Take shelter during an emergency

Seeking shelter may be necessary in some instances, for example, if authorities believe that hazardous materials could be present in the environment. These dangerous substances could be borne, for instance, by a smoke cloud emanating from an area close to where you’re located.

In various circumstances, municipal or other authorities could ask you to remain inside your home, at your place of work or in a public building, and this for your own safety.

Stay informed, and aware of any changes to the circumstances as well as the instructions in effect in your area. You can do this by:

• checking your municipality and Urgence Québec’s social media pages (Facebookand Instagram);
• subscribing to citizen alert services on your municipality’s Web site;
• listening to local television and radio stations.

Adopt good habits and reflexes to communicate in the event of an emergency. Whether it be to issue a danger warning, reassure loved ones or post information on social media, every action taken during an emergency is significant.

Should you need to seek shelter, comply with the following instructions to stay safe. 

If the authorities issue an alert or advise you that hazardous materials may be present in your sector:

• do not pick up your children from school or daycare, as they will already be sheltered there;
• turn off all of your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as your heat exchanger, if applicable;  
• stay sheltered until the authorities post a notice that it’s safe to venture outdoors (remember that certain contaminants are invisible and odourless).

Bring your pets indoors, without putting yourself in danger while doing so.

If you find yourself in a public place, follow the instructions of authorities or the personnel on site.

Don’t stay in your vehicle if a safe shelter - such as a building or a retail outlet - is available close by.

If you remain in your vehicle, drive carefully and attempt to get away from the source of the danger.

First, stay sheltered until you know more. The end of the need to seek shelter can only be decreed by the authorities. Once this notice is given:

• remove all obstacles placed in various openings and air traps;
• if necessary, clean the ventilation systems and all of their parts and replace the filters;
• turn on your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as your heat exchanger, if applicable.