Canada’s increasingly severe weather may have you wondering how best to protect your property from natural hazards. Through extensive research, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), an organization that specializes in disaster prevention research, has identified the most impactful steps homeowners can take to withstand winter storms, wildfire, severe wind, earthquake, basement flooding and hail.
ICLR and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), who have had a long-standing partnership in protecting Canadians from natural catastrophes, have partnered on this series of IN Focus articles, which share tips on how to protect your home and property from some of Canada’s most damaging natural events.
Top winter storm protection tips
Winter weather hits hard in Canada, with cold temperatures, heavy snowfall and ice buildups that can cause significant damage. Before that first frost or snowfall, prepare your home by focusing on safety, maintenance and prevention.
The “good, better, best” tiered approach presents the essential improvements needed to help homeowners know what to prioritize now. While homeowners should take every possible essential precaution to avoid damage, we recognize that time and budget constraints can get in the way. The enhanced measures are for those able to take battling the deep freeze to the next level, and the comprehensive steps are for those who need the best possible protection from the winter elements.
Essential (good): Keep the cold out
Insulate your attic and seal leaks that allow cold air to penetrate.
Insulate fixtures and other potential sources of heat in your attic.
Insulate pipes exposed to cold air.
When extreme cold weather is in the forecast, open taps to allow some water to flow through them, maintain a constant thermostat temperature during the day and night, and keep your garage door closed.
Enhanced (better): Direct snow and ice away from your home
Clean debris from your roof drainage system.
Remove branches that hang over your roof.
Consider removing trees that may have roots that could block drainage systems.
Comprehensive (best): Winterproof your roof
Ensure that the slope of your roof is sufficient to shed snow and ice.
Install electric de-icers to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on your roof.
Click here for ICLR’s Good/better/best winter storm protection checklist, or go deeper with the Protect your home from snow and ice storms booklet.
In addition, ensure that your guests are safe from slips, trips and falls this winter.
As a homeowner, you are responsible for keeping your property safe for your family, visitors and others. This responsibility includes regularly removing ice and snow from stairs, walkways and driveways. If you fail to maintain a reasonable standard of care, you could be held liable if someone slips, trips or falls on your property.
Whether you are driving or walking, icy surfaces pose a serious danger. Regular property maintenance during the colder months is essential to manage risks and prevent injuries. Make sure you have a good shovel and buy salt or a de-icer to have it on hand when needed.
Know what winter damage your insurance covers.
Homeowner’s insurance policies usually cover damage to homes caused by an ice storm, such as:
Damage caused by wind and rain
Damage caused by flying debris or fallen trees and/or branches
Damage to the home and its contents from water entering through openings that the wind suddenly created.
Depending on the details of your policy, insurance may also cover the following.
Water damage in the basement due to sewer backup is only covered if you have purchased optional sewer backup coverage.
Damage from overland flooding occurs when bodies of water, such as rivers, overflow onto dry land, and is only covered if you have purchased optional overland flood coverage. However, if you live in a known flood plain, this coverage may not be available.
Removing debris (e.g., a downed tree on your property) may be the homeowner’s responsibility. Insurance coverage is typically not provided if the property was not damaged.
Ice damming, which occurs when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and refreezes when temperatures drop overnight, is usually an optional coverage. Speak with your insurance representative if you are concerned about such loss or damage.
Subject to any applicable exclusions, your refrigerator and freezer contents may be covered for a specified amount for damage related to food spoilage caused by an accidental power interruption. Check your policy or speak with your insurance representative.
In certain circumstances, homeowners unable to stay in their home because of insured damage may be entitled to additional living expenses. Check with your insurance representative to find out what your policy covers.
More tips
For more information on how to navigate the upcoming winter season, watch IBC’s ”Stay Protected” video series on ice and snow safety.
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