Hailstorms Are Becoming More Severe and Frequent – Are You Prepared?
The frequency, severity and cost of severe weather events are rising across the country. From June until September, it’s hail season in Alberta and the Prairies. Properties in these regions are at risk of damage due to hail, heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The Calgary hailstorm on June 13, 2020 resulted in approximately 70,000 claims and over $1.3 billion in insured damages. The majority of the insured damages was to personal property and vehicles, with a smaller percentage to commercial property. It was the costliest hailstorm in Canadian history and the fourth costliest natural disaster of all time.
Prepare for a Hailstorm
Check with Your Insurer
Before the next severe storm, check with your insurance representative to ensure your policy is up-to-date and includes the appropriate levels of coverage. Make sure you’re familiar with specified deductibles, coverage limits and replacement values. Your insurance representative can clarify any information you may not understand.
Be Ready for Severe Weather
In addition to this list, The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) has a robust site with resources to help protect your home, vehicle and small business from hail. Visit hail-smart.com to learn more.
- Monitor local weather forecasts for thunderstorm warnings (which often include hail).
- Create an emergency preparedness plan for your household.
- Park your vehicle in a covered area to prevent damage.
- Clear your eavestroughs of debris to allow to proper drainage and to help reduce the risk of water damage.
- Cover outdoor items like barbecues and patio furniture (or store them indoors).
- Use window safety films to help prevent glass from shattering.
- Consider installing impact-resistant storm shutters for windows, skylights and doors.
- Install a self-adhering waterproofing underlayment when re-roofing.
- Use Class 4 impact resistant roofing materials when completing upgrades or repairs.
Stay Safe During a Hailstorm
- Seek shelter in a safe, secure building and stay away from windows, doors and skylights.
- If driving, find a place to safely pull off roadways and protect yourself from shattered glass by facing away from all windows.
- If you are caught outdoors with no immediately available shelter, crouch down, face away from the wind and protect your head and neck with your hands.
- Watch for flooded areas. Excessive hail combined with heavy rain can plug storm drains and create local flooding.
- Stay away from trees, towers, metal fences or poles to avoid lightning.
Protect your home, small business and vehicles from hail
After The Storm
Getting Your Claim and Repairs Underway:
- When it's safe, assess, photograph and document the damage.
- Call your insurance representative to report damages or losses. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims service. Be as detailed as possible when providing information.
- Keep all receipts related to cleanup and living expenses if you've been displaced. Ask your insurance representative about what expenses you may be entitled to and for what period of time.
- Water damage to vehicles is usually covered under comprehensive or all-perils auto insurance policies. Contact your insurance representative for details.
- If you need help getting in touch with your insurer, phone IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) or email askibcwest@ibc.ca.
Resources
For Additional Resources, Visit: