Be Wise, FireSmart Your Home this Wildfire Season

HALIFAX, July 11, 2012 /CNW/ - As summer temperatures rise, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) urges vulnerable Canadians to take precautions to "FireSmart" their homes.

"As past summers have taught us, wildfire danger will be affecting many communities this season. Canadians should consider these safety tips to protect your family and property," says Amanda Dean, director, external and government relations of Atlantic with IBC.

Wildfires move fast, can change direction unexpectedly and are often difficult to contain. The unpredictable nature of such events is what poses the most significant threat to homeowners and the community at large.

Are you prepared? Consider these FireSmart tips:

• Prepare a detailed home inventory.
• Check your smoke detectors.
• Assemble a disaster safety kit.
• Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family.
• Prepare your home.

For more tips on how to FireSmart your home click here:

http://youtu.be/af4hPwpruvo

Are you covered?

• Talk to your insurance representative to ensure that you have appropriate home or tenant insurance coverage.
• Virtually every home or tenant insurance policy covers damage caused by fire as long as the fire was not started intentionally by the homeowner.
• In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to return home as a result of insured damage are entitled to additional living expenses.
• Damage to vehicles from fire or water is usually covered if comprehensive or all perils automobile insurance coverage has been purchased. This coverage is not mandatory, so check your policy.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca and for IBC on Twitter follow @insurancebureau.

or to schedule an interview, contact:

Helen Lialias 
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4312
[e-mail]