Be weather ready all year long, so you can stay safe during heavy rain and windstorms, snow and ice, or extreme heat. Check Environment Canada’s website for public weather alerts.

Heavy rain

Storm drains:

Heavy rainfall can cause flooding, so please remember to clear catch basins near your home. Remove leaves, branches, and other debris to prevent flooding on your street.

Driving:

Whether it’s light showers or a torrential downpour, rain can also make driving dangerous. Here are some tips for staying safe behind the wheel:

  • Slow down. Posted speed limits are based on driving in ideal conditions, not on wet roads.
  • Maintain a proper following distance. More distance is required for stopping safely in wet weather.
  • When starting from a stop on slick roads, start slowly and accelerate gradually.
  • Make sure your tires are in good shape (with lots of tread) and your windshield wipers are in good working order.
  • Turn on your headlights, even in the daytime.
  • Avoid hydroplaning – sliding uncontrollably across a wet road surface – by slowing down and driving with tires that have adequate tread. If you start to slide, ease off the accelerator slowly, and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go.
Windstorms

Although windstorms are not frequent in the Metro Vancouver area, it’s best to be prepared, as they can be hazardous and cause a significant amount of damage. Winds that reach 70 kilometres per hour or more are capable of breaking large tree branches, or uprooting or breaking entire trees, which can lead to power outages, property damage, and blocked roads.

Before a storm:

  • Be informed. Check weather forecasts via radio, television, websites, and social media.
  • Make sure your emergency kit is always ready and easily accessible.
  • Prune dead branches from trees, and cut down dead trees. A certified arborist can check tree health and help with pruning or removal. If a tree on municipal property looks like it might be a hazard, please call City of Port Moody Operations at 604-469-4574.
  • Identify places where you and your family can shelter.
  • Tie down anything that might be blown away by the wind, such as garden furniture, garbage cans, etc.

During the storm:

  • If you are indoors, stay there, and stay well away from any windows, exterior doors, or fireplaces.
  • Avoid using an elevator, in case of a power outage.
  • If you are outside, head indoors as quickly as possible. Never take shelter under a tree, in case of falling branches or lightning.
  • If you are in a car, stop the car away from trees or power lines that might fall on you. Avoid the base of steep or unstable slopes, and low areas prone to flooding. Stay inside the car until the danger passes.
  • Boaters should avoid being on the water and ensure their boats are secured.
  • If you are indoors, you can use a cell or cordless phone, but stay away from land-line telephones with cords in case of lightning.
  • Report power outages to BC Hydro by calling 1 800 BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376), or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile phone.

After the wind dies down:

  • Check your property for damage, and clear away debris from rain gutters and catch basins. Watch out for broken glass.
  • When walking around outdoors, look up to check for hazards. Broken tree branches may hang dangerously overhead.
  • If you see a downed or damaged wire, call 9-1-1 and ask for Fire. Always assume a downed or damaged power line is live, and stay back at least 10 metres.
  • Report fallen trees, branches, and other debris on municipal property by calling City of Port Moody Operations at 604-469-4574 or submitting a report a problem form.
  • Continue to check radio, television, websites, or social media for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
  • Be a good neighbour. Help people who may require special assistance, such as parents with small children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
Snow and ice 

ICBC recommends the use of winter tires for driving in snow and ice. Keep in mind that all-season tires can begin to lose their elasticity and grip on the road at temperatures below 7°C. If you plan to change your tires, make arrangements before winter weather conditions arrive.

Winter driving tips (courtesy of Shift Into Winter):

  • Drop your speed to match road conditions.
  • Watch for black ice. Accelerate and brake slowly.
  • When stopping, plan well in advance, apply the brakes gently, and slowly add pressure rather than braking suddenly.
  • Avoid sudden moves. Slow down and steer smoothly and gradually to avoid skidding.
  • Know how to handle a skid. Ease off the brake or accelerator, and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go.
  • See and be seen. Always drive with your headlights on.
  • Be extremely cautious when approaching highway maintenance vehicles, such as snow plows and salt or sand trucks. Maintain a safe following distance.

Snow and ice removal

When it snows, the City works to clear travel routes in a priority sequence, plowing and salting major roads, transit corridors, and connector routes, as well as particularly hazardous areas. The City also works to clear high priority sidewalks, including pedestrian bridge crossings, walkways that provide access to transit centres, and walkways around civic facilities like the Recreation Complex, Works Yard, City Hall, and Inlet Centre Fire Hall.

Residents, strata corporations, and businesses are responsible for removing snow or ice from sidewalks and curb letdowns bordering their property within 24 hours of a snowfall or storm event (Bylaw 2426). Owners of private property along Priority Pedestrian Routes are required to clear adjacent sidewalks of snow and ice by 10am every day.

Please visit portmoody.ca/snowandice to learn more about snow and ice removal, including a map of priority routes. 

Please be a good neighbour. By clearing the sidewalk adjacent to your property in a timely manner, you can help pedestrians, particularly people with mobility issues, children, and users of public transit, get around town safely. Please help others who may need assistance with shovelling snow.

Snow shovelling tips:

  • Use the shovel to push snow to one side rather than lifting it. If lifting is necessary, bend your knees to take the strain off your back.
  • Pace yourself by removing small amounts of snow frequently instead of removing a large pile all at once.
  • Do not shovel snow from sidewalks or driveways onto the road, as this creates more work for snow plows and may result in a plow pushing the snow back onto your driveway. Instead, face your house and pile the white stuff to the left of your driveway (on your property, not on the road or sidewalk), as this gives you a better line of sight to approaching traffic.
  • Spread sand, rock salt, or kitty litter on your sidewalk or driveway to increase traction and reduce accidents.

Has someone helped you out by shoveling snow? Nominate them to be a Snow Star.

Here are some other ways you can help during or after a snowfall event:

  • avoid driving if possible, particularly on very steep or winding roads;
  • avoid parking on public roads so that your vehicle does not obstruct snow removal equipment;
  • clear any drains near your property, as blocked catch basins can cause flooding, or lead to excess water along the road area (which can become dangerous if it freezes); and
  • clear snow from nearby fire hydrants, as hidden hydrants can cost first responders valuable time in an emergency.

At home:

  • When colder than normal temperatures are in the forecast, there is a possibility that water service connections may freeze.  If you experience a loss of water during cold temperatures and suspect that their water service connection may be frozen, you should contact a plumber.
  • Outdoor plumbing should be winterized or wrapped in insulation, especially hose bibs. You can help warm plumbing by opening cabinet and shower doors or letting faucets run at a light drip to prevent freezing.
Extreme heat events

Heat alerts

In response to the 2021 heat dome, multiple health sector partners and Environment and Climate Change Canada (Environment Canada) developed a BC Heat Alert and Response System (BC HARS). This system lays out the criteria that Environment Canada will use to issue an alert for a Heat Warning or an Extreme Heat Emergency, the appropriate public health messaging for both types of alerts, and the recommended actions for the health sector and other partners.

There are two levels of significant heat alerts issued by Environment Canada: a Heat Warning and an Extreme Heat Emergency. Note that Environment Canada may issue another type of heat alert called a Special Weather Statement – this is the least urgent type of alert. It is issued to let you know that conditions are unusual and could cause concern.

Heat Warning
In southwest BC, a Heat Warning is issued when two or more consecutive days of daytime maximum temperatures are expected to reach 29°C or warmer, and nighttime minimum temperatures are expected to be 16°C or warmer.

Extreme Heat Emergency 
An Extreme Heat Emergency is when the Heat Warning criteria have been met, and daytime and nighttime temperatures are expected to continue to get hotter each day.

Services and amenities to help you cope with extreme heat
When Environment Canada issues a heat alert for our region, the City of Port Moody takes steps to help residents and visitors stay cool, such as opening cooling centres. A cooling centre is an indoor public space where people can take a break from the higher temperatures experienced outdoors or indoors in spaces without fans or air conditioning.  

Misting tents, portable water filling stations in parks, and extended hours for cooling centres and spray parks may also be available depending on the type of heat alert and the severity of the extreme heat event.

Public communication: We will post a notification on our News page and our social media channels when there is a Heat Warning or Extreme Heat Emergency alert in effect. We will let you know what steps the City is taking to help people cope with the heat and what actions you can take to help you – and your family, friends, and neighbours – stay safe. 

Read the table below to see the services and amenities that are available during each type of heat event. Please note that during an extreme heat emergency, Fraser Health may advise people to stay indoors if possible with at least part of the day spent in air-conditioned spaces.

 

Service/amenity:

Heat Warning:

Extreme Heat Emergency:

Cooling centres:

Civic Centre Galleria (pet-friendly, dogs must be on a leash) and Port Moody Public Library

Yes – available during regular business hours

Yes – available during regular business hours 

Extended hours for Civic Centre Galleria may be announced at time of alert

Additional public spaces with air-conditioning:

Kyle Centre and Arts Centre

Yes – available during regular business hours

Yes – available during regular business hours 

If required, additional spaces may be made available at time of alert

Misting tents:

Pioneer Memorial Park, Rocky Point Park, and outside Kyle Centre

No – not available

Yes – available from 8am to 9pm

Water bottle filling stations:

Civic Centre Galleria and Port Moody Recreation Complex

Yes – available during regular business hours

Yes – available during regular business hours 

Extended hours for Civic Centre Galleria may be announced at time of alert

Portable water bottle filling station:

Rocky Point Park

No – not available

 

Water fountains are available at Rocky Point Park during regular hours

Yes – available from 8am to 9pm

Additional locations may be announced at time of alert

Spray parks:

Rocky Point Park, Easthill Park, and Ailsa Park

Yes – available during regular hours (visit our Parks page for hours of operation)

Yes – available during regular hours (visit our Parks page for hours of operation)

Extended hours may be announced at time of alert

Outdoor pools:

Westhill Park and Rocky Point Park

Yes – available during regular hours (visit our Aquatics page for hours of operation)

Yes – available during regular hours (visit our Aquatics page for hours of operation)
Extended hours may be announced at time of alert

Parks and trails (for shade):

various locations

Yes – most parks and trails are available from dawn until dusk (check our Parks page for locations and features)

Yes – most parks and trails are available from dawn until dusk (check our Parks page for locations and features)

Sasamat Lake

(təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park)

Yes – available during regular hours (visit metrovancouver.org for park hours)

Yes – available during regular hours (visit metrovancouver.org for park hours)

Tips to prevent heat-related illness

Heat-related illness can happen to anyone (regardless of age or fitness level) who stays in the summer heat and sun for too long. Heat-related illness can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion. A mild case of heat-related illness is sometimes called heat exhaustion and does not necessarily constitute an emergency. However, in severe cases, heat-related illness can lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. Make sure to check on those you know who may be vulnerable to extreme heat.

Take steps to stay cool
When Environment Canada issues a Heat Warning or declares an Extreme Heat Emergency, take steps to stay cool. Here are some ideas:

  • stay hydrated – there are water bottle filling stations inside the Civic Centre Galleria and the Port Moody Recreation Complex;
  • avoid drinks that can contribute to dehydration (e.g. alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine);
  • seek out air-conditioned public spaces such as the Civic Centre Galleria and the Port Moody Public Library (located in the same building at 100 Newport Drive);
  • wear a hat and light, loose clothing so that air can circulate;
  • take a cool shower or put part of your body into a tepid bath;
  • cool off in a pool – in the summer months, we operate two outdoor pools: Rocky Point Pool and Westhill Pool (check our Aquatics page for information); 
  • head to a spray park – we also have three outdoor spray parks located at Rocky Point Park, Ailsa Park, and Easthill Park;
  • visit parks and trails where you can find shade – check our Parks page for an interactive map with details like park features and facilities;
  • apply sunscreen if you are heading outdoors, as sunburned skin reduces the body’s ability to cool itself;
  • know the humidex rating — it combines the temperature and humidity to indicate how hot, humid weather feels to the average person;
  • limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and seek shade when you do go outside – during an Extreme Heat Emergency, health officials may recommend that you stay indoors if possible with at least part of the day spent in air-conditioned spaces; and
  • if you have air conditioning, be sure to turn it on – it does not need to be on as high as it can go to help keep you safe. 

And here are two important reminders to help keep people and pets safe:

  • if you are able, please check on family, friends, and neighbours who may be vulnerable to extreme heat – aim to connect with at least three people to see if they are coping or if they need assistance; and
  • do not leave children or pets in hot vehicles, no matter how short the stop.

 

When to seek help

If you begin to feel tired, dizzy, or nauseated, or if you develop a headache, get out of the heat immediately. Seek out an air-conditioned building, and drink water. When recognized early, most mild heat-related illnesses, sometimes called heat exhaustion, can be treated at home. Act immediately to start cooling the affected person.

Note that mild heat exhaustion does not cause changes in mental alertness. Consult a health care provider about changes in mental alertness in someone who has been exposed to the heat.

If symptoms are not mild, last longer than one hour, change, worsen, or cause you concern, contact a health care provider. Call 9-1-1 if you suspect heat stroke and keep trying to cool the individual until help arrives.

 Prepare an extreme heat kit

Having an extreme heat kit ready to go can help you cope while temperatures remain high. Prepare yours today! Include items such as:

  • bottled water
  • rehydration solution (2 1/2 cups water, 1 1/2 cups pure unsweetened orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt)
  • cups for drinking water
  • basins or jugs for water 
  • ice packs or ice
  • plastic bags (fill with ice and add drinking water)
  • large and small towels (wet towels can be kept in the fridge and used to cool your body)
  • misting bottles
  • sunscreen
  • thermometers (for checking body temperature and ambient temperature)
  • clothing (light-coloured, lightweight, and loose clothing plus a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses)
  • first aid supplies
  • tin foil or cardboard that can be used to block the sun from hitting windows (apply to the outside of the windows for maximum effect)

Additional resources

Fraser Health provides additional tips for staying safe in the sun and beating the heat.

Health Canada has several resources on heat for specific at-risk groups:

Healthy BC has several resources on heat related illness and protection:

Pets and extreme heat

 Here are some tips for keeping pets safe:

  • never leave a pet in a parked car;
  • make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shaded shelter;
  • check pavement temperatures to prevent animals from burning their feet; and
  • plan for walks in the morning or evening, and in as much shade as possible. If you have access to a hose, a gentle mist spray can help keep them cool before and after walking.
  • look out for signs of heat stroke:
    • heavy panting
    • lethargy
    • confusion or loss of coordination
    • drooling or foaming at the mouth
    • vomiting or diarrhea
    • shaking or weakness
    • seizures
  • if you see an animal in distress in a vehicle:
    • note the license plate and vehicle information and ask managers of nearby businesses to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately
    • to report the "hot dog in car" situation if no owner is found or when animal is suffering symptoms of heat stroke, call the BC SPCA provincial call centre at 1-855-622-7722 or, in an emergency, call 9-1-1 for police attendance
      Note: Do NOT break the window. Only RCMP, local police, and BC SPCA Special Constables have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress - you may hurt yourself or the dog in the process - instead, report to one of the agencies above.

    • check out the BC SPCA website for information on keeping your pets safe and cool during the summer heat

 

 Visit canada.ca for more information on weather alerts and how to prepare and respond to summer weather.

Visit our emergency preparedness page to learn more about disaster readiness.