What to do during a flood

Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to take certain actions to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and the protection of your belongings.

Follow the evolution of the situation from official sources of information and respect the instructions and recommendations given by the authorities.

• Consult the websites and follow the social media accounts of the authorities involved in the event (e.g., your municipality, Urgence Québec and the Gouvernement du Québec).
• Sign up for your municipality's alert service to receive important information.

Inform the authorities of any dangerous situation (e.g., heavy objects carried off by the floodwaters).

In the event of a flood, follow these tips to protect your devices and facilities and ensure your safety.

Take the necessary precautions with your electrical and gas installations.

If the flood cannot be prevented but water has not yet started coming into the basement

Cut the power to the whole house to prevent any risk of electric shock or fire by doing the following. Make sure you aren’t standing on a wet floor or leaning on anything made of metal. Flip the main breaker off.

If water has started coming into the basement

Don’t touch anything! Call Hydro-Québec right away at 1 800 790-2424 to interrupt the service.

If you smell gas or if your natural gas equipment is visibly damaged 

Call the emergency services number for your natural gas provider.

If you are using a generator

If you are using a generator, follow the instructions for its installation and use.

Follow these tips when using fuel-burning appliances (e.g., auxiliary heating, charcoal or gas barbecues, camping equipment, non-electrical pumps and generators powered by gasoline). These appliances can release carbon monoxide, a toxic, odorless, colorless and potentially deadly gas.

• Never use outdoor appliances indoors.
• Never operate your appliances in an enclosed area, even with the door open.
• Never obstruct an appliance’s air intake or exhaust system.
• Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector.

If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off or if you experience symptoms of poisoning (e.g., headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, dizziness), do the following:

• Go outside and dial 911.
• Don’t go back inside, even for a few minutes, until authorized to do so by a firefighter.

Take precautions before consuming or using water.

If your home water comes from a drinking water distribution system

Assume that water from the municipal waterworks is safe unless you receive a notice to the contrary from municipal officials. In case of doubt with respect to water colour, odour or taste, contact municipal officials before drinking it.

If your home water comes from a private well

If you have a personal well, you must assume that the water is undrinkable even if it appears clear and is odourless. Until you can determine whether your well water is safe to drink, boil it vigorously for one minute before drinking it, or drink bottled water.

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

Leave your home if you are in danger or at the request of the authorities. If you are unsure where to go, contact your municipality.

Keep your pets safe or take them to the place where you are temporarily housed, if permitted. If you leave your home without bringing your pets, indicate their presence on the main door of your home to inform first responders.

Inform your family and the municipality where you intend to take shelter.

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.