Even though water is now the number one cause of damage to Canadian households, 55% of the country feels “prepared” to handle a turbulent thunderstorm, according to a new survey conducted by RBC Insurance.
In fact, although many forms of natural disasters are on the rise and extreme weather events that used to occur every 40 years now take place every six years, a majority of Canadians remain “optimistic” about their ability to cope with severe snowstorms, thunderstorms, and ice/hail storms.
"Although Canadians feel prepared to deal with the adverse effects of extreme weather, the amount of damage caused by weather incidents increased 650% in Canada between 2009 and 2012," Paula Bandi, senior product manager, Home, RBC Insurance said in a statement. "Based on these findings, it appears Canadians may have a relatively high level of optimism when rating their level of preparedness."
This optimism may be hampering precautionary efforts. The study also found that the number of Canadians undertaking preventative care for their homes has fallen sharply.
For example, in 2014, 60% of surveyed Canadians engaged in eavestroughs and downspouts maintenance, compared with 22% in 2015. Similarly, last year 29% of Canadians partook in preventative landscaping such as grading, as opposed to 18% in 2015.
"It's alarming to see such a steep decline in Canadians willingness to take precautionary measures to protect their homes," said Bandi. "Extreme weather events are inevitable and Canadians need to take proactive steps to protect their home from extensive property damages."
