On 10th anniversary of Hurricane Juan IBC urges Canadians to prepare for severe weather

HALIFAX, Sept. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - This month marks the 10^th anniversary since Hurricane Juan hit Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island on September 28, 2003. To mark this event, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reminds Canadians of the importance of taking preventive measures aimed at minimizing the impact of natural disasters.

According to data collected by Property Claim Services Canada (PCS-Canada), thousands of claims were filed for Hurricane Juan, amounting to more than $165 million in insured losses.   PCS-Canada is a service that tracks insured losses arising from catastrophic events in Canada.

Amanda Dean, IBC's Vice-President, Atlantic region, says, "These losses show only part of the picture. The human toll was devastating for many families. The incredible impact that natural disasters can have on communities is a wake-up call that everyone, the insurance industry, our governments, communities and consumers, has a role to play in making Canada more resilient to severe weather."

The insurance industry has seen an increase in the intensity, duration and frequency of storms. Over the past 10 years severe weather has resulted in a staggering $396 million worth of insurance losses in the Atlantic region. Severe weather is jeopardizing lives, property and livelihoods. Losses from natural catastrophes in Canada have been rising with claim payouts doubling every five to ten years since the 1980s.

"Adapting to severe weather must be a priority for everyone. Disaster mitigation involves governments at all levels, communities and individuals. We urge people to talk to their insurance providers to make sure they understand their coverage. And we urge people to take steps to prevent damage to their homes and properties where possible," adds Dean.

If you have questions or need help with your home, car or business insurance, contact our Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-565-7189 ext. 228, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For tips on how to on how to protect your family and home from severe weather:

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Home_Insurance/documents/brochures/Water_Damage_on_Rise_en_web.pdf

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Home_Insurance/documents/brochures/DisasterPrep_brochure_EN.pdf

For more information on the rise of severe weather in Canada:

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Natural_Disasters/Weather_Story.asp

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 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 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 like us on Facebook.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

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

To schedule an interview, please contact:

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