Extreme winter conditions

When heavy snowfall, freezing rain, or extreme cold occur, the health, transportation, and infrastructure of the City of Laval can be affected.

What is frazil ice and what are its dangers?

When river water freezes, ice crystals and chunks form on the surface, resembling “slush.” Frazil ice can reduce water flow space and cause local flooding.

The frazil ice formation period on rivers typically occurs between December 15 and February 15 each year.

Preventing frazil-related flooding

The City has identified areas more prone to flooding due to frazil ice. When water levels in these areas become critical, residents are notified.

Did you know?

From November 15 to April 15 each year, the City of Laval’s Civil Security Division monitors winter conditions and informs residents about potential dangers.

Winter power outages

If the electrical grid is overloaded or if ice builds up on equipment, power outages may occur.

Preparing for an outage

Saviez-vous que les citoyens et citoyennes ont la responsabilité d’assurer leur sécurité en situation d’urgence? C’est pourquoi il est important de vous préparer en ramassant tous les éléments pour subvenir à vos besoins de base pour une période d’au moins 72 h, le temps que l’électricité revienne ou que les secours s’organisent.

Did you know that residents are responsible for ensuring their own safety in emergency situations? That’s why it’s important to prepare by gathering essentials to meet your basic needs for at least 72 hours—the time it may take for electricity to be restored or for emergency assistance to be organized.

During the outage

Never use outdoor appliances indoors, such as heaters, lights, propane stoves, or barbecues. They can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check your battery-powered smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Turn off electrical appliances, such as stoves, that were in use when the power went out.
Stop cooking and remove any pots from the oven or stove.
Ensure your generator is placed outside, at a safe distance from the building, to prevent poisoning. Install a carbon monoxide detector. Be careful when refueling and follow the Fire Safety Service’s recommendations.
Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires.
Lower thermostats to the minimum.
Unplug all electrical and electronic devices except for one lamp per floor to prevent a power surge when electricity returns.
Limit the opening of the refrigerator or freezer to keep food fresh for longer.

Good to know

The lighting in apartment building hallways is meant to help residents evacuate safely. It lasts for about 30 minutes.

After the outage

Return home during daylight hours whenever possible. You’ll see obstacles and hazards more easily.
Before restoring power, ensure that:
- The water heater is full.
- The stove is off.

Restore electricity by switching on the main breaker.
If your home is gas-powered, call a specialist before reopening the gas supply.
Gradually restart electrical appliances, including heating systems such as baseboard heaters.
Open the water main and faucets to let air escape.
If your medications were stored in the refrigerator during the outage, return them to the pharmacy.
If you have a private well, ensure the water is safe to drink by following the Quebec Government’s recommendations.
After a power outage lasting 6 hours or more, follow the Quebec Government’s advice on which foods to keep or discard.