In Canada, is there much of a chance of a tornado? Well, believe it or not, tornadoes occur fairly frequently in various parts of the country. On average, 80 tornadoes touch down in Canada each year. After the United States, Canada is the second most likely country to be hit by tornadoes. Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan usually get the most, but they can strike just about anywhere if the weather conditions are right. BC's central interior is actually officially designated to be a tornado zone.
Take the necessary steps to have adequate home insurance. The majority of home insurance policies in Canada will cover tornado damage under the "wind damage" section. If you have a named-perils policy form, you need to look at the list of covered perils in your wording booklet to see if wind damage is covered. There are a few exclusions even for a comprehensive policy, but mostly it covers you for all risks. Have a look at the list of exclusions and make sure that wind is not one of the excluded perils. Chances are it's covered.
There are other kinds of damage that can be caused by a tornado, and most of the following are covered:
Windows that are broken; damage caused by trees falling on your home; damage caused by water entering through your damaged roof, or through broken windows; damages that are the result of a sewer backup; plus,
for major damage where you must seek temporary accommodation, your living expenses will be covered by most policies.
Next, look at your policy deductible. There are separate deductibles in a lot of policies for things like glass, earthquake, and there is a general deductible. The deductible that must be paid for tornado damage is the general deductible. If there is a specific deductible for wind damage, it will be specified on your policy declaration page.
Policies in Canada generally protect against hail, windstorm, tornado, and lightning damages to detached structures like sheds, gazebos, and garages, as well as the home. Generally, bushes, trees, satellite dishes and antennas are not covered, as they are outside of the home.
Advice on Protection
There are practical ways to get your home ready for a tornado such as installing impact-resistant windows and anchoring heavy items that could become flying debris. Items such as patio furniture and garbage cans should be secured to avoid becoming high-speed projectiles.
Make sure each family member knows what to do and where to take shelter during a tornado, whether at home, work or school. A basement or cellar is the safest place in homes that do not have an underground storm shelter, so the most central room that is lowest is best. Do not take shelter near windows.
Be wise and have a kit prepared beforehand so that you have everything you need for 72 hours or more. It should include: water, non-perishable foods, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, sturdy shoes for each family member, identification, cash and if required, prescription medications.
Protection is very important for you and your family, so talk with your insurance provider right away to make sure your coverage is adequate. If the worst happens, and a tornado hits your area, your home insurance policy will give you the coverage you need to get your home back.
Take the necessary steps to have adequate home insurance. The majority of home insurance policies in Canada will cover tornado damage under the "wind damage" section. If you have a named-perils policy form, you need to look at the list of covered perils in your wording booklet to see if wind damage is covered. There are a few exclusions even for a comprehensive policy, but mostly it covers you for all risks. Have a look at the list of exclusions and make sure that wind is not one of the excluded perils. Chances are it's covered.
There are other kinds of damage that can be caused by a tornado, and most of the following are covered:
Windows that are broken; damage caused by trees falling on your home; damage caused by water entering through your damaged roof, or through broken windows; damages that are the result of a sewer backup; plus,
for major damage where you must seek temporary accommodation, your living expenses will be covered by most policies.
Next, look at your policy deductible. There are separate deductibles in a lot of policies for things like glass, earthquake, and there is a general deductible. The deductible that must be paid for tornado damage is the general deductible. If there is a specific deductible for wind damage, it will be specified on your policy declaration page.
Policies in Canada generally protect against hail, windstorm, tornado, and lightning damages to detached structures like sheds, gazebos, and garages, as well as the home. Generally, bushes, trees, satellite dishes and antennas are not covered, as they are outside of the home.
Advice on Protection
There are practical ways to get your home ready for a tornado such as installing impact-resistant windows and anchoring heavy items that could become flying debris. Items such as patio furniture and garbage cans should be secured to avoid becoming high-speed projectiles.
Make sure each family member knows what to do and where to take shelter during a tornado, whether at home, work or school. A basement or cellar is the safest place in homes that do not have an underground storm shelter, so the most central room that is lowest is best. Do not take shelter near windows.
Be wise and have a kit prepared beforehand so that you have everything you need for 72 hours or more. It should include: water, non-perishable foods, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, sturdy shoes for each family member, identification, cash and if required, prescription medications.
Protection is very important for you and your family, so talk with your insurance provider right away to make sure your coverage is adequate. If the worst happens, and a tornado hits your area, your home insurance policy will give you the coverage you need to get your home back.
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