School District 43 is ramping up its extreme weather protocol to make sure parents and students know what to do if a cold snap leads to snow.
Families are being encouraged to visit the district's website (www.sd43.bc.ca) and stay in touch with local radio stations (CKNW AM 980 radio, CKWX 1130 radio and CBC 690) in case of extreme weather; tricitynews.com will also publish weather alerts.
Although rain, not snow, is expected this week, the district still has to be prepared, said assistant superintendent Carey Chute, who said staff are already working with the cities on snow-clearing plans and other issues, such as what areas will be cleared first in the event the white stuff begins to fall.
"As we get [closer to potential] extreme weather, we start to prepare," Chute said.
The district gets regular weather updates from Coquitlam through the city's own connection with a weather service, and the two have developed a snow clearing plan. As well, the district is in touch with Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, Coquitlam RCMP and PoMo Police, BC Hydro and TransLink, and each school has a plan for what to do when winter weather strikes.
Schools have salt stockpiled, and some of it has been used during the recent spate of chilly weather, with caretakers responsible for sidewalks and school groundskeepers salting slick driveways.
Here is what SD43 wants parents to know in an extreme weather event:
Schools aren't automatically closed due to snow or other weather conditions and all schools remain open, if possible, during winter weather.
Sometimes, a full or partial closure is justified. The district's geography - stretching from mountainous terrains in Port Moody and Coquitlam to the river in Port Coquitlam - means that some schools will be harder hit by snow than others. If there is a partial closure of schools within the district, affected schools will be identified.
Extreme weather can also affect student busing and families should be aware that school bus schedules may face significant changes or cancellations. On some occasions, school bus runs will need to be cancelled but nearby schools will remain open. This information will be updated on the school district website as it becomes available.
For updates on TransLink bus service, parents need to consult translink.ca.
