Are you prepared for hurricane season?

IBC releases top 10 tips for hurricane preparedness

HALIFAX, June 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Hurricane season has begun and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reaching out to Atlantic Canadians with tips and information to help make sure everyone is prepared.

"As we have seen in previous years, hurricanes can cause significant damages to properties and disrupt families and communities," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. "Unfortunately, severe weather is the new normal for Canadians. That's why it is important to take steps now to ensure you are properly covered and prepared before any storm hits."

IBC continues to reach out to Canadians with information and advice about severe weather events, which are on the rise, and insurance coverage. Dean adds, "Be sure to review your policy and speak to your insurance representative if you have questions. Atlantic Canadians can also contact IBC's Consumers Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help."

IBC's top 10 tips to prepare for a hurricane are:

1. Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family.
2. If possible, move valuable items in your basement to higher levels in your home.
3. Assemble disaster safety kits for your home, car and office.
4. Prepare a detailed home inventory.
5. Elevate furnaces, hot water heaters and electrical panels in the basement.
6. Have someone check your property if you are away.
7. Make sure downspouts are clear of debris and that they direct water away from your home.
8. Install a sump pump, backwater valve or backflow valve.
9. Secure any loose patio furniture and barbecues when a storm is on its way.
10. Check with your insurance representative to make sure you have appropriate coverage.

Insurance Coverage

While insurance policies differ from company to company, a home insurance policy may cover:

• Wind-related damage caused by a storm
• Damage to your house, shed or fence caused by a fallen tree
• Damage from rain entering your house through window broken or roof damaged by the storm.
• Loss of freezer contents due to an extended power outage
• Water damage from sewer backup, if sewer backup coverage was purchased.

It's important to keep in mind that policies may have limitations or deductibles.

Auto insurance typically covers flood damage and wind damage to your vehicle, such as a broken windshield from wind-borne debris, if you purchased comprehensive or all-risk coverage.

Water Damage Is on the Rise – Are You Protected?  

Getting Ready: A Guide to Emergency Preparation  

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

Image with caption: "IBC Top 10: Tips for hurricane preparedness (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150601_C7383_PHOTO_EN_17370.jpg

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, 647-384-9872, [email protected]