IBC urges Atlantic Canada to prepare for Hurricane Teddy

With the potential arrival of Hurricane Teddy in Atlantic Canada, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reaching out to residents in the region to help them prepare.

The bureau has suggested that residents should create an emergency preparedness plan for their families and prepare disaster safety kits for their homes and cars. Homeowners have been advised to also secure any outdoor furniture they might have to prevent any flying debris.

To reduce any water damage, IBC advises homeowners to check their downspouts and ensure that they are clear of debris. The bureau also suggests that homeowners should ensure that their sump pump works to protect their homes against flooding caused by torrential rain.

In addition, it has urged Atlantic Canadians to ensure that all their electronic handheld devices and back-up power sources are fully charged, in case a power outage occurs when the hurricane strikes.

IBC has also offered a few insurance reminders:

• Sewer backup is only covered if the homeowner has purchased optional sewer backup coverage.
• Overland flood insurance is similarly only covered if optional overland flood insurance has been purchased; IBC has warned that this type of insurance may not be available in known flood plain areas.
• Wind and hail damage is usually covered.
• Comprehensive or all-perils auto insurance will cover wind, hail, and/or water damage to cars – but it is not mandatory coverage, so policyholders should check.
• Homeowners unable to return to their properties due to insured damage are entitled to additional living expenses.

“As we saw a year ago with Dorian, a hurricane or even tropical storm can cause extensive damage regardless of its category. Being prepared for any severe weather event is important for your personal and financial security,” said IBC Atlantic vice-president Amanda Dean. “We want to ensure that Atlantic Canadians are ready for any strong winds or heavy rains that Hurricane Teddy may bring to the region.”

Dean also warned that even a significantly weakened hurricane or tropical storm can carry winds that are powerful enough to cause “widespread destruction and upheaval.”