Found firearm or ammunition: secure the area and call police
Avoid handling, keep people away and obtain police instructions before any movement or surrender.
Move away, keep others from approaching without exposing yourself and call 911. Do not check whether the firearm is loaded and do not transport it yourself.
Do not touch it
Treat every firearm as loaded. Do not handle the trigger, action, magazine, ammunition, bag or case. An old, rusted, replica or estate firearm may still be dangerous or have evidentiary value.
Control access from a distance
Move children, visitors and animals out of the room or area. Close access only if you can do so without approaching the firearm. Do not post a photograph or location on social media.
Call police
For immediate danger, call 911; otherwise call the local police service and describe the object and location. Follow instructions about waiting, securing the area or arranging pickup. The Sûreté du Québec says to contact a police station before voluntary surrender.
Preserve the information
Record where and how the object was discovered, who had access and any information about a possible owner. Do not clean it. For an estate discovery, police can direct the separate legal steps for inventory, registration or disposal.