Heavy rain and a wind warning are in the forecast in Coquitlam. City crews will be checking drainage intakes and critical catch basins. Residents can also take steps to reduce the risk of flooding and other impacts.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Oct. 27, 2022 – Heavy rain and a wind warning are in the forecast in Coquitlam and, while City crews will be out checking on drainage intakes and critical catch basins, we are asking residents to take steps to reduce the risk of flooding and other impacts.
Avoid Flooding
Flooding can occur when runoff from extremely heavy rain exceeds the capacity of the City’s drainage system. Flooding can also happen when drain pipes become blocked by tree roots or debris.
Residents can help prevent flooding by:
- Clearing gutters and catch basins: Keep the catch basins near your property and gutters on buildings clear of leaves, debris and snow. Rake up leaves in the fall to prevent them from plugging drains. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin to view a catch basin map.
- Cleaning foundation drains and sumps: These drains collect water from the house and property, and direct it to the City storm sewer. The pipes can become blocked by leaves, dirt, roots or debris and should be flushed out periodically, or in some cases replaced.
- Clearing ditches and culverts: If you have an open ditch along your property, check to see that it is clear. Common items such as toys, balls, and other debris can often get lodged in the culverts and cause water to back up.
- Repairing broken or damaged pipes: Broken or damaged pipes can cause blockages and flooding of your home. Check that your home drainage system is working properly.
- Do not blow leaves from private property onto City streets: Doing so can greatly increase flooding risk by blocking catch basins.
Report emergency City drainage problems to Coquitlam’s 24-hour Engineering and Public Works line at 604-927-3500.
Preparing for Windstorm Conditions
A few cautionary steps can help protect your family and home from the effects of a windstorm. Secure anything that might blow away in a storm, including garbage carts and lawn furniture. Prepare an emergency plan and kit for your family so you are ready in the case of a power outage or any emergency conditions.
For more information on emergency preparedness and response, visit www.coquitlam.ca/winterprep.
Motorists and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when traveling under these conditions, and treat any traffic signal that is dark or flashing as an all-way stop.
In the event of a high wind warning, please also remember to:
- Be watchful of trees that have fallen
- Never touch hanging power lines
- Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency
Reporting Power Outage, Debris or Damaged Trees on Roadways or Public Property
To report a power outage or hanging power line, call 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile. To monitor updates on current power updates, visit www.bchydro.com/outages.
To report debris on roadways, please contact the City’s Engineering Customer Service line at 604-927-3500 or epw@coquitlam.ca.
To report a tree on City property that appears to have suffered storm damage, please contact Coquitlam Parks & Facilities Customer Service at 604-927-6300 or parkscustomerservice@coquitlam.ca.
Stay up to date about City news and service changes by:
- Following the City of Coquitlam on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter;
- Signing up for bi-monthly Parks, Rec and Culture e-news at www.coquitlam.ca/enews;
- Downloading the CoquitlamConnect mobile app at www.coquitlam.ca/app; and
- Going to www.coquitlam.ca/notifyme to use the customizable NotifyMe email subscription service.
Media contact:
Brad Lofgren
Director, Public Works
604-927-6236
blofgren@coquitlam.ca