Now is a great time to make sure you are prepared and ‘winter wise’ as freezing temperatures are forecasted for this weekend.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Dec. 3, 2021 – Now is a great time to make sure you are prepared and ‘winter wise’ as freezing temperatures are forecasted for this weekend.
While Coquitlam crews have been busy cleaning up after the recent atmospheric events, they are also monitoring the forecasted freezing temperatures for this weekend to mobilize resources.
City staff monitor the weather and road conditions and prepare in advance when ice or snow are expected. Overnight ice patrols inspect roads and put down salt or brine in known problem areas to reduce hazards for road users.
Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe and Comfortable
To minimize disruptions, please follow these helpful tips to be prepared:
Vehicle
- Ensure your vehicle is winterized and in proper working condition. Drive only with good snow tires.
- Take transit if you are not comfortable driving in dangerous conditions.
- Keep a small, portable emergency kit in your vehicle with food, water, extra clothing, first aid supplies and other necessities (download a checklist on the Winter Preparedness & Safety page at www.coquitlam.ca/winterprep.
Home and property
- Shut off your outside water to protect outdoor faucets and other plumbing from freezing.
- Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
- Consider an alternate safe heating system in case of power failures (not gas, propane or kerosene, which cannot be used inside) - make sure to follow directions.
- Assess your trees and trim dead branches to reduce the danger of them falling on power lines or on your house during a storm.
- Clean the catch basin grates near your property regularly to prevent flooding. You can locate catch basins around your property at www.coquitlam.ca/adoptacatchbasin.
- When salting to prevent ice buildup before a frost snow or event, please do not use excessive amounts of salt as excessive sodium chloride levels can have a negative effect on freshwater aquatic life when the ice and snow melts and the water enters our storm drains. The recommended application rate of salt is 20 grams per square metre, which is approximately one handful of salt.
- As per the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw No. 4853, 2018. Section 3, Snow and Ice Removal, you are required to clear all the sidewalks of ice or snow around your property. You can read more in detail at www.coquitlam.ca/boulevard.
Report Area of Concern
Residents can report any areas of concern through the Coquitlam Snow Response Request tool available at www.coquitlam.ca/snowresponse. This tool enables information to be provided to City staff in real-time and supports a more efficient and effective response. Service requests can also be submitted online at www.coquitlam.ca/servicerequests.
Be Winter Wise
Coquitlam’s Winter Wise program kicks into gear each winter to minimize the impact of snow, ice, storms and colder temperatures. While the City works to keep roads safe and reduce service disruptions, residents are encouraged to do their part. For more information, or for City updates during winter weather events, visit www.coquitlam.ca/winterwise or follow the City on Facebook or Twitter.
Media contact:
Brad Lofgren
Director, Public Works
604-927-3500
epw@coquitlam.ca