A year ago December rain, freezing rain and snow hit Southern Ontario, with the ice storm causing more than $200 million in insured losses – are your clients ready if the iceman cometh again?
“Last year, emergency workers, utility employees, insurers and volunteers worked around the clock on storm recovery efforts. But the storm still took a serious toll on families and communities,” said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario,
Insurance Bureau of Canada. “As we look back, we remember how communities and people came together to help one another, but we also remember key lessons that were learned including the benefits of emergency preparedness planning.”
It was on December 20, 2013, rain, freezing rain and snow began falling in parts of Southern Ontario including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ottawa, and Windsor. While a freezing rain warning was announced, no one could have foreseen the terrible outcome of the ice storm. But this year, the IBC is asking brokers to remind their clients that this extreme storm was not an anomaly, and that they should take steps now to prepare for these types of storms.
“As we look back on the effects of last year's ice storm, we are reminded that it is important to take a few minutes to go over emergency preparations with your families and neighbours,” said Palumbo. “By ensuring you have an emergency plan, a well-equipped emergency kit, a home inventory and a well-secured home, you can help keep your loved ones safe and properties secure when extreme weather hits.”
The 2013 ice storm caused more than $200 million in insured losses, and increased insured losses for the year to $3.4 billion. In recent years, Ontarians have seen everything from flooding, ice storms, snowstorms and tornadoes. With the increase in extreme weather, it's important to make sure emergency measures are in place, not only for governments and corporations, but for families and communities as well, added Palumbo.
