Montreal to test alert sirens throughout the day

Montreal will test population alert sirens between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the city says in a news release.

The test is being conducted in collaboration with 10 factories bound by federal environmental emergencies regulations.

This simulation exercise aims to raise awareness among residents who live near these factories, reminding them how to protect themselves in the event of a toxic leak, the release says.

The exercise also checks the proper functioning of the equipment and the state of preparation of all emergency responders.

The 10 participating factories will emit a rising and falling sound lasting three minutes, which will be heard over the potential exposure radius. The tests are being conducted in turn and on a predetermined schedule.

In the event of a real industrial accident, the triggering of the warning siren would be followed by the issuance of safety instructions, the release says.

"The safety of citizens is a priority and the population must be ready to react in the event of a toxic product leak," said Alain Vaillancourt, the city's executive committee member responsible for public safety, in the news release.

The siren is warning everyone to get to safety — to enter the nearest building and close all doors, windows and ventilation systems.

Parents shouldn't rush to pick up their children from school, and people should avoid tying up phone lines by making calls, the city says. Schools and daycares have plans in place in the event of a leak.

The list of factories can be found here. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the city's website about the release of toxic substances.