Extreme Cold Emergency Preparedness
Winter storm events may occur in our region and it's important to prepare for disruptions. For up-to-date weather conditions, visit Environment Canada's website.
How to Prepare for Extreme Cold :
- Prepare an emergency kit and grab-and-go bags for each member of your family.
- Make a household emergency plan that includes a family meeting place. Make sure all the members of your family know the plan.
- Know where to find information during an emergency.
- Winterize your plumbing and learn how to shut off water in case a pipe bursts. Find tips for preparing your plumbing for winter here.
Staying Safe During Extreme Cold:
Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outdoors during extreme cold, follow these tips:
- Dress for the weather. Wear layers, including a waterproof outer layer to stay dry, and warm hats, scarves and gloves. In very cold conditions, cover as much exposed skin as possible.
- Limit your time outdoors and watch out for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Check out Fraser Health’s website for more information.
- Be cautious when walking on icy streets.
- Pay attention to wind chill. Wind chill can increase the risk of frostbite for humans and animals.
- Be careful when shovelling snow. Wear warm clothes in layers so you don’t overheat. Warm up first, shovel many light loads instead of a few heavy ones, take breaks and drink plenty of water.
- Stop in at public facilities like our recreation centres if you need a break to warm up.
Extreme Weather Shelters:
BC Housing and their partners operate Extreme Weather Response Shelters. These are shelters for anyone who is experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For a list of shelter locations, visit BC Housing's website.
During Winter Weather Events:
- Check DriveBC for provincial highway status updates.
- Check Environment Canada for weather forecasts and alerts.
- Watch BC Hydro for power outage information.
- Find curbside collection updates during severe weather on our website.
Report Public Works concerns to 604.793.2810 or [email protected]. After hours, report urgent issues to the after-hours emergency number at 604.792.2233.
More Resources: