IBC offers tips to prepare as Hurricane Gonzalo heads toward Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador

HALIFAX, Oct. 17, 201 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is following the forecasted path for Hurricane Gonzalo. After developing into a major storm in Bermuda, Hurricane Gonzalo may hit the eastern areas of Nova Scotia and southern areas of Newfoundland and Labrador this weekend.   

"Hurricanes can cause a great deal of damage that impacts communities, properties and the safety of residents. IBC encourages residents to prepare their families for the storm and protect their property," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC.

IBC offers the following tips residents can do immediately to prepare for a hurricane:

• Create an emergency-preparedness plan for your family
• Assemble a disaster safety kit
• Prepare a detailed home inventory  
• Take valuable items in your basement up to a higher level in your home
• Ensure that downspouts are clear so they can direct water away from your home
• Secure your barbecue and any loose patio furniture
• If you are away, ask someone to check your property

For more information on hurricane preparedness, check out IBC's Top 10: tips to prepare for a hurricane here or view IBC's video: http://youtu.be/ZKdgmNUCjEY.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance policies differ from company to company. Speak with your insurance representative to ensure you understand what your policy covers. 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 a broken window or damaged roof
• Loss of freezer contents due to an extended power outage
• Water damage from sewer backup, if sewer backup coverage was purchased. Policies may have applicable limitations or deductibles. Overland flooding that leads to water entering a home from a body of water, such as a river or pond, is not normally covered.

Regarding your vehicle, auto insurance typically covers flood damage and wind damage, such as a broken windshield from wind-borne debris, but only if comprehensive or all risk coverage was purchased.

"IBC encourages everyone to review their policies and contact their insurance representative with questions. For further information on home, auto or commercial insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-565-7189, ext. 228," added Dean.  

About Insurance Bureau of Canada

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook.

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

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

Or to schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext.4312 (daytime), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]