Tips to protect property when severe weather strikes

As Emergency Preparedness Week begins, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) offers suggestions for how homewoners can protect themselves, their homes from the effects of severe weather.

Severe weather – heavy rainfall, flooding, hail damage, storm surges, tornadoes – can strike hard with little warning and can have a devastating impact on communities and property.

IBC suggests these helpful severe weather preparedness tips:

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 – if safe to do so – to direct water away from your home.

Ask someone to check your property if you are away.

Also take these precautions if you have more time:

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.

Check with your insurance representative to make sure you have appropriate coverage.

More Mortgage Guide