Upcoming alert siren tests in Laval

The City of Laval will conduct its routine tests of the five alert sirens across its territory on Wednesday, May 6. These sirens are used in the event of a major industrial accident.
The industries equipped with this system are located in Chomedey, Vimont, and Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.

Each company will activate its alert siren for three minutes, producing a modulated signal that rises and then falls.
The sound may be heard within the Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) associated with each facility, and possibly beyond these areas.

Scheduled times

Schedule for each participating industry:
9:00 a.m.: MAPEI (2900 Francis-Hughes Avenue, Vimont)
10:00 a.m.: Dyne-A-Pak (3375 Francis-Hughes Avenue, Vimont)
11:15 a.m.: Superior Propane (111 de la Station Street, Chomedey)
1:30 p.m.: Gaz Propane Monin (555 montée Saint-François, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul)
3:00 p.m.: Viau Food Products (6625 Ernest-Cormier Street, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul)

How to respond

The first reflex when a siren is activated—alerting the public to a major industrial accident involving a toxic leak or explosion risk—is to take shelter.

Once inside, residents should:

• Close doors and windows and turn off ventilation systems
• Seal openings (doors and windows) in the chosen shelter room with adhesive tape
• Block air intakes with damp cloths
• Stay away from windows
• Follow instructions from authorities and stay informed through the media or by calling 311

Residents are asked to call emergency services only if necessary and to remain indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.
Authorities also ask people to leave their loved ones where they are, noting that on-site personnel are trained and know the proper procedures.

Accident risks

Incidents may occur during the transportation of hazardous materials (by truck, train, or pipeline) or through the activities of companies that use or store such materials.

Possible health effects from a toxic leak include irritation of the respiratory system, skin, and eyes.
Explosions or fires may result in severe burns and injuries caused by projectiles.

Additional details

Conducted annually, this simulation exercise aims to ensure equipment is functioning properly, help the public recognize the siren signal under real conditions, and remind residents of the appropriate actions to take in a real emergency.

To learn more about safety instructions in the event of a major industrial accident, hear a sample of the siren, or view a map showing facility locations and potential impact zones, residents can visit the “Hazardous Materials Incidents” section on the City of Laval website.

Residents are also reminded that in any emergency, it is their responsibility to ensure their own safety and protect their property.
Proper preparation is essential, including having a family emergency plan and an emergency kit with enough supplies for at least 72 hours.

The City also encourages residents to sign up for its automated alert system to receive notifications by phone, text, or email in case of emergencies or other urgent situations.

Precautions and prevention

Under municipal bylaw L-12933, certain industries must be equipped with a public alert siren.
These industries are subject to the federal Environmental Emergency Regulations and are required to develop an environmental emergency plan.

They are located within Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs), which represent the maximum potential impact area of a given facility.

It is important to note that the risk of a major industrial accident remains low thanks to prevention and risk management measures, including continuous leak detection systems, regular preventive maintenance of equipment, ongoing staff training, and established environmental emergency plans. (B.L.)