Emergency measures in Montréal 

Find out about emergencies that can occur in Montréal 

Prepare your emergency kit 

Prepare your family emergency plan 

The safety of the population comes first in any incident, disaster or emergency situation!

In the event of an emergency, each municipality is responsible for protecting human life and property. This means that the primary responsibility for implementing emergency measures here lies with the City of Montréal. 

The Agence de santé et des services sociaux de Montréal is the organization responsible for coordinating the efforts of healthcare facilities in the event of a disaster. To carry out its mission to protect the lives and health of Montrealers, the Agence has set up a regional team in charge of emergency measures and health-related civil protection so that activities are coordinated when an emergency situation arises.

Some locations are more vulnerable in the event of a disaster. Find out more from your municipality by dialing 311, where you'll be told about disaster preparedness plans and things you can do to ensure your safety. 

Types of potential emergencies in Montréal

• technological hazards: 
  • interrupted supply and contamination of drinking water
  • major electrical power outages
  • fires 
• natural and weather-related hazards: 
  • earthquakes
  • floods
  • snowstorms (in french only)
  • heavy winds

What to do before, during and after an emergency

An emergency kit will be very useful if you have to leave your home or stay there during an emergency situation. 

Put your emergency kit in an easily accessible place and check its contents yearly. Replace batteries and water supplies as needed. 

What your basic emergency kit should contain:
In a backpack, tub or duffel bag, put the following articles: 

• drinking water — two litres per person for a day, for at least three days;
• non-perishable food — enough supplies to last at least three days;
• manual can opener;
• battery-powered radio and spare batteries;
• flashlight and spare batteries;
• first aid kit — bandages, sterile gauze compresses, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, antiseptic (Purell), painkillers (Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol);
• toiletries and personal sundries — toothbrushes, towels, soap, toilet paper, plastic garbage bags;
• blanketscash;
• set of keys for car and home;
• whistle — to alert emergency workers to your presence;
• candles; 
• lighter or matches;
• multifunctional pocket knife (Swiss knife);
• dust-proof masks, to filter contaminated air;
• important personal papers — photocopies of IDs, insurance policies, prescriptions for drugs and glasses;
• emergency plan and list of people to contact in case of emergency;
• Think of other articles to include for: 
  • your family (medications, medical equipment, special food items); 
  • babies (formula milk, disposable diapers, feeding bottles); and
  • your pets (food, medication, accessories). 

For more information on emergency kits (pre-packed kits and car kits), visit the website of the ministère de la Sécurité publique.

A family emergency plan will be very useful in the event of danger. Take a few minutes to prepare one for yourself. 

Make sure that all of the occupants of your home are aware of the plan, and practice evacuating your home with your children. Remind them often of your assembly point.

• Prepare your emergency kit. It should contain enough equipment, food and water to meet the essential needs of your family for the first 72 hours of an emergency.
• Draw up a list of agencies and people to contact in an emergency, with their contact information.
• Agree on the evacuation scenarios and assembly points should an evacuation be needed. At home, make sure that you know how to turn off the water, electricity and gas, as applicable. Locate emergency exits, preferably for each room. In an apartment, make sure you know where the emergency exits are located. If an emergency occurs, avoid taking the elevator.
• Plan a route to get out of your neighbourhood. Plan for another route if roads are blocked. For your safety, don't forget to inform the authorities that you have left home and tell them where you are going.
• Draw up an inventory of your property, with proofs of purchase, photos or videos. Keep these documents and a copy of your home and auto insurance policies outside of your home in a secure place, at your office, for example.

By the way, are you insured? Most home insurance policies cover damages caused by natural catastrophes such as hail, lightning, wind storms, tornadoes or hurricanes. You can even purchase earthquake coverage. 

For more information on insurance, visit the site of the Insurance Bureau of Canada. 

Should you leave or stay in your home? For guidance, visit the website of the ministère de la Sécurité publique.