‘Safety is our priority,’ Surrey Schools says as frigid temps hit Lower Mainland

As temperatures in the Lower Mainland and across B.C.’s South Coast are expected to drop to around -20°C with windchill Thursday and Friday, the Surrey School District (SSD) is reassuring parents and caregivers that the safety of its students is its top priority.

Ritinder Matthew, associate director of communications, says the SSD has a “comprehensive” plan in the event of extreme and inclement weather.

“Safety is our priority. This includes salting walkways and entrances. Also, we do regular inspections of our heating systems to ensure they’re operating optimally year-round,” she told CityNews.

“There’s also a number of other measures that are included like modifying classes. So, let’s say a PE class, it’s normally outside, they’d be brought in during really extreme cold weather.”

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an arctic outflow warning early Thursday morning, warning of the risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to the bitter cold temperatures coming.

“Frostbite and hypothermia can occur within minutes if adequate precautions are not taken when outdoors. Any skin exposure will result in frostbite. If outside, dress warmly in layers and stay dry. Cover as much exposed skin as possible to avoid frostbite,” the weather service said.

CityNews Meteorologist Michael Kuss says to expect temperatures to drop to -3°, but feel about -10° to -12° across the area into Thursday evening.

“Actual readings could be as cold as -12°, but overnight feeling near -20°. Tomorrow, we’re not getting out of the mid-minus single digits at best,” Kuss added. “Most of the coastal areas and inland will be -11°, -12°, without the wind, for highs, but it’s all sun on Friday.”

Matthews explains that the school district ensures that support is available for its more vulnerable students.

“This can include providing jackets, boots, and gloves to students that need them.”

The district’s assurances come after teachers and students in Surrey voiced their concerns in November that many students were learning in the cold.

Laurie Larson with the Surrey Board of Education told CityNews at the time that there have been around 55 new or relocated portables added into the district in recent times, and several remained without heat.

The Surrey Teachers’ Association also complained to the district when it started to get colder in October.

Matthews says all classrooms in the district — whether portable or brick and mortar — are all now equipped with heating.

“We just want to reassure parents that we work really hard to ensure that all of our schools are optimal learning environments for our students, and that they’re safe and comfortable while they’re at school.

“All of our heating systems are working optimally, and we work really hard to ensure there’s additional supports available for any student that needs them.”

Matthews explains that while the district can’t predict whether schools will be closing due to snow or inclement weather, decisions around closures are made early in the morning and will be communicated to the school community.

“There’s a lot of factors that are considered to come to a decision to close schools. But again, safety is the first priority. And if there’s any family that feels like schools are open, but they don’t feel it’s safe — ultimately parents can make that decision — no student would be penalized for staying home that day.”

–With files from Hana Mae Nassar and Sonia Aslam