Atlantic Canadians still remember 2022’s Hurricane Fiona, marked by torrential rain, extreme wind, storm surge, power outages and a trail of costly damage. Fiona also tragically claimed several lives. The storm remains the costliest severe weather event ever recorded in Atlantic Canada: Insured damages from Hurricane Fiona are now estimated at over $900 Million, according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ).
While the last two years left Canada’s east coast relatively unscathed from hurricane damage, the 2024 season was one of the most destructive in recent history for the United States. East coast residents should take all precautions to protect their property for the hurricane season which typically peaks in mid to late September.
The 2025 hurricane season
The National Hurricane Center run by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Canadian Hurricane Centre both predicted above-normal hurricane activity. Current forecasts in the Atlantic basin this year predict 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 63 to117 kilometers per hour or higher), 6 to 10 hurricanes (winds greater than117 kilometers per hour) and three to five major hurricanes (winds greater than178 kilometres per hour). While not all of these storms will impact land or property, it only takes one to cause devastating impacts.
During hurricane season, it’s wise to keep an eye on the weather and to watch for bulletins from trusted weather resources like the Canadian Hurricane Centre and NOAA. Homeowners can help protect themselves by planning ahead and taking steps to help mitigate risk.
Give yourself plenty of time to follow these tips before a hurricane rolls in:
Create an emergency plan and an emergency kit, and have them ready in case you need to follow emergency evacuation procedures. Always be ready with water, food, medications and resources for 72 hours.
Create a detailed home inventory, or check that your existing inventory is up to date. (Use IBC’s Personal Property Inventory Checklist to track your possessions room by room.)
Charge hand-held electronics and have backup power sources available.
Be prepared to use battery-operated flashlights, not candles, during a blackout.
Move valuable items out of your basement to higher levels in your home in case of flooding.
Protect or move property that could be damaged by flying debris, such as patio furniture and vehicles.
Make sure downspouts are clear of debris and positioned to direct water away from your home.
Secure any loose patio furniture and barbecues.
Arrange for someone to check your property after the storm if you will be away.
Have a professional remove any tree branches or other items from your yard that could damage your or other people’s property.
What is, and is not, covered in a typical home insurance policy
Home insurance usually covers damage caused by a windstorm or rain, including losses to a home and its contents caused by flying debris or fallen trees and branches, and from water entering through openings made suddenly by wind or flying debris.
Home insurance and business insurance policies generally do not cover damage caused by the coastal flooding or storm surges that can occur during a hurricane or tropical storm. However, auto insurance covers damage caused by storm surges and wind if the policyholder purchased optional comprehensive or all perils coverage.
Two situations arose following Hurricane Fiona that left many residents in a tough spot: Many lived in high-risk flood areas and flood plains where residential flood insurance coverage is generally not available. Others were victims of flooding and water damage related to that storm, who did not have insurance to cover their losses and help them rebuild.
Governments across Canada have a critical role to play in better protecting people from disaster. This includes:
Halting the construction of homes and businesses in high-risk flood and wildfire zones
Investing in communities that are at high risk of experiencing extreme weather events to ensure they are FireSmart and better protected against flooding
Helping homeowners understand the specific risks they face in their area
Subsidizing home retrofits to help reduce damage from floods and wildfires.
Canada also needs a federal coordinating agency to lead emergency preparedness and recovery efforts, ensuring communities are not left to develop their own response plans from scratch after every catastrophic weather event. Every other G7 country has an agency operating in this capacity – it’s time for Canada to follow suit and take a proactive approach to emergency management.Before your home insurance policy renews for the year, ask questions about your policy and the coverage it includes. If you experience property damage during a storm, speak with your insurance representative as soon as possible. For general insurance questions, call IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422). We’re here to help.
For more tips, watch our STAY PROTECTED: Hurricane & Tropical Storm Safety video on YouTube and visit our hurricane safety page on ibc.ca.
