It's been one year since the Ontario ice storm -- Are you prepared for the next extreme weather event?

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2014 /CNW/ - On December 20, 2013, rain, freezing rain and snow began falling in parts of Southern Ontario including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, and Windsor. While a freezing rain warning was announced, no one could have foreseen the terrible outcome of the ice storm. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding Ontarians that this extreme storm was not an anomaly. That's why it is important to always be prepared for these types of storms.

"Last year, emergency workers, utility employees, insurers and volunteers worked around the clock on storm recovery efforts. But the storm still took a serious toll on families and communities," said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "As we look back, we remember how communities and people came together to help one another, but we also remember key lessons that were learned including the benefits of emergency preparedness planning."  

The 2013 ice storm caused more than $200 million in insured losses, and increased insured losses for the year to $3.4 billion. In recent years, Ontarians have seen everything from flooding, ice storms, snowstorms and tornadoes. With the increase in extreme weather, it's important to make sure emergency measures are in place, not only for governments and corporations, but for families and communities as well.

"As we look back on the effects of last year's ice storm, we are reminded that it is important to take a few minutes to go over emergency preparations with your families and neighbours. By ensuring you have an emergency plan, a well-equipped emergency kit, a home inventory and a well-secured home, you can help keep your loved ones safe and properties secure when extreme weather hits," Palumbo added.

For more information on emergency preparation, visit www.ibc.ca or click here.  

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 worked 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 and @IBC_Ontario 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

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]