Montreal to conduct public warning siren tests on May 6

Montrealers should not be alarmed if they hear warning sirens on May 6, as the city conducts a scheduled safety exercise.

The drill will take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and is being carried out in collaboration with several industrial facilities. It aims to raise awareness among residents living near these sites about how to respond in the event of a toxic substance release.

City officials say the exercise will also help ensure that emergency equipment is functioning properly and that response teams are prepared to act in the event of an industrial incident.

Participating facilities will activate their sirens according to a predetermined schedule. The alert consists of a rising and falling tone lasting approximately three minutes and will be audible within surrounding areas considered at risk.

Officials emphasize that, in a real emergency, the siren would be followed by official communications through multiple channels, including social media, the city’s notice and alert system, automated civil protection calls, the Québec En Alerte system, and formal press releases.

In the event of an actual emergency, residents are advised to:

• Go indoors immediately and avoid remaining outside
• Close all doors, windows, and ventilation systems
• Avoid picking up children from school or daycare to reduce exposure risks
• Call 911 only in the case of a direct emergency
• Follow instructions issued by authorities

Residents can register to receive emergency notifications through the City of Montreal’s website, where the full list of participating facilities and the siren testing schedule is also available.