{"id":26547,"date":"2025-01-07T10:29:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T15:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/conditions-hivernales-extreme\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T11:08:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T15:08:33","slug":"extreme-winter-conditions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/public-security\/emergency-measures-civil-security\/emergency-situations\/extreme-winter-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Extreme winter conditions\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"sticky-section-group aligndefault\"\n>\n   \n<div class=\"sticky-section-main\"\n>\n   \n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro-text\">A heavy winter snowfall, when glazed frost becomes a factor or a cold snap takes hold, can affect the health of residents and the City of Laval\u2019s transportation and infrastructures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro-text\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is frazil and what dangers does it pose?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When rivers freeze over, slush-like crystals and pieces of ice called frazil can form on the surface. Frazil can restrict the flow of water and cause local flooding.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Frazil generally forms on rivers between December 15\u202fand February 15\u202fof each year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prevention of flooding due to frazil<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The City of Laval has identified zones that are more prone to frazil-related flooding. When water reaches critical levels in these zones, residents are notified about the potential dangers.\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preventing the effects of cold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t deprive yourself of winter outdoor activities! Instead, adopt safe behaviors to protect your health. Intense cold can, for example, worsen symptoms of pre-existing conditions, cause frostbite, or even lead to hypothermia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During very cold weather, limit prolonged exposure outdoors. When you go out, wear appropriate clothing, including several layers, as well as a hat, gloves, and warm boots. Stay active to help maintain your body heat. The Centre int\u00e9gr\u00e9 de sant\u00e9 et de services sociaux (CISSS) de Laval <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lavalensante.com\/en\/useful-information\/espace-usager\/health-tips\/health-tips-for-the-winter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">provides health advice for the winter season<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Winter power outages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Power outages can occur when the electrical grid becomes overloaded or ice builds up on equipment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To prepare for an outage&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know that residents are responsible for their own safety in emergency situations? For that reason, it is important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/Pages\/Fr\/Citoyens\/preparation-sinistre.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">be prepared by making sure that you have all the supplies required to meet your basic needs<\/a> for a minimum period of 72 hours, until power is restored or emergency response teams are mobilized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordions-group block-accordions-group accordion-container is-style-no-margins\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"strongduring-an-outage-strong\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\"><strong>During an outage<\/strong><\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Never use an outdoor appliance inside the home, such as a heating unit, a light fixture, a propane stove or a barbecue<strong>. They can cause <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lavalensante.com\/informations-pratiques\/espace-usager\/conseils-de-sante\/monoxyde-de-carbone\/prevenir-lintoxication-au-monoxyde-de-carbone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">carbon monoxide <strong>poisoning<\/strong><\/a><strong>.\u202f<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your battery-powered smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shut off electrical appliances, such as stoves that were in use at the time of the outage.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop cooking and remove any pans or pots from the oven or the stove.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place your generator outdoors, at a safe distance from the building, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and install a carbon monoxide detector. Exercise caution when refuelling the generator, and follow the safety guidelines issued by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/Pages\/Fr\/Citoyens\/avertisseur-monoxyde-carbone.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Service de s\u00e9curit\u00e9 incendie<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Favour flashlights instead of candles for lighting, to avoid fires.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower the thermostats to a minimum.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unplug all electrical and electronic devices, leaving only one light on per storey to avoid a surge when the power is restored.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limit the number of times that you open the refrigerator and the freezer. Your perishable foods will keep for longer if you do.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordions-group block-accordions-group accordion-container is-style-no-margin-top\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordion-item accordion ac\" id=\"strongafter-a-power-outage-strong\"><div class=\"accordion__accordion\"><button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\"><p class=\"accordion__header__title\"><strong>After a power outage<\/strong><\/p><span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\"><span class=\"plus\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\" role=\"region\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Return home during the day. You\u2019ll be better able to see any obstacles and potential dangers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before turning the power back on, make sure that the:&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hot-water heater is full.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The kitchen stove is turned off.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Restore power by turning on the master switch.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your home uses natural gas, contact a specialist to turn on the gas again. Gradually turn on electrical devices, including heating appliances such as baseboard heaters.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open the water inlet and turn on the taps to allow the air to escape.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your medications were left in the refrigerator after it was turned off, return them to the pharmacy.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you have an individual well, make sure that the water is potable by following the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/securite-situations-urgence\/urgences-sinistres-risques-naturels\/quoi-faire-avant-pendant-apres-urgence-sinistre\/panne-courant#c72561\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Government of Qu\u00e9bec recommendations<\/a>. [lien externe]&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After a power outage of six hours or more, follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/sante\/alimentation\/salubrite-des-aliments\/conserver-jeter-panne-courant-inondation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Government of Qu\u00e9bec guidelines to know which foods to keep or throw out after an outage<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"notification-message notification-message__bg-alert-circle\" \n  >\n   <div class=\"notification-message__inner-container\">\n    <div class=\"notification-message__heading\">\n              <span class=\"notification-message__icon icon icon-alert-circle\"><\/span>\n                    <p class=\"notification-message__title\">Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning<\/p>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"notification-message__text\">\n        <p>It is mandatory to install a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/reglements-permis\/index-reglements\/avertisseur-monoxyde-carbone\/\">carbon monoxide detector<\/a> in your home if you own a combustion-based heating appliance (fireplace, stove, or auxiliary heating system fueled by wood or gas).<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"branches\">Damaged Trees and Fallen Branches \u2013 Exceptional Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If a tree on private property is damaged by ice or wind, you must submit a tree assessment request through <a href=\"https:\/\/mondossier.laval.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mon dossier<\/a> or by calling 311. A technician will visit to assess the situation and, if necessary, issue a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/permits-finder\/find-permit\/abattage-arbre\/\"> tree removal permit<\/a> (In French). If the tree has fallen or urgent removal is required, take photos of the situation and, whenever possible, wait for the permit before proceeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Branch Collection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The City only collects branches from trees located on public property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For branches from trees on your property, several options are available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cut branches less than 1.2&nbsp;m (4&nbsp;ft) long and with a diameter smaller than a broom handle, then place them in the brown bin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring wood and branches to an eco-centre or a dry material drop-off site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a tree appears damaged, hire a certified arborist to assess the situation. Consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/siaq.org\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">International Society of Arboriculture \u2013 Quebec directory<\/a> to find a specialist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Important<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If a tree or branch is near power lines, do not intervene. Contact Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec at 514-385-7252 or 1-888-385-7252.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a branch or tree is blocking a public roadway, call&nbsp;911.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"sticky-section-sidebar\"\n>\n   <div class=\"sticky-section-sidebar__inner\">\n     \n<div class=\"sidebar-cta-wrapper aligndefault\">\n   <div class=\"sidebar-cta\">\n     \n  <div class=\"theme-icon aligndefault theme-icon--colored\">\n    <span class=\"theme-icon__icon icon icon-alert-triangle\"><\/span>\n  <\/div>\n  \n\n\n<p class=\"has-xlarge-font-size\"><strong><strong>Don\u2019t miss anything<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Receive alerts in case of important notices or emergency situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/infolettre.laval.ca\/T\/WF\/14321\/eewxbf\/Optin\/fr-CA\/Form.ofsys?_gl=1*p8i28j*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MjI0NDUwOTUuQ2owS0NRand3YWUxQmhDX0FSSXNBSzRKZnJ6dTE3a1FtQ1VnNnFjdnp5RzlRY1dfY01ZcGh5THRjamlrVFZBa1dWSXdUZ2Z0ZFZOU2VMQWFBbG95RUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*NjEzNzM4MTYyLjE3MTc2MDg3NTY.*_ga*MTEyNTg0ODg0NS4xNzE0NTg4Njk5*_ga_G6H5B2R1FL*MTcyMjQ0NDAxOC4xMTcuMS4xNzIyNDQ1MTMwLjI0LjAuMA..\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign up to receive our alerts<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"mixed-carousel mixed-carousel--custom alignfull\"\n>\n    \n<div class=\"heading-with-button container\">\n      <h2 class=\"heading-with-button__title\">To find out more <\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel swiper\">\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                      \n<div class=\"mixed-item swiper-slide aligndefault mixed-item--landscape-thumbnail\">\n  <a class=\"mixed-item__inner\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/sante\/conseils-et-prevention\/sante-et-environnement\/precautions-a-prendre-en-cas-de-tempete-hivernale-et-de-pluie-verglacante\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">    <div class=\"mixed-item__thumbnail-wrapper\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/laval.ca\/dist\/images\/defaults\/default.jpg\" alt=\"\">    <\/div>\n    <h3 class=\"mixed-item__title\"><span>Storms and freezing rain <\/span><\/h3>\n          <p class=\"mixed-item__excerpt\">The Government of Qu\u00e9bec advises that people take the following precautions.<\/p>\n      <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mixed-item swiper-slide aligndefault mixed-item--landscape-thumbnail\">\n  <a class=\"mixed-item__inner\" href=\"https:\/\/infopannes.solutions.hydroquebec.com\/info-pannes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">    <div class=\"mixed-item__thumbnail-wrapper\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/laval.ca\/dist\/images\/defaults\/default.jpg\" alt=\"\">    <\/div>\n    <h3 class=\"mixed-item__title\"><span>To report an outage or learn more about an ongoing outage <\/span><\/h3>\n          <p class=\"mixed-item__excerpt\">The Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec website is your best tool. <\/p>\n      <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mixed-item swiper-slide aligndefault mixed-item--landscape-thumbnail\">\n  <a class=\"mixed-item__inner\" href=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/Pages\/Fr\/Citoyens\/deneigement-laval.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">    <div class=\"mixed-item__thumbnail-wrapper\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/wp-content\/themes\/laval.ca\/dist\/images\/defaults\/default.jpg\" alt=\"\">    <\/div>\n    <h3 class=\"mixed-item__title\"><span>Major snowfall?  <\/span><\/h3>\n          <p class=\"mixed-item__excerpt\">Keep track of snow removal operations  within the city.<\/p>\n      <\/a><\/div>\n\n\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"mixed-carousel__carousel-navigation container\">\n      <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n      \n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":0,"parent":26668,"menu_order":56,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26547","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"coauthors":[],"author_meta":{"author_link":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/author\/j-bouliannelaval-ca\/","display_name":"j.boulianne@laval.ca"},"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 1 year ago","modified":"Updated 1 week ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on January 7, 2025","modified":"Updated on April 16, 2026"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on January 7, 2025 10:29 am","modified":"Updated on April 16, 2026 11:08 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","featured_img":false,"series_order":"","publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-02 01:48:09","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"translation_priority","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26547"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":113736,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26547\/revisions\/113736"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.laval.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}