Extreme Heat

Summary

Levels of activation of the emergency plan

Normal: Seasonal watch

Alert: Minor consequences, but possibility of deterioration

Intervention 1: Potential for deterioration increases, coordination with civil security

Intervention 2: Major consequences, direct and real threat

Recovery: Progressive return to normal

Civil Security Guidelines

Heat warning
Environment Canada issues a heat warning when the air temperature reaches or exceeds 30⁰C and the Humidex Index (temperature and humidity combined) will reach or exceed 40⁰C.

Extreme heat
There is extreme heat when Environment Canada anticipates that:

The maximum weighted average temperature will be equal to or greater than 33⁰C for three consecutive days and the minimum temperature will be equal to or greater than 20⁰C

For two consecutive nights, the air temperature will reach or exceed 25⁰C.

In case of warning of heat or extreme heat
It is the Integrated Center for University Health and Social Services (CIUSSS) of Center-Sud-de-l'Île-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CCSMTL) and its Regional Public Health Department (DRSP) that have authority when notice of heat and emitted, as well as in terms of extreme heat. They monitor temperatures, in collaboration with Environment Canada's weather service, as well as health data. Depending on the size of the situation, various levels of mobilization will be emitted by the CCSMTL which will then influence the implementation of the level of mobilization of the agglomeration of Montreal.

For its part, the Civil Security Center (CSC) is responsible for supervising the implementation of the heat response plan, with all the interveners of the agglomeration's civil security organization (CCSMTL and its PRSP), STM, humanitarian and community organizations, central services of the City of Montreal. He coordinates the preparatory work for a period of extreme heat for the entire agglomeration, in collaboration with the various stakeholders.

The cities of the agglomeration relay information and participate in the awareness and prevention efforts put in place to improve the response of citizens to periods of heat and ensure their safety. Cities also have responsibilities and actions to implement according to the level of mobilization. Concrete measures, when the Montreal agglomeration is on standby, on alert or in intervention, can be put in place by the boroughs and cities of the agglomeration, in particular:

Alert:

the extension of the opening hours of air-conditioned public places (libraries, community centers, etc.)
the invitation to citizens to use air-conditioned public places, see the map
vigilance with populations at risk and the demand for mutual aid among citizens on alert :
the extension of the opening hours of air-conditioned public places (libraries, community centers, etc.)
the invitation to citizens to use air-conditioned public places, see the map
vigilance with populations at risk and the demand for mutual aid among citizens

Intervention:

the actions are transmitted when the time comes.

Important: Depending on the level of mobilization, additional information may be available. The agglomeration of Montreal has a special plan for intervention in extreme heat (PPI). This PPI is complementary to the Montréal Urban Emergency Plan (PSCAM), which contains general planning in the event of a disaster.

When there is heat warning or in extreme heat, it is suggested to citizens: