Thunderstorms and lightning

Thunderstorms are often accompanied by lightning bolts, thunder and torrential rains. There are usually warning signs before a thunderstorm, including a mass of dark clouds and abrupt shifts in both wind and temperature.

Thunderstorms, moreover, can bring about lighting, hail, strong winds and even tornados. They can occur with little or no warning, cause major damage, and constitute a risk to the safety of persons.

Monitor the weather alerts and warnings applicable to your region.

Postpone any planned outdoor activities and avoid all unnecessary travel in the event of an alert, warning or thunderstorm watch.

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.

Carefully store and securely tie up any items that could be swept away in the event of strong winds (patio furniture, BBQ, garbage and recycling bins, parabolic antennae/dishes, etc.).

Make sure you can recognize the early signs of a tornado.

Keep an eye out for secondary threats, such as unexpected flooding, power outages,  landslides or damage to infrastructures. For information on how to prepare yourself for an emergency, go to the page What to do before, during and after an emergency or a disaster.

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.

Identify a safe place where you can seek refuge in the event of a thunderstorm.

When the time between the lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately .

Keep your domestic animals indoors.

Unplug all electrical devices to avoid voltage surges.

Stay away from windows and doors. Take shelter in a room near the centre of the residence or building, as lightning can travel through outdoor walls, windows and doors.

Stay as far away as possible from objects that are conductive, for example, household appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal tubing.

Avoid turning on televisions or computers, as power surges due to lightning can cause major damage to the devices’ components. Use battery-powered devices if possible.

Try not to make use of a “landline” telephone, as thunder can travel through electrical wires and cording. Use wireless or mobile phone whenever possible.

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap or growl before venturing outdoors.

Stay as far away as you can from power lines and other conductive objects (e.g., motorbikes, lawnmowers, golf clubs, umbrellas).

Refrain from participating in water activities, such as swimming and pleasure boating. If you are aboard a watercraft when the thunderstorm begins, make your way to shore immediately.

Make every effort to not find yourself at elevation, in an open area. Should there be no safe shelter close by (e.g., a closed building), seek refuge in the lowest place possible, such as a ditch.

Crouch down and rest your head on your knees while covering it with your arms.

Whenever possible, place an insulating material (e.g., a plastic bag or sheet) between yourself and the ground.

Be ready to evacuate in case of sudden flooding.

If you are in a forested area, try and protect yourself with a dense cover of small trees and branches.

If you are camping, follow the federal government’s guidelines regarding Lightning safety when camping.

Avoid driving during a thunderstorm. Find a safe spot where you can stop, far away from trees and power lines.

Remain inside your vehicle until the thunderstorm has abated. A hard-top vehicle (i.e., not a convertible) can be an effective shelter and protect you from lightning.

Should a power line fall on your vehicle, stay inside it and wait for emergency services to arrive.

Lightning can result in major injuries and even death. It can also trigger building or forest fires.

To prevent injuries and death associated with lightning, the instructions and recommendations included on the page Protecting yourself from a thunderstorm are critical.

To learn more, make your way to the Environnement et Changement climatique Canada Web site regarding lightning.

Call 911 immediately. Before helping or administering first aid, make sure there are no hazards near the person, such as power lines, broken glass or other debris.

If the person is not breathing, begin artificial respiration or CPR measures. Note that you can touch the person hit by lightning without fearing for your safety, as they are not conductive.

Anyone who has been struck by lightning should see a doctor, even if they have no visible physical injuries and feel fine.

The impacts of a lightning strike can include burns to the skin, cardiac issues, neurological problems and hearing or auditory deficiencies.

Make sure your residence is safe before venturing inside.

If relevant, check the extent of any damages  (e.g., roof, building structure, electrical ground wires, debris due to the thunderstorm).

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 house was damaged by a flood or fire, see the following pages for more information on the steps to take:

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.

Help your children feel safe by taking simple, comforting actions.

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