Types of claims
Major industrial accident
A major accident in a factory or warehouse can lead to risks such as fire, explosion or the release of toxic or radioactive substances.
Safety tips :
- Move quickly away from hazards (flames, smoke, gas, etc.) and do the same for others.
- Follow the authorities’ instructions: shelter indoors if safe, or evacuate if necessary.
Scorching heat
Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable people. Think about your pets too: keep them out of the sun and make sure they have water.
Tips for extreme heat :
- Wear light clothing and apply sunscreen.
- Limit physical activity.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
- Keep your home cool (close curtains during the day, open windows in the evening).
- Use air conditioning if possible.
- Take shelter under an umbrella and wear a hat outdoors.
- Avoid alcohol and cool off with a shower or wet towel.
Winter storms and extreme cold
Winter can bring extreme conditions, such as heavy snowfall, freezing rain or blizzards.
Safety tips :
- Check your heating system and roof.
- Keep a supply of fuel and food on hand.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector.
- Chimney sweep and trim dead branches.
- Make sure your home is well insulated.
- Take weather warnings into account when planning your trips.
- Only move if necessary and help vulnerable people around you.
Severe storm
Thunderstorms can bring lightning, thunder, heavy rain and strong winds.
Safety tips :
- Indoors: Unplug appliances, close windows and take refuge in a central room.
- Outdoors: Find a low shelter (ditch), crouch down and cover your head.
- By car: Stay indoors, away from downed power lines.
- By boat: Return to shore immediately.
High winds
High winds are common in Quebec, with gusts reaching 90 km/h or more.
Safety tips :
- Secure objects outside to prevent them from flying.
- Take shelter in a solid building.
- If you’re outside, protect yourself in a ditch.
- Avoid taking the elevator and stay away from windows.
- Listen to instructions from the authorities.
Tornadoes
Although rare, tornadoes can be very destructive. They move fast and concentrate a lot of energy.
Signs of a tornado :
- Dark skies tinged with green or yellow, large flashes of lightning and hail.
- Rumbling or whistling noise.
- Funnel-shaped cloud under a thundercloud.
Safety tips :
- Indoors: Stay away from windows, seek shelter in the basement or a central room.
- Outdoors: Keep away from trees and power lines, and find a ditch or bridge for shelter.
Earthquake
Although rare, earthquakes can occur in Quebec. It’s important to be prepared for these events.
Preparing for an earthquake:
- Make a family plan and keep an emergency kit.
- Identify safe places to take shelter.
- Secure heavy furniture and objects to the wall.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of beds or shelves.
In the event of an earthquake :
- Indoors: Stay under heavy furniture and protect your head and torso.
- Outdoors: Move away from buildings and find an open spot.
- At the wheel: park away from buildings and bridges, stay in your vehicle.
- On a bus: Stay seated until you reach the stop, then find a sheltered spot.
Power failure
Faults can occur at any time. The city is working with Hydro-Québec to resolve the situation quickly.
Info-Pannes mobile app: Download the app to report an outage and receive notifications when service is restored.
Report a malfunction :
- Contact Hydro-Québec at 1 800 790 2424 or via their website.
Safety tips :
- Be prepared: Keep an emergency kit and an accommodation plan for an extended outage.
- Check your heating: Have your heating system inspected and install a carbon monoxide detector.
- Using candles: Place them on a stable surface, away from flammable objects.
Other practical tips:
- Sort food and reduce the size of the refrigerator opening.
- Do not overload the network when power is restored.
Contamination or shortage of drinking water
Although drinking water is generally of good quality, problems can sometimes arise. Follow the instructions given by the City in the event of a contamination warning.
In the event of a boil warning :
- Boil the water for at least 1 minute to make it drinkable.
- Use boiled water for drinking, preparing meals, washing hands, etc.
In the event of a notice of non-consumption of water :
- Don’t drink tap water, even if boiled.
- Use only bottled water for drinking and cooking.
- The city will supply drinking water by tanker truck or in bottles.
When the ban is lifted :
- Run cold water and disinfect ice machines.
Pandemic
In the event of a pandemic, follow the instructions issued by the health authorities. Get vaccinated to protect your health and limit the spread of the disease.
Safety tips :
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
Action to be taken :
- Prepare a home care kit and stock up on essentials.
- Help the vulnerable.
- If ill, stay at home and consult a health professional if necessary.
Cyber attack
Workplace safety tips :
- Respect computer security rules.
- Never share your passwords.
- Report any suspicious incident.
Home safety tips :
- Update your software and use antivirus software.
- Create complex passwords and change them regularly.
- Don’t click on suspicious links in e-mails.
Securing mobile devices :
- Enable automatic locking of your devices.
- Download applications only from reliable sources.
- Be careful with public networks and activate your device’s localization if necessary.
Transport of hazardous materials
Hazardous materials are identified by pictograms. In the event of an accident, follow these instructions:
- Move away from the danger zone and notify emergency services (911).
- Do not smoke nearby, and avoid contact with chemicals.
Instructions from the authorities :
- Evacuate the area if required.
- Follow instructions on drainage, water use and food safety.
Emergency contacts
- Emergency: 9-1-1
- Info-santé: 8-1-1
- Hydro-Québec: 1-800-790-2424
- Energir: 1 800 361-8003
- SOPFEU (forest fires): 1 800 463-3389
