Did you know that natural disasters are increasing in frequency and severity? Whether it’s wildfires, tornados, ice storms, or hurricanes, disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. Increase your family’s emergency preparedness with these four steps.
 
Step 1: Create an emergency plan and kit
Ensuring the whole family knows what to do during a specific disaster or emergency, such as a fire, earthquake, or severe weather event, is crucial. You may not always be together when such an event occurs, so you should have a plan in place to contact and find one another.
 
Determine the best ways to evacuate your home in case of an emergency. Make sure adults and older children know the location of your fire extinguishers and water, electric, and gas utilities. Reiterate that everyone should be aware of the location of your emergency kit. Establish a safe place for your family to meet outside your home and neighbourhood. If a family member has unique needs that require extra assistance, incorporate those details into your preparation. And remember a plan to evacuate your pets. The Canadian Red Cross has created a Home Plan Template that you can download and fill out to help you prepare an emergency plan and kit. They also recommend practicing your emergency plan regularly to maintain a sense of control and readiness.
 
If you can't evacuate, prepare to be self-sufficient in your home for at least three days (or seven to ten days in a health emergency). Feeling prepared and secure is essential. That's why it's also helpful to become familiar with the evacuation plans for different buildings, such as your work, school, community centre, etc., in case a disaster happens when you're not home.
 
Collaborate with your neighbours to identify individuals who may need extra assistance during an emergency or who you can rely on for help. In the event of a disaster, stay tuned in to local radio and television stations. If officials or community leaders advise you to evacuate your neighbourhood, follow the designated routes and proceed to the specified location. Avoid taking shortcuts, as they could be blocked or hazardous.
 
Communication is key during emergencies. Plan for each family member to communicate with the same out-of-town emergency contact. Choose someone that lives far enough away that they won't be affected by the same event. This designated person should be aware that they're your family's emergency contact and ensure that everyone in your family knows their contact information.
 
Step 2: Secure your home
You can do many things to prepare your home for a disaster or emergency. Here are some actions you can take to get started:
 

• Install impact-resistant windows and doors.

• Anchor heavy objects within your home that could fall over and cause injury.

• Consider purchasing a portable power generator and keeping extra fuel on hand to use in the event of a power failure. Use caution when operating a gas generator, and store the fuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.

• Perform regular home maintenance on your roof, chimney, electrical, heating, plumbing, and landscape grading.

• Install or maintain a backflow valve that only allows water to flow in one direction, away from your home. Check with your municipality before you install one.

• Ensure your downspouts extend at least 2 metres away from your foundation and your yard slopes away from your home to prevent flooding.

• Store toxic or flammable products away from heat sources, and avoid storing them in your basement.

 
For other helpful tips, read our articles on home fire safety, preventing wildfires, being your home’s hero against natural hazards, and what to do when severe weather threatens your home.
 
Step 3: Maintain a home inventory list
A home inventory list is a record of all your belongings in your home. It typically includes the name of the item (with the brand and model number), a brief description, the value, the serial number (standard for electronics), and a receipt/warranty. Maintaining a list of your belongings is recommended to help you determine the appropriate insurance coverage that meets your needs and prepares you in case of a loss. Remember to store your home inventory list somewhere safe, ideally outside your home.
 
Step 4: Know what’s covered
Most home insurance policies cover damage and destruction caused by fire and severe weather. In certain circumstances where homeowners can’t return to their homes because of insured damage, they may be entitled to additional living expenses like hotel accommodations and meals. If insured with OTIP, check with an OTIP broker to see the limit on your policy for those additional living expenses. Vehicles that experienced damage from hail, ice, wind, or water are usually covered under comprehensive or all-perils auto insurance – these are additional optional coverages, so check with an OTIP broker if you would like them added to your policy.
 
If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-494-0089 to review your existing home insurance policy. If you’re not insured with OTIP and are shopping for home insurance, call us at 1-833-615-9326 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!