Make Family Day an Emergency Preparedness Day

EDMONTON, Feb. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - As Family Day approaches, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is encouraging families across Alberta to make emergency preparation a priority. Take the time to discuss what to do in the event of a disaster with your family.

"This Family Day, take a few minutes to review your family's emergency plans and update your disaster safety kit," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "IBC wants to help ensure that families are prepared for the increasing number of severe weather events and the potential for a natural disaster. Preparation is key."

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 workplace.
3. Be sure to have at least 2 litres of water per person a day for up to 72 hours.
4. Know the best paths to your home's exits and safe meeting locations nearby. 
5. Speak with your neighbours – plan ahead to share responsibilities and help one another. 
6. Compile detailed up-to-date contact lists for work and school, as well as for family members with special health needs.
7. Prepare a detailed home inventory.
8. Test and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
9. Put all important documents in a safe place and ensure they are accessible if you need to evacuate.
10. Talk to your insurance representative about coverage for specific events.

To learn more about how to prepare for an emergency, visit www.ibc.ca. Also, read the Government of Canada's "Your Emergency Preparedness Guide."

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 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion. For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

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: Ariella Kimmel, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 416-550-9062 (after hours), [email protected]