Tornadoes in Ontario: Prep and Insurance Tips

Tornadoes, though relatively rare in Ontario compared to some other regions, can strike with devastating force and little warning.

Tornadoes can cause significant destruction through powerful winds, flying debris, and sudden pressure changes. Ontario typically experiences tornadoes between May and September, with the highest frequency in June and July. Southern Ontario, particularly the areas around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, are more prone to these severe weather events.

As your trusted insurance provider, we want to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge to stay safe and adequately protected. Here’s what you need to know about tornadoes and how to prepare, along with important insurance considerations.

Tornado Preparedness: What You Need to Know

Safety Measures:

• Designate a Safe Room: Identify the safest place in your home to take shelter during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.
• Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and important documents.
• Family Plan: Create and practice a tornado emergency plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do if a tornado warning is issued.

Staying Informed:

Stay updated with weather forecasts and sign up for local weather alerts on your phone. You can also check environment Canada for any weather alerts and keep an eye on your phone in case an emergency alert is sent out.

Know the difference between a tornado watch (conditions are favorable for a tornado) and a tornado warning (a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar).

 Securing Your Home:

You can proactively secure your home before a tornado or extreme weather. Here’s some areas to start but it’s important that if you get an extreme weather alert you prioritize your safety with the proper insurance coverage any damage to your home can be fixed.

• Strengthen Structures: Consider reinforcing your home’s structure, especially the roof, windows, and doors, to withstand high winds.
• Remove Hazards: Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that could become projectiles. Trim trees and remove dead branches to minimize the risk of damage.
• Storm Shelters: If possible, invest in a storm shelter or a safe room that meets standards for withstanding tornadoes.

Insurance Considerations: What You Need to Know

Review and Understand Your Policy:

• Wind Damage Coverage: Verify that your home insurance policy includes coverage for wind damage, which typically encompasses tornado damage. This should cover both the structure of your home and your personal belongings.
• Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value: Understand whether your policy covers replacement cost (replacing damaged items with new ones) or actual cash value (current value of items considering depreciation). Replacement cost coverage is generally more comprehensive.

Additional Coverage Options:

• Content Insurance: Ensure your policy adequately covers the contents of your home. High-value items like jewelry, electronics, and collectibles might need additional coverage through riders or endorsements.
• Temporary Living Expenses: Check if your policy includes coverage for temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to tornado damage. This can help cover costs for hotel stays, meals, and other necessary expenses during repairs.

Documenting and Safeguarding Your Belongings:

• Inventory: Create a detailed home inventory, including photos, videos, and receipts of your belongings. This will be invaluable for verifying losses and expediting the claims process.
• Secure Records: Store important documents, such as insurance policies, home inventories, and personal records, in a secure, waterproof container. Consider keeping digital copies as backups.

Filing a Claim:

Here’s some tips when it comes to submitting an insurance claim.

• Contact your insurance broker as soon as possible after a tornado if your home is damaged.
• Take comprehensive photos and videos of the damage before making any temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for all expenses related to immediate repairs and temporary living arrangements.
• Understand the claims process outlined by your insurance company. Provide all necessary documentation and cooperate with any inspections or assessments required.

Final Thoughts

Tornadoes can be terrifying and destructive, but with proper preparation and adequate insurance coverage, you can mitigate their impact.

Being proactive in your safety measures and understanding your insurance policy will ensure that you and your family are protected both physically and financially.

For personalized advice on your insurance needs or assistance with reviewing your policy, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you stay safe and secure in any weather.