COQUITLAM, B.C., November 10, 2023 – Coquitlam residents are encouraged to be prepared as strong winds and heavy rain is expected in Coquitlam this weekend, November 10 and 11.
You can view Coquitlam’s rainfall data via our rain gauge located on Harper Road in Northeast Coquitlam.
City Taking Preventative Measures
Coquitlam’s public work crews, including vactor operators, backhoe operators, flush truck operators and maintenance workers will be available and working through the day today and tomorrow, taking proactive measures to help manage any impacts including:
- Ensuring that our critical catch basins and drainage intakes are clear and in good condition
- Inspecting and clearing intakes with a priority focus on those with a higher risk of flooding and to deal with other reported issues as required
- Monitoring water levels along the Coquitlam river to gauge response and mitigation measures as needed
Take Precautions and Stay Safe
Residents are encouraged to prepare their personal or family emergency plan and have an emergency kit ready with supplies, including any necessary specialty items, to be able to take care of basic needs for at least 72 hours in case of a power outage or impacts to telecommunications services. The City has some great tips in its 26 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness checklist at coquitlam.ca/26weeks.
Please also consider the following safety measures before, during and after the storm event.
Out in the Community
- Postpone hiking through forested parks and trails, in particular pathways along ravines or steeper slopes due to increased landslide risk
- Stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and creek, including potentially unstable riverbanks
- When walking outdoors or driving, watch for falling trees or branches
- Watch out for and avoid walking or driving through pooling water on roads and pathways
- Do not wade through flood water
At Home
- Check on any neighbours who might need assistance, including before the storm to see if they need help to get prepared
- Use the City’s catch basin map at coquitlam.ca/AdoptaCatchBasin to locate catch basins close to your property and keep them clear of debris
- Ensure gutters on buildings are clear of debris, and rake up debris to prevent them from plugging drains
On the Road
- Follow all road signs, including detours and road closures; please do not walk or drive around barricades on roads, as they have been placed there to protect public safety
- Treat any traffic signal that is dark or flashing as an “all way stop”
- Report downed power lines to 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile
- Never touch or try and move a downed, damaged or low-hanging power line; stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a city bus) and report it to 911
Report Debris or Damaged Trees on Roadways or Public Property
Be Winter Wise
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of winter events. More information about City services and resident responsibilities during the winter months can be found at coquitlam.ca/WinterWise. Be aware and get prepared.
Media contact:
Kathleen Vincent
Manager Communications and Civic Engagement
media@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.