IBC kicks off Emergency Preparedness Week with Top 10 Tips

Be aware and be prepared!

TORONTO, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - As Emergency Preparedness Week begins in Ontario and across the country, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) wants everyone to be aware and be prepared.  

"Thinking of and preparing for a worst-case scenario will give you peace of mind, and if something does happen, you can react quickly to keep your loved ones safe," said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC.

Palumbo continued, "Weather events that used to happen once every 40 years can now be expected to occur every six. That's why it so important to be prepared for the worst. IBC is encouraging Ontarians to take some time this week to make sure they have everything they need to protect themselves, their families and their property from the impacts of severe weather."

IBC is also partnering with local organizations, such as the City of Toronto and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, to share the preparedness message with families across the province.

IBC's top 10 tips to prepare your family for an emergency are:

1. Create an emergency preparedness plan.
2. Assemble disaster safety kits for your home, car and office.
3. Be sure to have at least 2 litres of drinking water per person a day for up to 72 hours.
4. Know your home's exits and nearby safe meeting locations. 
5. Speak with your neighbours to plan ahead and share responsibilities. 
6. Compile contact lists for work and school as well as for attending to any special health care needs.
7. Prepare a detailed home inventory.
8. If you are away for an extended amount of time, have someone check your property daily and, in the winter, clear snow from the walk and driveway.
9. Put all important documents in a safe place and ensure they are accessible if you need to evacuate.
10. Ask your insurance representative about coverage for specific events.

This week, IBC will participate in the following events to pass along these tips to families:

• Sarnia's 10th Anniversary Emergency Preparedness Day
  • May 8, 2015
  • Clearwater Arena, Sarnia
  • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    
    
• Keep Calm and Adapt: Extreme Weather and Preparedness
  • May 9, 2015
  • Queen Elizabeth Park & Cultural Centre, Oakville
  • 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For further information about emergency preparedness and IBC's partnerships during Emergency Preparedness Week, follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or visit ibc.ca. 

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_Ontario or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2-ASK-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 to prepare your family for emergencies (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150504_C4977_PHOTO_EN_16178.jpg

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