Montréal, 05 January 2015 - Given the freezing rain in Greater Montréal, the municipal fire department (SIM) urges everyone to be careful.

Temperatures will drop below -10°C overnight, making roads and sidewalks slippery for pedestrians and drivers. The SIM asks that you stay indoors as much as possible, as a precaution. If you must go out, watch for falling ice and for any electrical lines and tree branches that may have been brought down by the weight of the ice. Check road conditions, for your own safety.

We also recommend that everyone have a 72-hour kit ready for any weather emergencies at all times. See the Montréal Civil Protection Centre website, at ville.montreal.qc.ca/csc, to find out what to keep in your kit.

More than 60,000 residents in the Montréal agglomeration have been affected by power outages. To prevent fires, the SIM reminds everyone to be careful when using:

• Candles: Keep them far away from any flammable material and out of children’s reach. Place them on a stable surface.
• Fondue burners: Be sure to use the right fuel. Place the burner on a fire-resistant surface. Use the proper lid to extinguish the burner, and always make sure the burner has cooled off before refilling it. 
• Do not use camp stoves, propane stoves or charcoal indoors, as they give off carbon monoxide.

The Civil Protection Centre will continue to monitor the situation with all parties concerned.