A woman packs a red first aid backpack, showing one way to prepare for a natural disaster

Severe weather events, like tornadoes, windstorms, wildfires, and floods, are becoming more frequent and intense, costing Canadians and the insurance industry around $3.1 billion in insured losses in 2022. With record numbers of wildfires and extreme heatwaves in 2023, more severe weather events seem likely as time goes on. While it’s not always possible to accurately predict when a natural disaster will happen, preparing for an emergency can help reduce your risk of property damage and protect your loved ones. Check out this collection of articles and learn how to prepare for a variety of natural disasters:

What to do before, during, and after a tornado
Before, during, and after a snowstorm
Before, during, and after a hailstorm
Before, during, and after a hurricane
Before, during, and after a windstorm
Before, during, and after an earthquake
Before, during, and after a wildfire
What you need to know about atmospheric rivers, bomb cyclones, and derechos
How to prepare for an emergency at home
How to apply for natural disaster relief

 

Looking for more ways to get prepared for a severe weather event? Watch this quick video to learn how you can protect your property and loved ones during an emergency at home:

How to prepare for an emergency at home

Be prepared for any emergency. Follow these tips to plan ahead and keep your household safe if the unexpected happens.

  1. Tune in to your local news for the latest forecast and updates.
  2. Write out an emergency exit plan. Map out your home and the surrounding area to plan an exit route and safe meeting place just in case you need to leave your house in a hurry.
  3. Review your emergency contact list. Write down the names and numbers of local emergency services, your utilities providers, your relatives, your family doctor, and your insurance broker.
  4. Keep your emergency kit stocked up. Your emergency kit should contain at last three days’ worth of supplies, including cash, a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, flashlights, and blankets.
  5. Review your home and car insurance policies. Make sure you have the right coverage! Look through your insurance policies at renewal time and double-check that everything is up to date. Reach out to your broker if you need to make a change.

Protect what matters most.

 

How additional living expenses coverage can help during a natural disaster

If you’re forced to leave your home after a natural disaster for a mass evacuation order or for necessary damage repairs, additional living expenses coverage helps pay for extra out-of-pocket expenses after a loss that is covered by your insurance provider.

This coverage is included in most home insurance, condo insurance, and tenant insurance policies and can help relieve some of the financial stress after a severe weather event.

Preparation is key when it comes to natural disasters. Stock up your home emergency kit, prepare an evacuation plan, and keep an eye on official weather reports to plan ahead and stay safe.

Need help reviewing your home insurance policy to make sure you’ll be covered in the event of a natural disaster? Reach out to your licensed home insurance broker for more information and helpful advice.

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