Hurricane or post-tropical storm

The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June to November. Full-blown hurricanes are a rarity in Quebec and generally hit the province in the form of a post-tropical storm. 

Monitor the weather alerts and warnings applicable to your region.

Postpone outdoor activities and avoid non-essential travel in the event of a hurricane or post-tropical storm warning.

Subscribe to your municipality’s citizen alert services.

Download official agency or organization applications to receive all of the necessary information concerning power outages, road closures or hazardous weather conditions.

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

Trim, cut and pick up all dead branches on your property. Should there be trees close to power lines on your property, contact Hydro-Québec or your local electricity utility company prior to taking on pruning works.

Store or securely tie down anything that could be carried off by the wind (garden furniture, barbecues, garbage and recycling bins, satellite dishes, and the like).

Prepare an easy-to-carry emergency kit (backpack, small bin or case) in the event that you need to leave your home quickly. See the Evacuate your home page to find out how to prepare for such an eventuality.

Take the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of your pets in the event of an evacuation (in French only).

Be aware of secondary risks, such as flash floods, power failures, landslides, or infrastructure damage. To find out how to prepare for emergencies, go to the What to do before, during and after an emergency or a disaster page.

Know how to communicate during an emergency situation. 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.

As soon as hurricane or post-tropical storm warnings are issued, take shelter. Hurricane warnings usually impact people living in coastal areas, whereas residents of other regions of Quebec are more likely to receive post-tropical storm warnings.

Keep pets indoors. Don’t put your safety at risk if a hurricane or post-tropical storm is imminent and you can’t find your pet.

Stay away from doors and windows.

Stay sheltered, even if the hurricane seems to be weakening. If you’re in the eye of the hurricane, there’ll be a temporary lull, but the winds will quickly pick up again.

If you’re outside, take refuge in a building with a roof that’s solid enough to withstand the force of the wind.

Take special precautions if you live near a shoreline, as strong winds can create huge waves. Never go near the water to watch a storm. See the Storm surges and Shoreline flooding page to find out how to prepare for such an eventuality.

Check your municipality's website and social media pages for the current situation and instructions in your area.

Listen to local radio and TV stations.

Also follow Urgence Québec's social media pages:

• Facebook : facebook.com/urgencequebec
• Instagram : instagram.com/urgencequebec_gouv
• X : x.com/urgencequebec

Follow the instructions issued by local authorities and obtain information from official sources (e.g., your municipality, the Gouvernement du Québec).

If you’re safe, help those around you who may need immediate assistance.

If you’ve received an evacuation notice, return home only after obtaining authorization from the responsible authorities.

Make sure that your home is safe before you enter. If in doubt, consult a building professional.

Assess the damage, if applicable (e.g., roofing, building structure, downed wires, debris left by the hurricane or post-tropical storm).

Clean up all of the debris, being particularly careful when near sharp objects such as sheet metal or glass.

Never approach a downed power line. Call  911 immediately. When a power line or electrical wire touches the ground, it is very probably “live”, as is the surrounding ground.

Prepare an inventory of all damages, including photos or videos. Your municipality, insurance company or the financial institution where you have your mortgage could ask you for this list. Keep all receipts and proofs of purchase, which will be helpful when you make claims with regard to damaged property.

Inform yourself of the actions necessary to carry out the clean-up of your house and yard.

Should major works be necessary before you can return home, secure the premises to keep curious or ill-intentioned persons at bay. This can be done by:

• locking the doors
• barricading the windows
• covering up all damaged sections

If your home has been flooded, please refer to the recommendations and advice on the Post-flooding action to be taken page.

Experiencing a disaster can cause unusual physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. Pay attention to your reactions and those of your loved ones:

• anxiety, distress, or frequent crying
• a lack of interest or energy
• aggressiveness
• difficulty in concentrating or confusion
• increased alcohol or drug consumption

Psychosocial support is available to you. This service is free of charge and confidential.

To obtain additional information on post-disaster reactions and the assistance available, please consult the Getting better following a disaster page.

Hurricanes and post-tropical storms can generate high winds, heavy rainfall, and devastating storm surges, potentially causing considerable damage to infrastructure and threatening the safety of human life.

The remnants of these tropical systems can also cause flooding, landslides, and power and telecommunications outages.