Evacuate your home if you feel that your safety is at risk or if the authorities require you to do so. Be prepared and know what to do in such an eventuality by following the instructions below.
To prepare for evacuation
Prepare your Household Emergency Plan that includes a household evacuation plan.
Determine windows that can be used as emergency exits, and make sure that the whole family can reach them and knows how to open them.
Remove any item obstructing your exits.
In the winter, after each major snowfall, remove the snow from your exits and windows. Make sure they are not stuck in ice.
In the event of a fire, get out immediately and call 911. Make sure you know what to do in the event of a fire in your home.
If you must evacuate your home
Follow the instructions and recommendations from the authorities to facilitate your evacuation and make it as safe as possible.
Inform your family and the municipality where you intend to take shelter.
If you do not know where to go, contact your municipality to find out whether temporary shelter is available.
Before leaving, pack essential items for all members of your family:
- Medications
- Personal hygiene items
- Extra clothes
- Blankets
- Money
- Identification documents
- Car and house keys
- Milk, bottles and diapers for infants
- Electronic devices and accessories for connecting them
- Items for the wellbeing of family members with special needs
Keep your pets safe or take them to the place where you are temporarily housed, if permitted.
Close the windows and lock the doors of your home before leaving.
If instructed to do so, turn off the water and electricity.
Close the gas valve solely if instructed to do so. Only the gas company can restore service, which could take a certain amount of time.
Before setting out, check road conditions 
on Québec 511 website or call 511.
Respect the signage in place and the safety perimeters established by the authorities.
Avoid travelling on flooded roads either on foot or in a vehicle. If you must use a vehicle, drive carefully and do not hesitate to abandon it if the engine stalls.
In the case of an imminent threat
Stay calm.
Gather the occupants and exit one by one through a safe unobstructed exit.
Do not waste time to retrieve personal belongings or valuables.
Lock the doors behind you.
Check that no one is missing and head to a safe shelter or the rallying point in your Household Emergency Plan.
Indicate your presence to the emergency services.
Last update: April 12, 2023
