What was that sound? Montreal conducted its annual siren tests
Simulation took place across the city between 8:30 a.m. and noon
The City of Montreal and nine plants equipped with public alert sirens co-ordinated alert siren tests on Friday. The sirens went off between 8:30 a.m. and noon.
"The aim of this simulation exercise is to raise awareness among the population living near these facilities and to inform them of how to protect themselves in the event of an incident involving the release of a toxic product," wrote the City of Montreal in a news release sent to CBC on Friday morning.
"The exercise also serves to validate the proper operation of equipment and the readiness of all emergency responders."
The nine participating plants emitted a rising and falling sound that lasted three minutes, which were heard over the potential exposure radius. The City says residents should take cover indoors when they hear the alarm.
In the event of a real or imminent industrial accident, added the city, the triggering of the warning siren will be followed by the broadcasting of messages via various communication tools, which could include social media, the City's Avis et alertes system, the Sécurité civile's automated call service and the Québec En Alerte message system.
The tests were conducted on a predetermined schedule.
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the city's website about the release of toxic substances.
The list of factories can be found here.