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 more information on security threats, hold and secure, and lockdown, visit the EMERGENCY SITUATIONS webpage or view the SD43 Emergency Procedures Poster and Administrative Procedure 313 Security Threats, Lockdown, Hold and Secure.

View the School Emergency Preparedness Information 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 (Caution,this info may not be current)
   • @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.

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.  

School Closure 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.

While the District tries to make the best decision with the information available, the weather does change quickly. Therefore, when schools remain open, decisions to stay at home during challenging weather conditions should be made by each family.

School Closures Due to Inclement Weather

All schools in School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) will remain OPEN, if at all possible, during winter weather, including snowfall. 

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.

While the District tries to make the best decision with the information available, the weather does change quickly. Therefore, when schools remain open, decisions to stay at home during challenging weather conditions should be made by each family.

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

Helpful Website Links

• Winter Preparedness & Safety
• TransLink Alerts
• DriveBC Road Report
• Weather Network
• RCMP CompStat Alerts