Coquitlam residents are encouraged to take precautions as Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning.
COQUITLAM, B.C., October 18, 2024 – Coquitlam residents are encouraged to take precautions as Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning, with 40-70 mm of rain expected over the weekend. Strong winds are also expected on Saturday.
Flood Watch
The forecasted rainfall has led the River Forecast Centre to issue a Flood Watch for the region. River levels are expected to rise quickly in response to rainfall on Friday, and remain high through Saturday and into Sunday. Residents should avoid going near rivers and streams throughout the City.
City Taking Preventative Measures
In addition to sharing public safety information, the City is taking proactive measures and has completed work to help manage the potential impacts including:
- ensuring that our critical catch basins, intakes and ditches are clear and in good condition;
- sweeping and clearing debris;
- clearing vegetation and sediment out of watercourses to increase storage and capacity; and
- scheduling crews to work throughout the event, keeping infrastructure clear and responding to emerging situations as needed.
Help Reduce the Risk of Flooding
Localized flooding can 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 and debris. Rake up leaves and debris to prevent them from plugging drains. Visit coquitlam.ca/AdoptaCatchBasin to view a catch basins map, and considering adopting one near you.
- Cleaning foundation drains and sumps: These drains collect water from homes and properties, 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 or next to 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 Engineering and Public Works line at 604-927-3500 or by completing our Online Service Request form, which are both available and monitored 24 hours a day.
Out in the Community
- Be watchful of trees that have fallen, and 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.
- Do not wade through flood water.
- Watch out for and avoid walking or driving through pooling water on roads and pathways.
- Motorists and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when traveling under these conditions, and treat any intersection with a traffic signal that is blank or flashing as an “all-way stop.”
- Never touch hanging power lines.
- Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
Preparing for Windstorm Conditions
A few steps can help protect your family and home from negative impacts of a windstorm.
- Secure anything that might blow away 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.
Visit coquitlam.ca/WinterPrep for additional information on winter preparedness and safety.
Reporting Power Outage, Debris or Damaged Trees on Roadways or Public Property
- 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.
- 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 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 bchydro.com/outages.
Media contact:
Brad Lofgren
Director, Public Works
604-927-3500
epw@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.