Tornado storms and hurricanes

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

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

Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms are characterized by the presence of lightning, thunder, heavy rain, hail, or strong winds. Depending on their intensity and duration, they can have significant consequences.

Tornado

Tornadoes are rotating columns of violent winds. They can move at over 70 km/h and change trajectory abruptly. Some signs indicate an impending tornado:

• a very dark sky tinged with green or yellow;
• frequent lightning and thunder;
• torrential rain;
• hail;
• a rumble or a whistle;
• a cloud resembling a funnel at the base of a storm cloud.

Hurricane

A hurricane is a massive tropical cyclone that forms in the oceans. Their winds range from 118 to over 250 km/h. The chances of a hurricane hitting Quebec are rather slim. The remnants of a hurricane can cause destructive winds, torrential rains, and devastating storm surges.

How to prepare

In case of a severe wind, tornado, or hurricane alert:

• Store and securely fasten anything that could be carried away by the wind (garden furniture, barbecues, trash cans, satellite dishes, etc.).
• Postpone non-essential travel.
• Before hitting the road, check the road conditions.
• Have a 72-hour emergency kit ready and accessible.

What to do during

• Gather your family members in a safe place.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Take refuge in the basement or shelter in a small interior room on the ground floor, such as a bathroom, closet, hallway, or under a solid piece of furniture.
• Avoid using the elevator.
• If you are in an open area and there are no shelters nearby, lie face down in a ditch and protect your head with your hands.
• Protect yourself from objects that could be projected by the wind.
• Never go to observe a storm by the water's edge as strong winds can create huge waves.

These places are not safe shelters

• Cars
• Mobile homes
• Buildings with a large roof (gym, church, barn), as the roof could collapse

If you find yourself in one of these places, leave immediately and seek a safe shelter.

What to do after

• Ensure your home is safe.
• Check the damage and debris left by the storm.
• Collect debris carefully, watching out for sharp objects like metal or glass.
• Do not approach downed power lines and call 911.
• Take an inventory of damages for your insurance.
• Pay attention to your reactions after a disaster. Psychological help may be offered. Contact Info-Social at 811 and choose option 2.