Preparing for emergencies

Hurricane preparation

• Keep informed of the expected weather conditions. Obtain up-to-date information from your local radio or television station, or visit www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
• Keep a flashlight and a battery operated radio at hand including a sufficient amount of spare batteries.
• Ensure you have a telephone that does not require electricity to function (most cordless and multi-feature phones will not work in a power outage).
• Secure items inside your home that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire. Remove large or heavy objects from high shelves to lower shelves.
• Store flammable products away from all heat sources.
• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water supplies.
• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees located near your home, outbuildings, parked or stored vehicles and power lines.
• Store all outdoor objects such as patio/lawn furniture, BBQ, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Protect your windows with permanent shutters or plywood panels that are approximately ½ inch thick.
• If you have a sump pump, make sure it is in proper working order as ground water always increases during storms.
• If possible, purchase a generator or DC to AC converter for your car. A generator should be big enough to run your refrigerator, a lamp or two and any fans. A DC to AC converter will allow your car to be used as a portable generator. You will need a heavy duty extension cord to run the power into your house. Never run the car or any gasoline generator in the garage as this creates carbon monoxide and is very hazardous.
• Ensure you have a sufficient supply of charcoal or propane for your BBQ so that you are able to cook and heat food for meals. Remember never to operate your BBQ from inside your home or garage.

Claims can be reported to our National Operations Claims number: 1.800.804.0087.