Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
As B.C. moves into colder seasonal weather, people are encouraged to prepare for low temperatures, snowfall and storms this winter.
People can plan ahead by making sure homes, vehicles and emergency supplies are ready for winter conditions. PreparedBC’s Severe Winter Weather and Storm Preparedness Guide provides tips to stay safe and warm during extreme weather. These include:
- preparing a home emergency plan and well-stocked emergency kit;
- considering home winterizing steps, such as insulation and weather stripping, and taking steps to prevent pipes from freezing;
- checking that heating systems, smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors are working properly;
- keeping extra blankets, flashlights and batteries on hand in case of a power outage;
- checking the Environment and Climate Change Canada website or app for weather alerts and updates;
- knowing the symptoms of cold-related illnesses and checking on family, friends and neighbours who may be at risk; and
- wearing several layers of warm clothing and covering exposed skin when going outside.
Additionally, people travelling in B.C. should plan for changing road conditions, allow extra time for travel and check DriveBC’s website for current road updates. People are encouraged to prepare vehicles for winter weather before travel and ensure vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires (mountain snowflake or M+S), which are required on many rural or mountainous B.C. highways from Oct. 1 until April 30. Consider packing a vehicle emergency kit before leaving home.
The Province works proactively with communities to support local emergency-preparedness and response actions that protect people during extreme weather. People seeking a warm indoor space can check their community’s website or social media channels for the nearest emergency warming centre or visit EmergencyMapBC.ca. The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness reimburses communities for eligible costs related to opening warming centres during extreme weather events.
Extreme-Weather Response (EWR) shelters are available for people in need of a safe place to stay overnight during cold weather. The Province, through BC Housing, is funding nearly 6,500 shelter spaces this year. Nearly 800 of those are EWR shelter spaces. Additional shelter spaces are expected to open throughout the winter season as BC Housing works with municipalities to identify locations and finalize shelter plans.
A backgrounder follows.
