Winter Storm Preparedness and Safety

Prepare for winter storms and extreme weather events following the information and tips below.

Heavy rain

The BC Lower Mainland is prone to heavy rain frequently during the winter months. During periods of heavy rain, the Township takes proactive measures to help manage the impacts including:

  • Having crews inspect and clear catch basins and culverts with a priority focus on known problem areas and to deal with other reported issues as required.
  • Monitoring water levels along the Fraser River to gauge response and mitigation measures as needed.
  • Having additional crews and equipment on standby and ready to respond to emerging situations.
  • Communicating to the public on impacts such as road closures, flooded areas, and other important information.

Flooding

Visit our flooding webpage to learn about the Township’s operations during flooding from heavy rain or freshet, and other tips as well as your responsibilities and how to be prepared for a flood.

Snow and ice control

Visit our snow and ice control webpage to learn about the Township’s operations during winter snow storms, and other tips as well as your responsibilities and how to be prepared for a snow storm.

High winds

In British Columbia, winter weather can mean high winds causing power failures or fallen trees. Here are some steps you can take to prevent impacts to you, your home, and neighbours:

Before a windstorm

  • Be ready for storms, power outages and emergencies with a 72-hour Personal Emergency Supply Kit that includes food, blankets, water, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and necessary medication.
  • Develop a Household Emergency Preparedness Plan in case the storm triggers a disaster, such as a major flood.
  • Inspect trees on your property for signs of weakness or damage. Weakened trees can be a hazard. Guard your home from falling branches by pruning dead branches and removing dead trees on your property.
  • Store or tie down outdoor furniture or loose objects including garbage cans, barbecues, and lawn furniture.
  • Help keep catch basins and drains free of debris to avoid excess water and potential flooding.
  • Have a safe alternative heat source during a power outage. Never use propane or gas-powered barbecues, heaters, or portable generators indoors.
  • Ensure your insurance coverage is up to date and keep copies of their coverage in your emergency kit.
  • Keep important contact information handy.

During a windstorm

  • Stay indoors and off the roads. If the power goes out, turn off all lights (except one in a main area), unplug appliances, and turn down thermostat to reduce the initial demand when the power is restored. Keep doors, windows and drapes closed, and close off extra rooms so heat is concentrated in one area. If the power is out for a long time and you have no way to safely keep warm, leave rather than risk getting hypothermia.
  • If you’re outside during a storm, keep away from power lines, fences, hilltops, and avoid walking in wooded areas.
  • When driving, watch for trees or branches on roadways, and check for road closures before heading out.
  • If you’re caught in your vehicle, pull off the road if it becomes too dangerous to drive, stop away from trees or power lines, stay in your vehicle, and put your hazard lights on.
  • If it is cold, run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. While the engine is running, open the window slightly and keep the exhaust pipe free of snow to prevent exhaust from entering the vehicle.

Power Outages

The most common occurrence during a windstorm is often a power outage mainly due to trees and other debris impacting power lines. Here are some tips to keep in mind in the event of a power outage:

  • Be ready for storms, power outages and emergencies with a 72-hour Personal Emergency Supply Kit that includes food, blankets, water, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and necessary medication.
  • Develop a Household Emergency Preparedness Plan in case the storm triggers a disaster, such as a major flood.
  • While a power outage is not a disaster and generally will not require residents to evacuate their home, residents can further prepare by having a portable generator to power items such as fridges, freezers and mobile devices. However, make sure if you are operating a generator it’s placed outside your residence and the exhaust does not enter your home.
  • Residents might want to consider maintaining a land line phone - these units do not require power and as long as your phone line is intact, access should be maintained. Cordless phones stop working when the power is out.
  • Consider purchasing an external battery device that will charge mobile devices. These devices are readily available at most electronic stores for a reasonable cost and are invaluable during power outages.

Look for more tips on BC Hydro’s preparing for power outages website.

For those in need of shelter

For those in need of shelter, the Gateway of Hope opened its doors to those seeking refuge from the plunging winter temperatures. When activated, their Extreme Weather Response Program (EWR) provides overnight shelter. Additionally, their Warming Centre also opens. Contact them directly for opening days and times.

  • Location for EWR and Warming Centre: Gateway of Hope: 5787 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC
  • For additional information: visit their website here, call: 604-514-7375, or visit in-person: 5787 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC
  • For more information about shelter availability, visit the BC211 website here or call 2-1-1 or 604-875-6381

Important contacts

  • To report an area that requires maintenance, please call the Engineering Division at 604-532-7300, available weekdays from 8:30am - 4:30pm. Service requests for non-urgent concerns can also be submitted online. To report a service emergency or concern that requires immediate attention outside of regular business hours, call the Engineering operations emergency line at 604-543-6722.
  • To report a maintenance concern for parks, trails, and public spaces, please call Park Operations via the Engineering Division at 604-532-7300. You can also submit a service request online for non-urgent concerns. Emergency maintenance concerns outside of regular business hours can be directed to the Engineering emergency line at 604-543-6722.
  • 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, view the BC Hydro outage map here.
  • For the latest traffic impact updates, visit tol.ca/roads.

Take precautions and stay safe

Please consider the following safety measures.

At home

  • Visit our snow and ice control webpage for information and tips.
  • Winterize your home by inspecting your furnace, sealing windows and doors, and shutting off outside water.
  • Trim branches near power lines.
  • Locate catch basins close to your property and keep them clear of leaves and debris.
  • Ensure gutters on buildings are clear of leaves and debris, and rake up leaves to prevent them from plugging drains.
  • Secure anything that might blow away in a storm, including garbage carts and lawn furniture.
  • Bring garbage and recycle carts and containers in from the curb after they have been emptied to avoid the risk on high winds knocking them onto the road.
  • Prepare for potential power outages with flashlights, batteries, and alternative heat sources, like approved propane or gas units that don’t require electricity. Avoid using camp stoves, barbecues, or kerosene heaters indoors.
  • Prepare a personal or family emergency plan and have an emergency kit ready with supplies to be able to take care of basic needs for at least 72 hours.
  • Take frequent breaks while shovelling snow to prevent strain; consider assistance if shovelling is too difficult due to physical limitations.
  • Help elderly or mobility-limited family members prepare, especially those living independently.

On the road

  • Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready with a visit to a technician for maintenance, winter tires, and emergency chains if needed. Pack an emergency Grab-and-Go Kit for added safety.
  • Maintain at least two-thirds of a tank of gas and check road and weather conditions at DriveBC and Environment Canada’s Public Weather Alerts page before any trip.
  • Leave extra time to reach destinations and consider taking transit on snowy days.
  • Follow all road signs, including detours and road closures; 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. If you come across a downed or damaged power line, stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet).

Out in the community

  • Dress in layers with a hat, scarf, gloves, and shoes with solid traction.
  • Walk on the left side facing traffic, stay far from snowplows, and avoid lakes or ponds, as ice is typically too thin for safe use.
  • 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.

 Other information