Helping on the Internet

If you don't live in the Montreal area (or even if you do!), there are some things you can do to help out:

  1. Let others know about this web site. Give your local newspaper a call and tell them about it's existence.
  2. If you have a web site, put up a link to this site.
  3. If participate in discussion groups, let other participants know about this site.
  4. Be understanding of your online friends or business associates who might be in one of the affected areas and not able to respond to your email. (When I finally was able to get my email, I had over 8,100 messages waiting for me!)

Montreal-Area Residents

If you are in the Montreal-area and are reading this, then that means you are one of the lucky ones to have electricity! Here are some of the things you can do to help out:

  1. Check with our Urgent Help Page. These are priority areas where assistance is needed.
  2. The government number is open at 1-800-636-2433. If you are able to provide supplies to anyone in need, please call this number.  NOTE: They are no longer seeking people to provide shelter.
  3. If you're able to help out with this web site in any way, please contact me at webmaster@info-4-you.com. I can use help in compiling information and resources for the site.
  4. Minimize your use of electricity. Until power has been fully restored, try to keep your electrical usage to a minimum. Avoid unnecessary lighting, using major appliances or anything that would put a severe drain on the system.
  5. Check in with your friends and family members to ensure that they are okay. If you have extra space at your home, DO invite those without heating over. Warn them about using hibachis and barbeques inside and to allow for adequate ventilation if they are using candles or their fireplace. If they are not close enough to you to go to your home, encourage them to go to a shelter if necessary.
  6. Check in with your neighbours that may not be as lucky as you.
  7. Help out those working on the roads, hydro, etc by avoiding getting in their way.
  8. If you have extra candles, a generator, or anything else that might be useful to others, be sure and find out if there is anyone who might be able to make use of it.
  9. Check with local shelters to see if you can be of any assistance. Many shelters are operating with generators and are finding difficulty with obtaining sufficient food and other supplies. Even helping out by providing a pot of soup or other food would be of great assistance.

Toronto-Area Residents

Contact CFRB Radio. They have been arranging for trucks of goods to be sent to the affected regions.