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Summer has just begun and already it is shaping up to be an incredibly stormy one in Ontario. Various regions of the province have been hit with lighting storms, thunderstorms and even tornadoes.
Today in Midland, Ontario a possible tornado touched down and warnings have been put up by Environment Canada for tornadoes in Southern and Eastern Ontario. With an average of 80 tornadoes per year, Canada ranks second in the world for the most tornadoes.
In August 2009 a total of seven confirmed tornadoes touched down on August 20, the total recorded tornadoes in Ontario alone, in 2009, leapt to 15, but that’s only four more than average.
Threats of tornados create a whirlwind of questions about what to do in the event an actual touchdown. While tornadoes can be magnificent and are an awesome display of Mother Nature’s power, there is a misconception about the groundspeed of a tornado. Tony Irwin, External Affairs Manager, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada warns that “people should not be running for their camcorders, they should be seeking shelter.” Tornadoes can’t be outrun – on average they sweep along the ground at 45 km/hour and can accelerate up to 100 km/hour.
Preparation is the best way to protect you and your home during a tornado. If you are in a high-risk area for tornadoes (Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario), Allstate Insurance Company of Canada recommends the following preparation tips to keep you and your family:
Preparation
• Consider installing impact-resistant windows or storm shutters.
• Have your roof inspected by a professional to see how vulnerable it would be during a storm.
• When a storm approaches, close your windows and remove any objects surrounding your home (garbage and recycling bins, patio furniture, barbecues, yard debris) as heavy winds can transform these items into destructive missiles.
In the event of a tornado
• Go to the lowest point of your home, basements or storm cellars are the best options. If your home does not have a basement, take shelter in a closet, a bathroom or under a staircase.
• Avoid taking cover in the corner of a room, as they attract flying debris.
• If outdoors, lie down in a ditch or ravine.
• Stay away from bridges and overpasses.
• If possible leave your vehicle for shelter.
For more information please visit Allstate Canada’s interactive online resource centre, goodhandsadvice.ca which provides consumers with tips on emergency preparedness and damage prevention.
To arrange an interview with Allstate Spokesperson, Tony Irwin, please contact:
Media Contact:
Jennifer Gordon
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 348 / 647-296-4606
Gordon@thornleyfallis.com
