CALGARY,  May 10, 2011 — Wildfires are a natural hazard in any forested and grassland region in Canada. Typically, the wildfire season in Canada runs from April through to October. The months of June, July and August see the most fires and the fires that burn the largest amount of land. As we enter another wildfire season, and since wildfires can leave us with little warning before they spread, it is important to take the proper precautions and remind ourselves of what to do if a fire is headed our way.

“In Canada, 55 per cent of all forest fires are caused by people, while lightning causes the remaining 45 per cent,” says Eric Michalko of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “Understanding how fires begin is crucial to preventing them; however, we also need to know what do to when faced with one.”

Each year there are approximately 8,000 wildfires in Canada, destroying approximately 25,000 square kilometres of land. Fires can threaten public health and safety, destroy property and cause economic hardship. British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario have the most wildfires due to the terrain and elevation. The Maritimes are particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to the windy weather this region experiences. Winds supply fire with additional oxygen, further dries potential fuel and pushes fire across the land at a faster rate.

To help protect what Canadians have today and to better prepare for tomorrow, Allstate Canada offers these preparation and safety tips for keeping your home and surrounding area fire free:

To Prepare for a Fire:

• If you live near a wooded area, a debris-free lawn around your home can be your best protection during a wildfire, as it acts as a natural firebreak between the house and the surrounding woodland. Keep the perimeter of your home free of fire hazards such as dead leaves, brush or other debris. Store firewood and other sources of fuel at least 10 metres away from the walls of your home.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and install smoke detectors on every floor of your home. Be sure that your fire extinguisher is labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Test the smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries on the same dates twice a year, such as daylight savings time. 
• Homes that are located in or near a forested area are at the greatest risk of wildfire. When building or upgrading your home, consider using fire resistant material such as metal, asphalt and ULC-treated shakes for roofs and stucco, metal, brick and concrete for the foundation. The most fire resistant glass is tempered glass.
• Create an emergency preparedness plan and kit in case you have to evacuate your home or town. This kit should have a three-day supply of food, water and other essential items. For a full list of what to include visit goodhandsadvice.ca/en/build-an-emergency-kit.
• Practice your emergency preparedness plan with your family to ensure that they know what to do in the event of a fire. Rehearse the Stop, Drop and Roll drill in the event their clothes catch on fire.

In the Event of a Fire:

• Smoke is the cause of the majority of fire-related deaths.  In addition to deadly carbon monoxide, smoke carries poisons such as hydrogen cyanide and irritants such as formaldehyde and acetic acid. Be sure to stay low and cover your mouth and nose and if available, breathe through a damp cloth to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Protect exposed skin with clothing or non-flammable material. If you are spending time outdoors, like camping, consider wearing natural fibres such as wool or cotton. Synthetic fabics, even if worn as underwear, will melt.
  • If you are indoors, keep doors and windows closed and all lights on to aid visibility.
  • Be ready to evacuate at any time. When you need to leave, gather all family members and pets and head to the neighbourhood meeting place listed in your emergency preparedness plan.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 94 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth.  Learn more at www.allstate.all-canadians.com.

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For more information regarding for wildfire safety tips or to arrange an interview with Eric Michalko, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, or a regional spokesperson please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

Data from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada shows that claims due to water damage or sewer backup from flooding accounted for almost 31 per cent of catastrophic claims in the past six years in Quebec. Sewer backup enters a home through its lower levels via plumbing fixtures, including floor drains, sewer clean outs and basement toilets, sinks and showers.

 “Heavy rains can cause major damage to a home if you’re not prepared,” says Eric Michalko of Allstate Canada. “Insurance claims for basement water damage are estimated at $140 million each year in Canada, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. So it’s important to prepare your home and family to reduce your risk.”

To help protect what Quebec residents have today and to better prepare for tomorrow, Allstate Canada offers these preparation and safety tips in the event that your home is in danger of possible water damage:

 If You Live In an Area Prone to Severe Rainfall

• Keep water away. Investigate lot grading, back filling and swales, which capture water run-off, to help keep water away from your home and foundation. Also consider installing weeping tiles, sump-pumps or sump-pits to keep your basement dry.
• Prepare your home. Install window wells and window well covers to improve drainage around basement windows and help prevent water from entering your basement. Seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floors to reduce the chance of infiltration flooding. Disconnect downspouts from the municipal sewer system and extend them away from your home, but make sure you don’t direct water toward neighbouring properties.
• 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 should have a three-day supply of food, water and other essential items. Find the complete list at goodhandsadvice.ca/en/build-an-emergency-kit.
• Know you are covered. Review your insurance policy and talk to your insurance agent to make sure you and your home are properly covered.

 When Heavy Rains Hits

• Before water enters your home. Shut off the electricity and outside gas valve. If possible, block sewers in the basement to avoid backflow. Go quickly to the upper floors of your home and turn on a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.
• Listen. If told to leave, grab your emergency preparedness kit and go to your designated shelter. Be sure to follow the recommended evacuation routes. Never take shortcuts.
• Keep out of any standing water. Hazards from floating debris, sewer contamination, live electrical wires and slippery footing can make wading in flood waters extremely dangerous.
• If you are outdoors. Climb to high ground in a highly visible and safe area. Never cross floodwaters as water as shallow as 15 centimetres could sweep you off your feet.
• If you are in your vehicle. If you come to a flooded area, turn around, head for elevated ground and park there. Avoid remaining in your vehicle since as little as 60 centimetres of water can carry away a car.

 After the Damage

• Safe return. Return to your home only when emergency authorities have advised you it is safe to do so.
• Keep the power off. Do not turn on the power in your home after significant water damage. Ask your hydro company for assistance.
• Record the damage. If possible, record details of any damage before you clean up. Take photos or video to help with your insurance company’s assessment.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of Canada’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products. “The Good Hands Network®” enables consumers to contact Allstate Canada through one of 94 community-based Agencies, directly online at www.allstate.ca and through the Customer Contact Centre at 1-800-Allstate. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), Crime Stoppers, United Way and Junior Achievement. In 2010, Allstate Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), created the Allstate All-Canadians program, a mentorship program designed to guide the next generation of Canada’s hockey youth. Learn more at www.allstate.all-canadians.com.

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For more information about how you can protect your family and home during a heavy rainfall or to speak with Eric Michalko, Allstate Canada’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Fox
Thornley Fallis Communications
T: 416.515.7517 x 350
fox@thornleyfallis.ca

Earthquakes strike without warning, so learn before the quake strikes how to protect yourself and your family as fully as possible. Allstate Insurance Company of Canada and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, recommend the following actions to protect your family and home before and during an earthquake.

Preparation

•  Create a family disaster safety plan. Assemble a disaster safety kit. Together, identify escape routes from your home and neighbourhood. Choose an emergency meeting place for the family.
• Most injuries during an earthquake occur because objects fall. Take time to make your home safer.
• Anchor bookcases and filing cabinets to nearby walls.
• Install latches on drawers and cabinet doors so they are less likely to swing open.
• Install ledge barriers on shelves, place heavy objects on lower shelves, and secure large, heavy breakables directly to shelves.
• Use closed eyescrews and wire to securely attach framed pictures and mirrors to the walls.
• Secure ceiling lights, suspended ceilings and other hanging items to the permanent structure of your house.
• Anchor large appliances to walls using safety cables or straps.
• Secure your water heater to nearby walls.

If you are indoors

• Drop to the floor, take cover under something strong like a desk or table, and hold on to it.
• “Drop, cover and hold” until the shaking stops.
• Move away from windows, skylights, doors and things that can fall.
• Stay inside, and do not leave the building – you may be hit by falling debris.

If you are outdoors

• Move quickly and safely into the open, away from electrical lines, trees and buildings.
• Drop to the ground and cover your head with your arms until the shaking stops.

If you are in a vehicle

•Carefully bring your vehicle to a stop at the side of the road, away from traffic.
•Do not stop on or under bridges, under power lines or near roadway signs that might fall.
• Once the shaking has stopped you can continue driving, but watch carefully for damage to the roadway.
• Earthquakes cannot be predicted, although some scientists are working on this. Because earthquakes strike without warning, it is important that every member of your family knows what to do when an earthquake strikes. Learn about your disaster safety plans in the workplace and at your children’s school and/or childcare centre.
For more information on how to protect your home from earthquakes or to arrange an interview with Tony Irwin, Allstate’s official spokesperson, please contact:

Ingrid Pulpan
Thornley Fallis Communications
(416) 515-7517, ext. 341
pulpan@thornleyfallis.com

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