25 MAY 2012 – In 2011, we were reminded once again of the catastrophic impact of wild fires. In May, fires in Slave Lake, Alberta caused more than $700 million in damage – the second most costly weather-related insured loss in Canadian history.
In 2012, after a particularly warm and dry winter, wildfire season has started early in many parts of the country. Leading home, car and business insurer RSA Canada provides advice on what you can do to protect your home and business:
- Keep trees and bushes trimmed so that they are not touching your home or business
- If/when doing renovations or repairs, use fire resistant roofing and siding. Ensure the siding is at least 12mm thick and extends from the ground level to the roof line.
- Keep your roof clear of branches, leaves and other debris
- Remove dry grass, leaves, tree branches and other debris from with 30m of your home or business (remember to clear your roof as well)
- Exterior windows, doors and skylights should be double-paned, tempered glass
- Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working
- Keep fire extinguishers on every floor of your home or business
- Put together a disaster recovery kit with appropriate supplies including food, water, flashlight, and batteries
- In the event of a wild fire, always follow the directions of local authorities
For more information on protecting your property, visit www.rsagroup.ca or talk to your insurance broker. If you your home or business is damaged, call your insurance broker or, if you are a policyholder with RSA, call 1-800-319-9993.
About RSA
RSA Canada includes Roins Financial Services Limited, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, Quebec Assurance Company, Johnson Inc., GCAN Insurance Company, Western Assurance Company, Ascentus Insurance Ltd., Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company, RSA Travel Insurance Inc./Assurance Voyage RSA inc., and is part of the RSA group of companies headed by RSA Insurance Group plc. RSA Canada employs approximately 3,700 people and is represented by a large network of brokers across the country. In 2010, the Canadian Group wrote $1.9bn in direct premiums. Internationally, RSA Insurance Group plc employs about 22,000 people and has the capability to write business in 130 countries and in 2010 its net written premiums were £7.5bn. RSA is a trade name of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. www.rsagroup.ca www.globalexcel.com.