IBC Offers Tips for Hurricane Preparedness to Keep Your Family Safe

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada is following developments related to Hurricane Sandy. Sandy has strengthened and is on course to hit parts of Ontario tonight with strong winds and drenching rain.  IBC urges residents to prepare now for the storm.

"Hurricanes can leave a path of destruction impacting communities, the safety of their residents and the protection of their property. Individuals and families should prepare themselves now for the storm with some simple precautions," says Ralph Palumbo, Vice President, Ontario with IBC.

Some of these tips include:

• Check with your insurance representative to make sure you have appropriate coverage
• Remove valuable items from your basement to higher levels in your home
• Make sure down spouts are clear to direct water way from the home
• Secure any loose patio furniture or barbecues
• Ensure water does not collect on your window sills
• Prepare a detailed home inventory;
• Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family and;

For more information on hurricane preparedness view our YouTube video below:
http://youtu.be/ZKdgmNUCjEY

Damage to homes is usually caused by wind or hail and typically such damage is covered under most home insurance policies. This includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage to your home and contents from water entering through openings suddenly caused by wind or hail.

Damage to vehicles from wind, hail or water is usually covered if comprehensive or all perils coverage auto insurance has been purchased. This coverage is not mandatory, so check your policy.

In general, overland flooding resulting in water entering a home is not covered. Overland flooding, which usually occurs when bodies of water, such as rivers, dams and other watercourses, overflow onto dry land and cause damage to residential areas, is usually not covered by insurance. Water damage in a basement due to a sewer backup is only covered if specific sewer backup coverage has been purchased. In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to return home due to insurable damage are entitled to additional living expenses.

If you have questions contact your insurance representative or IBC's consumer information centre at 1-800-387-2880.

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.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact:

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