What to do after an emergency

Walk around your house to identify any issues (e.g. electrical lines on the ground, smell of gas, large pieces of debris, hot spots that could ignite).

Identify signs that could indicate structural issues (for example: weakened roof sections, damaged framing, buckled walls, cracks in the ceilings, weakened floors, doors that no longer close). If you have any doubts, call specialized contractors with valid licenses.

Make a list of the damage and take pictures or video as documentation. Notify your municipality, insurance company and mortgage holder. Keep all your receipts and proofs of purchase for damaged property in case you need them for claims. 

If extensive work must be carried out before you can return to your home, secure the premises to keep away looters and curious bystanders:

• Lock the doors
• Barricade the windows
• Cover damaged areas

Choose recognized specialized firms for evaluation, cleaning or disinfection services, or repair work. Keep all the receipts related to those expenses.

Keep an eye on how you and your loved ones are responding. Watch for the following:

• Anxiety, distress or frequent crying
• Apathy or lack of energy
• Aggressiveness
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Help is available. Professional social and psychological workers are available to provide support and counselling or refer you to the resources you or your loved ones need. Call Info-Social by dialling 811 and selecting option 2 to talk to one of them. It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information on what happens to people after a disaster and how to get help, see the Getting better following a disaster webpage. 

If your power was cut by Hydro-Québec, only a master electrician can ask Hydro-Québec to restore it.

If your power was not cut, but there was water infiltration in your home, consult a master electrician (French only) before restoring the power. The electrician will tell you what condition your home’s electrical system is in and perform the necessary repair work.

Consult a specialist before turning heating systems back on.

Consult a certified natural gas contractor before turning natural gas-powered equipment back on.

Find out whether your water is drinkable, i.e. fit for consumption. In case of uncertainty as to the colour, odour or taste of your water, contact the municipal authorities before using it.

If you have a private well, have your well water tested (French only) by an accredited laboratory if you notice sudden changes in the water’s taste, odour, or appearance.

If you suspect chemical contamination, do not drink the water. Moreover, boiling water exposed to chemical contamination, especially hydrocarbons, is not recommended. In that situation, drink only bottled water.

If the power has been off more than six hours, check the quality of food before eating it. Throw out any food that shows signs of deterioration. Consult Store or throw away your food after a power outage or flood (French only) for information on deciding what to keep and what to throw out from your refrigerator and freezer.

For the same reason, do not take any medications that must be stored in a cool place but were not. Return them to the pharmacy.

Take the necessary precautions to ensure that your septic system (French only) meets applicable standards.

A number of actions need to be taken to effectively clean your home and yard following a disaster. Consult Cleaning your home and your yard (French only) for the usual instructions and recommendations.