Lightning and Severe Thunderstorms in Quebec: Find Safe Shelter
Monitor alerts, leave water and open areas, shelter in a building or enclosed vehicle and wait before resuming activities.
When thunder roars
If thunder is audible, lightning is close enough to threaten. Enter a substantial building or enclosed hard-top vehicle immediately; tents, gazebos and open shelters do not protect.
On the water
Return before the storm. Leave boats, beaches, docks and pools and move away from shore.
Open areas
Do not wait under an isolated tree. Avoid fences, poles and high objects. If no safe shelter exists, spread the group and minimize ground contact without lying flat.
Indoors
Stay away from windows, plumbing, plugged equipment and concrete that may contain metal. Avoid showers and corded telephones.
In a vehicle
Close windows and roof, avoid metal parts and park away from trees, wires and flooding. The body, not the tires, mainly routes current around occupants.
Wait
Clearer sky does not end risk. Observe the recommended time after last thunder and recheck alerts.
A strike victim
Call 911. The person carries no residual charge and can be touched. Start CPR and use an AED when needed and able.
Activity plans
Schools, camps, worksites and events should designate weather monitoring, shelters, alerts and stop/resume rules.
Severe storms
Lightning, strong wind, hail and sudden heavy rain can occur together. Secure or shelter loose objects, never drive through floodwater and stay away from downed wires.
Official government resource (French)