Post Tropical Storm Arthur - Atlantic Canadians preparing for a windy wet weekend

HALIFAX, July 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Hurricane Arthur is now predicted to be a strong Post Tropical Storm by the time it arrives in Nova Scotia on Saturday morning with strong winds, gusting to 90kph, heavy rains and storm surges predicted. Residents of the region should closely follow local weather forecasts.  With this in mind, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has this advice for residents in affected areas.

Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic Canada, says, "Listen to local emergency officials for information for your specific communities. If you experience damages as a result of the heavy rains and winds, safety must be the top concern.  If your home or business experiences any flooding or sewage backup problems, turn off electrical breakers for areas that have suffered water damage, but only if it is safe to do so."

IBC has created a useful video, available at ibc.ca, about emergency preparedness in the event of hurricanes.

Should your property experience storm related damages, call your insurance representative as soon as possible so they can begin the claims adjusting process.

Dean added, "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 as soon as possible to make sure they understand their coverage. And we strongly recommend everyone to take steps to prevent damage to their homes and properties where possible."

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. The Centre will be open 24 hours over the July 4^th weekend.  For inquiries after hours the number to call is 902-240-6931.

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

Water Damage Is on the Rise – Are You Protected?	Getting Ready: A Guide to Emergency Preparation

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

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

http://www.ibc.ca/en/home_insurance/documents/brochures/wavesconcern_storm_surge_atl_en.pdf

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 $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.

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 x-4312 (daytime), [email protected]; Steve Kee, Director, Media & Digital Communications, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 x-4387 (daytime), 416-841-5669 (after hours), [email protected]