Winter Readiness

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• Watch local forecasts and monitor weather conditions. Sub-zero temperatures combined with high precipitation and wind can quickly become dangerous. Play close attention to emergency information and alerts
• Determine where you live in relation to Maple Ridge Snowplow Routes. Our team will prioritize primary routes until the snow stops falling to ensure essential access roads are clear. This means if you don’t live near any of clearing routes you will need to plan accordingly if you must leave your home
• Know how heavy snow or ice could affect you. This includes increased health risks, icy driving conditions with limited visibility while commuting, falling ice or snow from buildups on your roof, slippery sidewalks, side streets, and driveways, etc.

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• Install winter tires which are optimized for driving in icy and snowy conditions. Have chains ready just in case you need extra support and learn how to install them in advance
• Have a backup plan for lighting, communicating, heating and cooking in case your power goes out and you don’t have an alternative. Be mindful NOT to use gas generators, heaters, or portable cooking devices indoors due to the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning
• Install battery-powered smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in central locations on every floor of your home and outside of bedrooms
• Make an evacuation plan for where to go if you need help (friends or family are best), what to take with you, where to go, how to get there, and how to keep in touch with family
• Learn how to safely turn off electricity, water, and gas
• Stock up on water, food, fuel, and supplies for several days
• Turn off exterior taps and install insulating sleeves to taps to help prevent pipes from freezing
• Check soffits under your roof perimeter and fill any gaps with insulation to preserve heat and prevent pipes from freezing
• Check flood insurance coverage for home and business, and take a personal inventory of your belongings in case heavy snow melts result in flooding
• Ensure roof gutters are clear and storm drains are free of debris such as leaves
• Secure or move hazardous materials off ground level to prevent environmental damage during a flood
• Know all safe routes to evacuate your home if needed
• Pre-register for Provincial ESS Support  EMCR ERA Registrant Portal (gov.bc.ca)
• Review Emergency Planning for information on disaster preparedness
• When a severe winter weather is expected, park vehicles in a sheltered area if possible

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• Prepare every member of the household (including pets) to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours to a week
• Prepare Home Emergency Kit and grab and go bags that include:
  • Warm clothing and shelter from the elements
  • Water and non-perishable food  
  • Flashlights, phone chargers, wind-up radio and batteries for power and other utility outages
  • Personal hygiene and first aid supplies
  • Essential items for pets, livestock, babies, and family members with special needs
• Create an emergency kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand/cat litter, a snow shovel, high visibility clothing, a flashlight or strobe, warm clothes or blanket, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep your gas tank full
• For a full list of items, visit Prepared BC or Maple Ridge Emergency Readiness page

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• Stock up on essential supplies like salt, sand, snow shovels, food, water, and medications
• Ensure you have snow shovels, salt, and other snow removal equipment
• Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, and batteries
• Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel
• Keep updated with weather forecasts, local news and emergency alerts
• Use caution when heating your home; never use outdoor grills or generators indoors
• If snow or freezing conditions are forecasted, put a layer of salt down on your driveway and sidewalk. Re-apply as needed to help prevent snow from packing down and turning into ice
• Limit your time outside and avoid car travel during snowstorms. If you must travel, ensure you have snow tires and an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded
• Monitor local media for updates
• Obey instructions from public safety officials. If told to evacuate or shelter in place, do so immediately
• Never drive around barricades as they are placed to direct you safely out of danger and prevent further damage
• Stay with family or friends if your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours, or if you do not have supplies to stay warm in your home
• Check on your neighbors and loved ones. Older adults, young children, pets and those with mobility limitations are more at risk in extreme cold

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• Do not attempt to leave your home unless your vehicle is equipped to do so
• Help others by keeping sidewalks in front of your property clear and offer help to neighbours to clear theirs
• Dress in layers so you can remove as needed to avoid sweating in extreme cold conditions
• Always use generators and gas cooking appliances outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
• Be aware of electrical hazards; do not touch electrical equipment if standing in water or snow
• Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways as soon as it's safe
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow
• Ensure roof gutters are clear and storm drains are free of debris such as leaves to reduce flood risk from snow melt
• Check in again with neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities
• Report power outages and any downed power lines to your utility company. Stay at least ten metres away

Wondering who is responsible for clearing snow and how you can help? See how we manage Snow Removal to learn more.

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Want to see our status with snow clearing efforts? Try out our Snow Plow Tracker app which uses hourly transponder data to show where our fleet is currently working in the community.

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Have a concern related to snow or winter storm related issues? Reach us below.

Report A Concern
24-hour Dispatch: 604-463-9581
Email: OperationsCentre@MapleRidge.ca