Staff shoveling snow.

Staying Safe This Winter

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See how the City is prepared for cold weather, and where you can go to warm up if needed.

October 18, 2024
Notice

Stay safe in winter weather

Low temperatures can be dangerous, so do what you can to stay warm:

Wear warm and waterproof clothing

  • Layer your clothing including wind and waterproof outer layers
  • Wear a hat and face mask, and mittens rather than gloves
  • Choose wool socks and waterproof boots that fit well

Be aware of cold-related illness and injuries

  • Frostbite is freezing of the skin and tissues below the skin
  • Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it

For medical attention, phone:

  • 9-1-1 for emergencies
  • 8-1-1 for health-related illnesses and advice
  • 2-1-1 to connect with other services

Find shelter

Libraries, shopping malls, and recreation and community centres are warm places to take a break from the cold.

Avoid sweating

Try not to be too active. Sweating increases heat loss through evaporation, so you will feel cold.

Avoid touching metal

Especially with wet hands, because it will make you feel colder and may cause frostbite.

See more winter health tips from HealthLinkBC.

Winter safety resources

Stay safe and avoid injuries this winter with these resources:

Cold weather relief locations

Homelessness Services Association of BC (HSABC) Extreme Weather Response Program

If you are sleeping outside, please come to the safety of the shelters.

Find shelter

Homelessness Services Association of BC (HSABC) is contracted by BC Housing to manage the Extreme Weather Response Program in Surrey. HSABC provides the latest information about extreme weather shelter activations including which shelters are open when an extreme weather response alert is issued, triggered by factors including:

  1. Temperatures at or below 0 degrees Celsius
  2. Significant snow accumulation or sleet/freezing rain conditions
  3. Significant windstorms
  4. Periods of extended heavy rain
  5. Temperatures near zero degrees with rainfall
  6. Temperatures reported as ‘feels like’ zero degrees Celsius or below with wind chill considerations
  7. Weather Alerts as issued by Environment Canada

For more information about shelter availability, contact 211 British Columbia. Call or text 2-1-1, or visit bc.211.ca 

Civic facilities open for warming

In addition to the extreme weather response program, many City of Surrey civic facilities are available to anyone seeking relief from the cold. Operating hours vary based on location and have modified holiday hours.

Cloverdale 

Guildford 

Fleetwood 

Newton 

South Surrey 

Whalley/City Centre 

*The City supports people who bring a pet when they come to recreation facilities to escape the cold. Pet owners must remain with their pet at all times, bring necessary supplies, and are encouraged to bring a crate to house their pet. All pets must either be on a leash or in a crate while in the facility.

Winter road preparedness

City of Surrey road crews are ready for winter. Fleets have been winterized, response technologies have been enhanced, and salt supplies have been topped up to help everyone get around safely when cooler weather hits.

See how we are prepared

Keep streets safe

When there is snow and ice on the ground, everyone can help keep sidewalks and streets safe:

  • Clear snow and ice from sidewalks next to your property by 10am every day. Avoid pushing snow onto street to keep our roads safe and accessible.
  • Clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding and icy road conditions if temperatures are freezing.

  • Make waste collection easier: clear carts of snow and ice.

  • Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and learn to drive safely in winter conditions.

  • When walking, wear lights and reflective clothing, always use a crosswalk, and make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.

Visit surrey.ca/snow for additional winter preparedness information.

Report snow & ice problems

Report non-emergency snow and ice service requests online at surrey.ca/request or by calling 604-591-4152.

Frozen water lines

When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to expand and potentially burst. This can lead to costly water damage and disrupt your water supply. Taking simple preventative measures can help protect your home and keep your water lines flowing all winter long.

See more information on how to prevent frozen water lines.