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Emergency measures

The City of Pointe-Claire reminds you that it’s important to be prepared for potential emergency situations or natural disasters.

See pamphlet

Are you ready if emergency strikes?

You will be responsible for the first decisive steps that will ensure your own safety, and the safety of your family, until emergency workers arrive on the scene. Remember: your safety is your responsibility, first and foremost!


What can you do?

1. Identify the risks

Adequate preparation means knowing what kind of risk you might have to face.

In Pointe-Claire, as elsewhere throughout Québec, we are exposed to a variety of risks:  accidents involving hazardous materials, contaminated water or shortages of drinking water, fires, floods, power outages, earthquakes, violent winds, etc.

The Government of Québec’s tips on prevention can be found at www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca.


2. Make a plan

Making your own customized plan will help you take appropriate action in the event of an emergency.

Your plan will be very useful if an emergency strikes. Take a few minutes to prepare it.

Your plan should include the following points:

  • Safe exits from your home and transit routes in your neighbourhood
  • Meeting places
  • Resource persons
  • Health and insurance information
  • A place where your pet can stay
  • Emergency contact information
  • Location of your fire extinguisher, water and gas inlets, electrical panel and floor drain

3. Have an emergency kit

Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours: this is how long it could take emergency workers to get to you, or for disrupted utility services to be restored.

During this period, you will need certain essential items. Keep in mind that you may have to manage on your own without power or running water.

Recommended items for a basic emergency kit:

  • Drinking water – two litres per person per day, for at least three days
  • Non-perishable foods – enough to last at least three days
  • Manual can opener
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Battery-operated radio with spare batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Candles
  • Lighter and matches

If you need to evacuate your home, the following items could be very useful:

  • Medications and a list of medications
  • Personal hygiene items: toothbrushes, towels, soap, toilet paper, garbage bags
  • A change of clothes and blankets
  • Extra car keys and house keys
  • Cash and change
  • Important personal papers, including photocopies of your identity documents

Tip: Put these items in a bag or other container ahead of time.

 

Potential Emergency Scenarios

Flooding

Major flooding can occur when the snow melts rapidly in the spring or during a persistent heavy rainfall, which can cause water channels to overflow, or for the ground to become oversaturated and no longer capable of absorbing water. In these cases, its important to take all necessary precautions.

What to do during a major flood:

  • Listen to the radio to be aware of safety precautions, the areas most affected, if local roads are safe to drive and, in dire situations, if local emergency teams instruct you to evacuate
  • Have your emergency kit and a safety plan at the ready
  • Avoid walking through flooded areas, as fast water could sweep you away
  • Avoid driving your vehicle through flood water or underpasses, as deeper water could stall or prevent your car from moving

Violent squalls, ice storms, tornadoes and hurricanes

A long-lasting violent storm can usually cause a multitude of problems, including city-wide power outages, fallen branches and trees, and other structural damage. It is important to take all precautionary measures to ensure your wellbeing and that of your family.

What to do during a squall, ice storm, tornado, or hurricane:

  • Have your emergency kit and a safety plan at the ready
  • Avoid being near doors and windows
  • Gather your family in a safe location such as a basement, bathroom, closet or under a sturdy, weighted piece of furniture (table, desk, bed)
  • Cars, trucks, mobile homes and buildings with large roofs (gym, church or barn) should be avoided as the roofs could collapse
  • If outdoors, take cover under a sturdy roof, and protect yourself from projectiles that could be carried by the wind

Severe Heat Waves

During periods of extreme heat, a person’s health can quickly deteriorate, especially for children and infants. To avoid heat stroke, dehydration, exhaustion and other heat related health effects, it’s important to be informed on how to stay hydrated and healthy.

What to do during a heat wave:

  • Ensure that you and your family are regularly drinking a lot of fluids, preferably water
  • Dress in loose-fitting, light-coloured and lightweight attire, and protect your head from the sun by covering it with a cap or wide-brimmed hat
  • Never leave an animal, child, or family member in an unventilated car
  • Plan your time outside and limit physical activity to avoid overexertion in the heat
  • If indoors, close all curtains and limit your usage of appliances that generate heat (oven, stove, lights)
  • Stay informed by listening to the radio and frequently checking your weather app

Earthquake

Though high-intensity earthquakes are uncommon in Quebec, nearly 5,000 low-magnitude ones occur in Canada each year. Most only last a few seconds and cause minimal structural damage, but it is still important to be aware of the appropriate safety measures.

What to do during an earthquake:

If you are outdoors:

  • Have your emergency kit and a safety plan at the ready
  • Stay inside. Avoid standing near windows, mirrors, glass sliding doors, tall bookshelves, fireplaces and lighting fixtures
  • Take shelter under a sturdy, weighted piece of furniture (table, desk, bed), and remain there until the tremors stop
  • If you are in a wheelchair, lock the wheels and protect your head and neck

If you are outdoors

  • Remain outdoors and stay away from buildings, powerlines and any other structure that could collapse, and take shelter in an open area, if possible
  • If you are in your vehicle, do not stop on bridges, elevated roads or under an overpass or tunnel.
  • Listen to the radio for instructions from police and rescue units

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