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Hurricane Earl is on its way and Allstate Insurance Company of Canada wants to help keep Atlantic Canadians safe.
“Maritimers are used to severe weather, but when a storm hits it’s easy to forget or overlook the simplest thing,” says Tony Irwin of Allstate Canada. “It never hurts for everyone to brush up on safety.”
To help Atlantic Canadians keep their homes and families safe during hurricane season, Allstate Canada offers these preparation and safety reminders.
When a Hurricane Warning Is Issued
- Clear outside. High velocity winds can turn unsecure items such as garden furniture, barbecues and tree branches into destructive missiles. Remember to keep the area surrounding your home clear of any objects that heavy winds could blow around.
- Protect your windows. Ensure you have hurricane shutters or 3/4-inch outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors and pre-drill holes for the plywood, so you can put it up quickly in the event of a storm.
- Leave some space. If possible, store items on shelves rather than directly on the basement floor. To keep important documents safe, store them in a water-tight plastic container.
- Plan ahead. Create an emergency preparedness plan and kit in case you have to evacuate. This kit will have a three day supply of food water and other essential items. For a list of what to include visit goodhandsadvice.ca/en/build-an-emergency-kit.
- Take inventory. Review your insurance policy and talk to your insurance agent to make sure you and your home are properly covered. Also, create a home inventory list of the items you own either with a video camera and describing the details of each item you own or writing down the list. Remember to keep the list or the video tape where it won’t be damaged by water.
Safety during a storm
If you are indoors:
- Take cover. Stay away from any windows or glassed areas and move under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a workbench or a heavy table. Hold onto the furniture with one hand. Use the other arm to protect your head and neck from falling or flying objects.
- Stay tuned. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television and listen for the latest emergency information. If told to leave, grab your emergency safety kit and go immediately to the designated shelter.
- Listen. Be sure to follow the recommended evacuation routes — never take shortcuts.
If you are outdoors:
- Try to find shelter indoors. If there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- Stay away from bridges and overpasses. If there is no shelter, lie down in a ditch or ravine.
If you are in a vehicle:
- Stop driving. Immediately stop the car and turn off the engine. Get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in a building, ditch or ravine.
Hurricane Season: Additional Tips to Protect your Home
- Secure loose roof shingles. Your roof is one of the most important and vulnerable parts of your home. Keeping shingles attached is critical. If the edge shingles are not secure or extend beyond the drip edge more than 0.6 centimeters, a high wind can lift them off and create a domino effect. If the shingles come up without much effort, secure them with roofing cement.
- Secure all buildings on your property. Garage doors are highly susceptible to wind damage because of their size and relative weakness. A qualified inspector can determine if the door and the track system can resist high winds. Consider installing permanent wood or metal stiffeners to strengthen the door.
- Prepare your home. Window glass covered with protective film will not shatter if it breaks. Install window wells and window well covers to improve drainage around basement windows and help prevent water from entering your basement. You can also seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floors to reduce the chance of infiltration flooding.
For more information about how you can protect you and your family during a hurricane or to speak with Tony Irwin, Allstate’s official spokesperson, please contact:
Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.com
