Prevention tips Test

Helping you plan ahead for severe weather

Be prepared

Severe weather and natural disasters can happen at any time. Protect yourself, your family and home in the event of emergencies affecting your community. 

Know the risks

It’s important to understand the risks of these natural hazards so you can be prepared

Make an evacuation plan

Make a plan so you know what to do before, during and after a severe weather event. Talk to your insurance representative about your policy and coverage

72-hour kit

Create a 72-hour emergency kit and written plan with your family

Need to make a claim after an event?

Prevention and tips

It’s important to know what to do before, during and after an emergency. Take care and protect yourself and your family with these helpful tips.

  • Flooding<sup>2</sup>

    Floods are a common natural hazard in Canada and it can happen at any time of the year. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. 

    Before a flood:

    • Create a 72-hour emergency kit and written plan with your family
    • Clean your gutters and storm sewer grates
    • Maintain your eaves and downspouts at least once a year
    • Direct downspouts away from your home 
    • Ensure basement windows are closed and secured
    • Never pour fats, oils, and grease down your drains
    • Store anything irreplaceable, expensive or valuable on higher floors
    • Talk to your insurance representative about your policy and coverage
    • Store basement items in plastic re-usable tote boxes if possible
    • Check your sump pump for proper maintenance and working order at the start of each Spring season

    During a flood:

    • Check your local news for the latest updates on which areas are affected
    • Move to higher ground, if possible
    • Do not enter any room where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. 
    • Stay away from water that may be conducting electricity
    • In case you need to obey evacuation orders, have your 72-hour emergency kit close-by and ready to go
    • If you need to leave your home: pay attention to authorities. Leave a note to inform others of the time you left, where you went and your contact
      information. Follow the instructed route. 
    • Keep all of your receipts for any extra expenses you may have incurred as some or all may be reimbursable
    • Do not attempt to cross a flooded area. Water may be deep, contain hazards, and could sweep you away.

    After a flood:

    • If you had to leave your home, wait until authorities give the to return to your home. 
    • Before re-entering and if there are electrical concerns, make sure a licensed electrician has determined your home is safe. 
    • Have a qualified electrician inspect your cleaned and dried appliances, main electrical panel, and heating, pressure, and sewage systems.
    • Inspect your home for structural safety, including walls, floors, windows,
      dangerous debris, and your drinking water. 
    • Have a qualified remediation contractor clean, disinfect, and dry flood-contaminated rooms in the event that this work has to be done
      immediately. Discard any materials that cannot be salvaged. 
    • Record damages to your home and possessions with photos and videos. 
    • As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to get the claims process started.

    Hail

    Floods are a common natural hazard in Canada and it can happen at any time of the year. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. 

    Before a flood:

    • Create a 72-hour emergency kit and written plan with your family
    • Clean your gutters and storm sewer grates
    • Maintain your eaves and downspouts at least once a year
    • Direct downspouts away from your home 
    • Ensure basement windows are closed and secured
    • Never pour fats, oils, and grease down your drains
    • Store anything irreplaceable, expensive or valuable on higher floors
    • Talk to your insurance representative about your policy and coverage
    • Store basement items in plastic re-usable tote boxes if possible
    • Check your sump pump for proper maintenance and working order at the start of each Spring season

    During a flood:

    • Check your local news for the latest updates on which areas are affected
    • Move to higher ground, if possible
    • Do not enter any room where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. 
    • Stay away from water that may be conducting electricity
    • In case you need to obey evacuation orders, have your 72-hour emergency kit close-by and ready to go
    • If you need to leave your home: pay attention to authorities. Leave a note to inform others of the time you left, where you went and your contact
      information. Follow the instructed route. 
    • Keep all of your receipts for any extra expenses you may have incurred as some or all may be reimbursable
    • Do not attempt to cross a flooded area. Water may be deep, contain hazards, and could sweep you away.

    After a flood:

    • If you had to leave your home, wait until authorities give the to return to your home. 
    • Before re-entering and if there are electrical concerns, make sure a licensed electrician has determined your home is safe. 
    • Have a qualified electrician inspect your cleaned and dried appliances, main electrical panel, and heating, pressure, and sewage systems.
    • Inspect your home for structural safety, including walls, floors, windows,
      dangerous debris, and your drinking water. 
    • Have a qualified remediation contractor clean, disinfect, and dry flood-contaminated rooms in the event that this work has to be done
      immediately. Discard any materials that cannot be salvaged. 
    • Record damages to your home and possessions with photos and videos. 
    • As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to get the claims process started.

    Wildfire

    Floods are a common natural hazard in Canada and it can happen at any time of the year. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. 

    Before a flood:

    • Create a 72-hour emergency kit and written plan with your family
    • Clean your gutters and storm sewer grates
    • Maintain your eaves and downspouts at least once a year
    • Direct downspouts away from your home 
    • Ensure basement windows are closed and secured
    • Never pour fats, oils, and grease down your drains
    • Store anything irreplaceable, expensive or valuable on higher floors
    • Talk to your insurance representative about your policy and coverage
    • Store basement items in plastic re-usable tote boxes if possible
    • Check your sump pump for proper maintenance and working order at the start of each Spring season

    During a flood:

    • Check your local news for the latest updates on which areas are affected
    • Move to higher ground, if possible
    • Do not enter any room where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. 
    • Stay away from water that may be conducting electricity
    • In case you need to obey evacuation orders, have your 72-hour emergency kit close-by and ready to go
    • If you need to leave your home: pay attention to authorities. Leave a note to inform others of the time you left, where you went and your contact
      information. Follow the instructed route. 
    • Keep all of your receipts for any extra expenses you may have incurred as some or all may be reimbursable
    • Do not attempt to cross a flooded area. Water may be deep, contain hazards, and could sweep you away.

    After a flood:

    • If you had to leave your home, wait until authorities give the to return to your home. 
    • Before re-entering and if there are electrical concerns, make sure a licensed electrician has determined your home is safe. 
    • Have a qualified electrician inspect your cleaned and dried appliances, main electrical panel, and heating, pressure, and sewage systems.
    • Inspect your home for structural safety, including walls, floors, windows,
      dangerous debris, and your drinking water. 
    • Have a qualified remediation contractor clean, disinfect, and dry flood-contaminated rooms in the event that this work has to be done
      immediately. Discard any materials that cannot be salvaged. 
    • Record damages to your home and possessions with photos and videos. 
    • As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to get the claims process started.

    Wind

    Floods are a common natural hazard in Canada and it can happen at any time of the year. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. 

    Before a flood:

    • Create a 72-hour emergency kit and written plan with your family
    • Clean your gutters and storm sewer grates
    • Maintain your eaves and downspouts at least once a year
    • Direct downspouts away from your home 
    • Ensure basement windows are closed and secured
    • Never pour fats, oils, and grease down your drains
    • Store anything irreplaceable, expensive or valuable on higher floors
    • Talk to your insurance representative about your policy and coverage
    • Store basement items in plastic re-usable tote boxes if possible
    • Check your sump pump for proper maintenance and working order at the start of each Spring season

    During a flood:

    • Check your local news for the latest updates on which areas are affected
    • Move to higher ground, if possible
    • Do not enter any room where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. 
    • Stay away from water that may be conducting electricity
    • In case you need to obey evacuation orders, have your 72-hour emergency kit close-by and ready to go
    • If you need to leave your home: pay attention to authorities. Leave a note to inform others of the time you left, where you went and your contact
      information. Follow the instructed route. 
    • Keep all of your receipts for any extra expenses you may have incurred as some or all may be reimbursable
    • Do not attempt to cross a flooded area. Water may be deep, contain hazards, and could sweep you away.

    After a flood:

    • If you had to leave your home, wait until authorities give the to return to your home. 
    • Before re-entering and if there are electrical concerns, make sure a licensed electrician has determined your home is safe. 
    • Have a qualified electrician inspect your cleaned and dried appliances, main electrical panel, and heating, pressure, and sewage systems.
    • Inspect your home for structural safety, including walls, floors, windows,
      dangerous debris, and your drinking water. 
    • Have a qualified remediation contractor clean, disinfect, and dry flood-contaminated rooms in the event that this work has to be done
      immediately. Discard any materials that cannot be salvaged. 
    • Record damages to your home and possessions with photos and videos. 
    • As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to get the claims process started.

    Winter storms

    Floods are a common natural hazard in Canada and it can happen at any time of the year. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. 

    Before a flood:

    • Create a 72-hour emergency kit and written plan with your family
    • Clean your gutters and storm sewer grates
    • Maintain your eaves and downspouts at least once a year
    • Direct downspouts away from your home 
    • Ensure basement windows are closed and secured
    • Never pour fats, oils, and grease down your drains
    • Store anything irreplaceable, expensive or valuable on higher floors
    • Talk to your insurance representative about your policy and coverage
    • Store basement items in plastic re-usable tote boxes if possible
    • Check your sump pump for proper maintenance and working order at the start of each Spring season

    During a flood:

    • Check your local news for the latest updates on which areas are affected
    • Move to higher ground, if possible
    • Do not enter any room where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. 
    • Stay away from water that may be conducting electricity
    • In case you need to obey evacuation orders, have your 72-hour emergency kit close-by and ready to go
    • If you need to leave your home: pay attention to authorities. Leave a note to inform others of the time you left, where you went and your contact
      information. Follow the instructed route. 
    • Keep all of your receipts for any extra expenses you may have incurred as some or all may be reimbursable
    • Do not attempt to cross a flooded area. Water may be deep, contain hazards, and could sweep you away.

    After a flood:

    • If you had to leave your home, wait until authorities give the to return to your home. 
    • Before re-entering and if there are electrical concerns, make sure a licensed electrician has determined your home is safe. 
    • Have a qualified electrician inspect your cleaned and dried appliances, main electrical panel, and heating, pressure, and sewage systems.
    • Inspect your home for structural safety, including walls, floors, windows,
      dangerous debris, and your drinking water. 
    • Have a qualified remediation contractor clean, disinfect, and dry flood-contaminated rooms in the event that this work has to be done
      immediately. Discard any materials that cannot be salvaged. 
    • Record damages to your home and possessions with photos and videos. 
    • As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to get the claims process started.

    While traveling

    Floods are a common natural hazard in Canada and it can happen at any time of the year. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and your family safe. 

    Before a flood:

    • Create a 72-hour emergency kit and written plan with your family
    • Clean your gutters and storm sewer grates
    • Maintain your eaves and downspouts at least once a year
    • Direct downspouts away from your home 
    • Ensure basement windows are closed and secured
    • Never pour fats, oils, and grease down your drains
    • Store anything irreplaceable, expensive or valuable on higher floors
    • Talk to your insurance representative about your policy and coverage
    • Store basement items in plastic re-usable tote boxes if possible
    • Check your sump pump for proper maintenance and working order at the start of each Spring season

    During a flood:

    • Check your local news for the latest updates on which areas are affected
    • Move to higher ground, if possible
    • Do not enter any room where electrical outlets or cords are submerged. 
    • Stay away from water that may be conducting electricity
    • In case you need to obey evacuation orders, have your 72-hour emergency kit close-by and ready to go
    • If you need to leave your home: pay attention to authorities. Leave a note to inform others of the time you left, where you went and your contact
      information. Follow the instructed route. 
    • Keep all of your receipts for any extra expenses you may have incurred as some or all may be reimbursable
    • Do not attempt to cross a flooded area. Water may be deep, contain hazards, and could sweep you away.

    After a flood:

    • If you had to leave your home, wait until authorities give the to return to your home. 
    • Before re-entering and if there are electrical concerns, make sure a licensed electrician has determined your home is safe. 
    • Have a qualified electrician inspect your cleaned and dried appliances, main electrical panel, and heating, pressure, and sewage systems.
    • Inspect your home for structural safety, including walls, floors, windows,
      dangerous debris, and your drinking water. 
    • Have a qualified remediation contractor clean, disinfect, and dry flood-contaminated rooms in the event that this work has to be done
      immediately. Discard any materials that cannot be salvaged. 
    • Record damages to your home and possessions with photos and videos. 
    • As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to get the claims process started.

How to build your 72-Hour emergency kit

Disasters can happen any time, anywhere. You and your family can be ready by following these three simple steps: know the risks, make a plan, and get a kit. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours following a disaster.

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

Water

At least 2-4 litres of water for each person.

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

Food

At least a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food for each person. Ensure you have a manual can opener too.

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

Emergency plan

Ensure you have a copy of your emergency plan.

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

Flashlight

Crank or battery-operated flashlight, with extra batteries.

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

Radio

Crank or battery-operated radio, with extra batteries.

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

First-aid kit

A well-stocked first-aid kit.

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

Special needs items

Items including medications or infant formula etc. 

Smiling father and baby sitting inside RV.

Important documents

Eg. copies of birth and marriage certificates, passports, licences, wills, and insurance policies).

  • Additional resources

    Public weather alerts for Canada

    http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html

    Getting prepared for emergencies and disasters

    https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/ 

    Emergency preparedness

    http://www.ibc.ca/on/disaster/emergency-preparedness/

    Safety and prevention for  homeowners

    https://www.iclr.org/resourcecentre/homeownersafety.html

The content in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as professional or expert advice.

Copyright in the whole and every part of this site belongs to Aviva Canada Inc., unless otherwise indicated, and may not be used, sold, licensed, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or form or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of Aviva Canada Inc.

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