MONTREAL, May 5, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Severe weather – heavy rainfall, flooding, hail damage, storm surges, tornadoes – can strike hard with little warning and can have a devastating impact on communities and property.
As Civil Protection Week begins, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) offers suggestions for how Quebec residents can protect themselves, their homes and businesses from the effects of severe weather, which is on the rise across Canada.
«Weather events that used to happen once every 40 years can now be expected to occur every six years in Quebec,» says Pierre Babinsky, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, IBC. He adds that in an average year, the Canadian insurance industry pays approximately $1.7 billion throughout Canada in claims due to water damage. "These losses show only part of the picture. The human toll can be devastating for families."
"From being on the front lines when disaster strikes, the insurance industry understands the costly and devastating impact of severe weather on Canadians. IBC is committed to helping families get the information they need to protect themselves and their property from the impact of severe weather," he adds.
IBC suggests these helpful severe weather preparedness tips:
- Assemble an emergency kit – flashlight and batteries, battery-operated radio etc.
- Move valuable items from your basement to higher levels in your home.
- Clear eaves troughs and downspouts – if safe to do so – to direct water away from your home.
- Ask someone to check your property if you are away.
Also take these precautions if you have more time:
- Create an emergency preparedness plan for your family.
- Prepare a detailed home inventory. This can be done as photos or video.
- Install a sump pump and/or sewer backup valve.
- Elevate furnaces, hot water heaters and electrical panels in the basement or relocate them to a higher level.
- Check with your insurance representative to make sure you have appropriate coverage.
"On behalf of Canadians, IBC has made adapting to severe weather a priority," says Mr. Babinsky. "We're spreading the word on the need to update infrastructure, engaging consumers on how to protect themselves and their properties, and working with provincial and municipal governments to help develop, promote and implement adaptation measures."
For insurance related questions, consumers can contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-288-4321 or visit infoinsurance.ca.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. 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.
SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada
If you require more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact : Anne Morin, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 514-288-1563, Ext. 2229, [email protected]
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