​​​​Emergency and Inclement Weather Communications

During an emergency, inclement weather, power outage or similar incident, SD43 endeavors to communicate quickly and effectively to our stakeholders. To that end we offer the emergency and inclement weather information below outlining communications processes, tips, web links and FAQs. 

In some cases, we must wait to receive information from official sources including the police and other authoritative organizations to ensure we communicate accurate and up-to-date information. We will communicate status updates based on the confirmed information we have at the time.

For information on security threats, hold and secure, and lockdown, see this Emergency Procedure Information and our Administrative Procedure AP​ 313​. 

View the School Emergency Preparedness Poster here.

Where to look for information during an emergency or inclement weather:

1.  The SD43 HOME PAGE is the official primary source of SD43 information. Always check here first.  

• Look for a STATUS BANNER at www.sd43.bc.ca (example shown below).
• Click its main title to learn more.

2.  Information may also be announced on secondary sources:

• @SD43 social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.
  
• Local radio and TV news outlets.

3.  Other options include:

• Use your mobile phone to access one of the above sources if you have no power.
• Call or text a friend who has access to one of the above sources if you have no internet.
• Use your home phone to call a friend who has access to the above sources.
• Call your school for a status update.

School Status (Open/Closed) Information

Schools are not routinely closed due to snow or other inclement weather conditions. All schools in School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) will remain OPEN, if at all possible, during winter weather, including snowfall.

However, on occasion, a district-wide or partial-district closure is required due to extreme weather. Partial-district closures affecting individual schools may occur due to the very different geography within our school district.  If there is a partial-district closure affected schools will be identified. 

Any district-wide or partial-district closures will be decided and communicated by 6:30 a.m. via the SD43 website at www.sd43.bc.ca and other sources so that families can plan and make alternate arrangements.  In most instances, announcements will NOT be made that schools are open; only cancellations, closures or delayed school openings will be announced.

      Tips During Inclement Weather

• Wear appropriate clothing, including proper footwear.
• Walk and drive slowly and with extreme caution of possible icy areas.
• Ice can be hidden under new snow, so be cautious on walkways.
• Plan for a longer than normal walk or commute with possible major delays.
• If driving, be extra cautious in student pick-up / drop-off zones.
• Consider carpooling or transit where possible.
• If driving, ensure your vehicle is ready for extreme weather conditions.
• Ensure your cellphone, or other wireless device, is fully charged at all times.
• Pack extra clothes, safety equipment, and other applicable emergency supplies.
• Visit the TransLink or DriveBC Road Report websites for applicable updates.
• If unsure of driving conditions, use alternative transportation.

FAQs

What is the official source of information?
The SD43 website HOME PAGE as the official primary source of SD43 information during an emergency, inclement weather, power outage or similar incident. Secondary sources include SD43 social media channels and often local radio and TV stations.

What about the school websites and social media?
School sites and social media may put out information also, but the SD43 website HOME PAGE is the official source of information. Schools often duplicate our information but if there are inconsistencies, the SD43 website HOME PAGE information should be considered official.

What if I do not see a message on the website?
In most instances, no announcement will be made that schools are open; only cancellations, closures or delayed school openings will be announced.

What does Hold and Secure and Lockdown Mean?
Please see this Emergency Procedure Information and our Administrative Procedure AP 313 here for information and explanations of these and other terms. 

How do I check the website if I have no power at my home?
If you have a mobile phone, check the website using your phone. If you don't have a mobile phone but your home phone is still working call a relative or friend in an area that has not been affected and ask them to check the district website for you. www.sd43.bc.ca

How do I know what to believe when I read other websites or social media?
We strongly caution against trusting unofficial information that you read on non-SD43 websites or social media sources, whether they are organizations or individuals. Information found on these sites and sources can be old, inaccurate, and unofficial, leading to increased misinformation and anxiety. Always visit the SD43 website HOME PAGE for the official information and status updates.

When will snow closures be posted?
Official closure information will be posted to the SD43 website homepage before 6:30 a.m. on the morning of a possible closure. We will try to post warnings and status updates before snow closures occur based on weather reports and official information we have at the time.

How do you handle power outages on school days?
We will put a status banner on the SD43 website HOME PAGE with details based on the information we have at the time. We may not be able to state a time that power will return but will post status updates as soon as possible.

How would transit be affected?
Transit schedules may face significant changes or cancellations due to the weather conditions. Parents seeking information on transit schedules need to consult the TransLink website.