Severe weather; heavy rainfall, flooding, hail damage, storm surges, and tornadoes can strike hard with little warning and can have a devastating impact on communities and property.
As Emergency Preparedness Week begins, the Insurance Bureau of Canada is offering suggestions on how you can protect yourselves, your homes and businesses from the effects of severe weather, which is on the rise across Canada.
Assemble an emergency kit: flashlight and batteries, battery-operated radio etc.
Move valuable items from your basement to higher levels in your home.
Clear eaves troughs and downspouts to direct water away from your home.
Ask someone to check your property if you are away.
Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family.
Prepare a detailed home inventory. This can be done as photos or video.
Install a sump pump and/or sewer backup valve.
Elevate furnaces, hot water heaters and electrical panels in the basement or relocate them to a higher level.
IBC also suggests you check with your insurance representative to make sure you have appropriate coverage.