Accident involving hazardous materials

Accidents involving hazardous materials can occur during transport, storage, or use in an industrial facility.

Depending on the nature of the products and the quantities involved, the accident may take the form of a fire, an explosion, or the dispersion of toxic substances, with possible consequences for the population and the immediate environment.

Ask your local municipality about industrial hazards in your region, as well as any emergency plans in force and how to sound the alarm in the event of an accident.

Sign up for resident alerts and subscribe to your municipality's social media pages to receive important emergency information, such as shelter-in-place (lockdown) or evacuation notices.

The transport of hazardous materials is regulated. However, accidents can occur as a result of spills, leaks, or explosions.

Discover how to recognize the pictograms identifying hazardous materials, to protect yourself properly in the event of an accident. These pictograms are affixed to containers containing hazardous materials or to the vehicles transporting them.

Learn more about the rules governing the transport of hazardous materials and the meaning of pictograms.

Be prepared to react quickly by having an up-to-date family emergency plan and a home emergency kit.

Move away from the scene of the accident and invite others to do the same.

Notify emergency services by dialing 911.

Do not smoke near the accident site.

In the event of a spill or leak, avoid all contact with the product. If you are splashed by the product, notify the emergency services, even if there appear to be no apparent consequences.

Keep in touch with your close friends and loved ones using text messages, email, and social media to avoid clogging up phone lines, which should be left free for urgent calls.

If the situation calls for it, follow these instructions:

• Switch off the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and the air exchanger.
• Seal openings and vents with damp towels, plastic wrap, and masking tape or duct tape.
• Stay away from windows.
• Stay indoors as long as the authorities require, since some contaminants are invisible and odorless.
• Don't pick up your children from school or daycare: they're safe and sound there.

For more details, see Take shelter during an emergency page.

If you need to leave your home quickly

• keep calm.
• don't waste time retrieving personal belongings or valuables.
• make sure no one is missing and head for a safe shelter.

For more details, see Evacuate your home page.

Check your municipality's website and social media pages regularly to keep abreast of the situation and learn about the latest instructions.

Listen to radio and TV stations in your region.

Also follow Urgence Québec's social media pages:

• Facebook : facebook.com/urgencequebec;
• Instagram : instagram.com/urgencequebec_gouv.

Adopting the right communication habits is essential. 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.

If you have evacuated your home, you can return if the authorities allow it and your safety is not compromised.

If your home has been damaged, take an inventory of the damage, with photos or videos. Inform your municipality, your insurance company, and the financial institution that granted you a mortgage. For your claims, keep all receipts and proof of purchase for damaged goods.

Follow the authorities' instructions. If the situation requires it, the authorities may ask you to

• avoid consuming water or certain foodstuffs.
• clean your home or belongings.

Watch for the appearance of certain physical and psychological symptoms.