“The safety of all citizens is a priority, and residents must be ready to react in case of a toxic release. This is why we are taking proactive action, together with the industrial plants to coordinate technical tests in potentially affected areas,” explained Alain Vaillancourt, executive committee member in charge of public security.

As part of this simulation, the ten participating plants will take turns sounding the alarm, according to a predetermined schedule, with an ascending and descending signal lasting 3 minutes that will be heard across the potentially exposed area. In case of an actual industrial incident, the siren will be followed by safety instructions. 

When the siren sounds, take shelter!

Warning sirens are meant to let citizens know that they must take shelter quickly. To keep the population safe, and allow first responders to do their job efficiently, follow these instructions: 

• Enter the nearest building as fast as possible.
• Close all doors, windows and ventilation systems.
• Refrain from going to pick up your children from school, in order to avoid any danger to yourself or your children.
• Keep phone lines free.
• Follow directives issued by authorities.

Schools and early childhood education centres

School and early childhood education centre administrators across the potentially exposed areas have been informed of this potential occurrence and know the safety instructions to follow in case of a toxic release. They are trained to take care of the children and keep them safe in the case of such an incident.

More information

The “notices and alerts” service sends out notices and alerts during emergency situations, as well as in cases where the drinking water supply is affected or if there is a broken water pipe. Sign up now.

For more information concerning risks and how to be prepared in case of a release of a toxic substance, go to Release of toxic substances: What to do if you hear a warning siren and to see a list of participating plants, go to Hazardous materials.