Safety and Fire Department

Wildfires typically occur from May to September. They can destroy everything in their path and pose a threat to lives. The best way to protect yourself and your family during a wildfire is to take the following measures:

• Stay informed: Monitor local weather conditions and be prepared to evacuate.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full.
• Follow evacuation orders and bring your emergency kit.
• Do not return to your home until you have received authorization.

For more tips on preparing for wildfires, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

Landslides can occur at any time, anywhere in Canada. The best way to protect yourself and your family from landslides is to take the following measures:

• Stay alert for early warning signs.
• Leave the area immediately if a landslide appears imminent. If you are indoors and unable to evacuate, curl up and protect your head.
• Prepare for the possibility of secondary risks such as flooding, downed power lines, and damage to infrastructure.

For more tips on preparing for landslides, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

Floods can occur anywhere and at any time of the year. The best way to protect yourself and your family from floods is to take the following measures:

• Monitor local weather conditions and alerts: be aware of the risks.
• Avoid flooded areas: turn back, don’t risk your life.
• Exercise caution when cleaning up after a flood, including wearing protective clothing.

For more tips on preparing for floods, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

While residential fires can occur anywhere and at any time, they are more likely to happen in the winter in Canada. The best way to protect yourself and your family from a fire is to take the following measures:

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month.
• Memorize and practise your evacuation plan.
• Get out and STAY OUT – never re-enter a building that is on fire.

For more tips on preparing for fires, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

Sheltering, also known as confinement, involves isolating yourself inside a building. When the situation requires it, for your safety, your Municipality may ask you to stay inside your home, your workplace, or a public building. Sheltering may be necessary, for example, when hazardous materials are present in the environment.

Refer to safety instructions for sheltering in place.

Thunderstorms can occur anywhere, most often in spring and summer. The best way to protect yourself and your family during a thunderstorm is to take the following measures:

• Take shelter away from windows and doors.
• Avoid flooded areas: turn back, don’t risk your life.
• Be prepared for the possibility of secondary risks such as flooding, power outages, landslides, and infrastructure damage.

For more tips on preparing for floods, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

In Atlantic Canada, hurricane season extends from June to November. The best way to protect yourself and your family during a hurricane is to take the following measures:

• Find a safe place on the lower floors of your home, but avoid the basement. If authorities ask you to evacuate, do so.
• Avoid flooded areas: turn back, don’t risk your life.
• Be prepared for the possibility of secondary risks such as flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.

For more tips on preparing for floods, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

A power outage can happen anywhere, anytime. It can last for several hours or even days. The best way to protect yourself and your family during a power outage is to take the following measures:

• 1. Ensure you have enough emergency supplies (water, non-perishable food, medications, personal items) for at least 72 hours. Check the page on How to Get an Emergency Kit.
• Never use a charcoal or gas barbecue, a camp stove, or a generator indoors, as they produce carbon monoxide.

For more tips on preparing for power outages, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

Throughout Canada, a winter storm or extreme cold snap can strike suddenly and last for several days. The best way to protect yourself and your family during a winter storm is to take the following measures:

• Ensure you have your emergency kit readily available.
• Prepare for the possibility of a power outage.
• Carbon monoxide is deadly, so NEVER use propane, barbecue, or a generator indoors.
• Follow instructions issued during snow clearing and cleanup operations.

For more tips on preparing for winter storms, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

A tornado can produce winds that reach up to 500 km/h. Regardless of their size, tornadoes can uproot trees, overturn vehicles, and damage homes. The best way to protect yourself and your family during a tornado is to take the following measures:

• Monitor weather alerts and warnings.
• Move your family to a safe place, such as the lower floor of a building. Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.

For more tips on preparing for tornadoes, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

Earthquakes can occur at any time, without warning. The best way to protect yourself and your family during an earthquake is to take the following measures:

• Get down to the ground to prevent being knocked over by the shaking.
• If you’re inside a vehicle, pull over to a clear area and stay there until the shaking stops.
• Be aware of potential secondary hazards like floods, tsunamis, and landslides.

For more tips on preparing for earthquakes, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.