• Make sure your home is well-insulated, the heating system is working efficiently and seal off cracks and drafts.
• If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.
• If there is no posted notice saying it is safe to go onto ice at local lakes and ponds, assume it is unsafe and keep off.

More Tips

Resources

• Snow removal and ice control in Port Coquitlam: portcoquitlam.ca/snow
• Check road conditions: DriveBC website or follow @DriveBC on Twitter
• HealthlinkBC – Cold Exposure and Risk of Injury
• Environment Canada – Cold Weather Safety Tips
• Health Canada – Health Risks of Extreme Cold 

Safety Tips

Before the snow arrives:

• Make sure you have a snow shovel and other snow/ice removal equipment and supplies (e.g. salt). Once the snow begins, it can be difficult to find these items in the stores.
• Winterize your vehicle and ensure you have good winter tires. Keep items such as jumper cables, shovel, ice scraper, first aid kit, flashlight, antifreeze and seasonally appropriate clothing and footwear in your vehicle.
• Prepare your home – have your furnace inspected, shut off outside water and clean gutters and catchbasin grates.
• Make alternate plans for getting to and from school and work in the snow.
• Reach out to neighbours and family members who are elderly or have mobility issues to make sure they are prepared.
• Review, restock and/or assemble emergency kits for your home and car (details at portcoquitlam.ca/ep).
• Review the City’s Personal Preparedness page
• Do not use a camp stove, barbecue or propane or kerosene heater indoors.

When it snows:

• When removing snow from your property, also clear any sidewalk openings to make roads accessible for those in wheelchairs, scooters or with strollers.
• When shoveling snow, pile it on your property – not on the sidewalk or street.
• Clear snow and ice away from fire hydrants.
• Drive only when necessary, and only in a vehicle with good winter tires.
• Don’t let children play in snow piles or roadside snowbanks.
• Avoid parking on the street, as parked vehicles hamper snow plows.
• Help prevent flooding by cleaning leaves, snow and debris from catch basin grates.
• Check on neighbours and family members who may need assistance.
• If safe, clear snow from tree branches near your home.
• If you come across a downed or damaged power line, assume it is live and a danger. Stay back at least 10 m (the length of a large bus) and dial 911 to report.

Resources

• Snow removal and ice control in Port Coquitlam: portcoquitlam.ca/snow
• Check road conditions: DriveBC website or follow @DriveBC on Twitter

We monitor updates from Environment Canada and Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness in regards to extreme weather notifications.

We also work 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.

• 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 Emergency Map BC

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.

Safety Tips

• Keep nearby catch basins clear of debris to help prevent street flooding
• Drive with caution and check DriveBC for road conditions: Road conditions can be treacherous, pooled flood waters can look very different, and pedestrians can be difficult to see
• Be cautious near creeks and rivers, especially with children and pets: There may be elevated risks of flooding and debris flow and eroding banks may result in unstable ground
• If you’re in a low-lying area which is prone to flooding, consider having sandbags and other tools on hand

Tips for before a major storm:

• Clear away leaves and debris from nearby catch basin grates to prevent flooding on your and neighbouring properties.
• Move personal items from low lying areas to prevent loss.
• Move your vehicle to street level parking if parked in an underground parkade.
• Charge devices and rechargeable battery packs before the storm hits. If you have a portable generator, make sure you know how to use it safely and never run it inside the home or in an enclosed space. Battery-operated lighting is safer than candles.

Tips for during a major storm:

• Report flooding, trees of concern, fallen branches or other issues on City property to Public Works online at portcoquitlam.ca/report, email [email protected], call 604-927-5496 or through the PoCo Sort and Report App (download at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport). Trees on private property are the owner’s responsibility.
• Report downed power lines to 911 and BC Hydro: 1-888-POWER-ON. If you come across a downed or damaged power line, stay back at least 10 metres (30 feet).
• Only call 911 when there is imminent danger to people or property, and immediate police or fire assistance is required. This includes incidents related to an ongoing emergency, fire or crime in progress, or suspicious people in the area.
• Call the non-emergency numbers for Coquitlam RCMP (604-945-1550) or Fire & Emergency Services (604-927-5466) when there is no immediate emergency.
• Limit travel when possible. If absolutely necessary, drive, bike or walk carefully, and do not enter flooded roads or pathways. Watch for debris and use four-way stop procedures at intersections when signals aren’t working.
• Limit opening your fridge and freeze to preserve food if you are impacted by a power outage. If the power is out for an extended period, carefully inspect all food and do not eat any food you think may not be safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Check on neighbours who may need help, such as seniors, people with special needs, or families with young children.

• Check on vulnerable people multiple times per day.
  Call your family, friends, and neighbours to ensure they are cool and hydrated — it may be life-saving.
• Cool down.
  You can visit our air-conditioned recreation centres, our outdoor pools and spray parks, or another air-conditioned location in the community. At home, take a cold shower or bath to regulate your body temperature.
• Stay hydrated.
  Drink water before you feel thirsty. Hydration is crucial for regulating your body temperature, especially when temperatures are high.
• Wear sun protection and limit your exposure.
  Wear sunscreen, put on a hat, wear lightweight clothing, and sit in the shade or inside.
• Avoid overexerting yourself.
  Your body can’t function as well in the heat. Strenuous activities should be reduced or eliminated during the hottest hours (typically 2-6pm), and rescheduled to cooler times of the day. If working outside in the heat, monitor coworkers and have them do the same for you.
• Take care of your pets.
  Just like people, furry friends need to stay cool, hydrated, and well-rested during heat events. Do not leave your pet inside a hot vehicle. The temperature in a parked car can heat rapidly, so it’s extremely dangerous to leave an animal unattended. If you see an animal in distress, please report it to the BC SPCA immediately.
• Manage heat in the home.
  Install an air conditioning unit in at least one room, and purchase fans that can be used to help move cooler air indoors during the late evening and early morning. Open awnings, close blinds, and prepare meals without using the oven.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating. While waiting for help, cool the person right away by:

• Moving them to a cool place if you can.
• Applying cold water to large areas of their skin or clothing.
• Fanning the person as much as possible.

Other heat illnesses include heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles), heat rash and muscle cramps. Watch for symptoms of dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you experience any of these symptoms during a heat wave, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.

Safety Tips

Limit your exposure to wildfire smoke:

• Stay inside with doors and windows closed, but keep cool – being too hot is riskier than breathing smoke for most people.
• Watch for symptoms of smoke-related illness.
• If you are able to, use a portable HEPA air cleaner to filter the air in your home.
• Visit indoor public spaces with a controlled air supply.
• Avoid vigorous outdoor activities.
• Stay hydrated.
• Reduce other sources of air pollution, such as smoking, vaping, and burning candles.
• If you work outdoors, use an N95 respirator that has been properly fitted by occupational health and safety professionals.

Resources