Toronto, ON (May 4, 2015) – As Emergency Preparedness Week begins across the country, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) wants everyone to be aware and be prepared.
“Thinking of and preparing for a worst-case scenario will give you peace of mind, and if something does happen, you can react quickly to keep your loved ones safe,” says Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC.
“Weather events that used to happen once every 40 years can now be expected to occur every six,” adds Palumbo. “That’s why it so important to be prepared for the worst. IBC is encouraging Ontarians to take some time this week to make sure they have everything they need to protect themselves, their families and their property from the impacts of severe weather.”
IBC is also partnering with local organizations, such as the City of Toronto and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, to share the preparedness message with families across the province.
IBC’s top 10 tips to prepare your family for an emergency are as follows:
- 1. Create an emergency preparedness plan.
- 2. Assemble disaster safety kits for your home, car and office.
- 3. Be sure to have at least 2 litres of drinking water per person a day for up to 72 hours.
- 4. Know your home’s exits and nearby safe meeting locations.
- 5. Speak with your neighbours to plan ahead and share responsibilities.
- 6. Compile contact lists for work and school as well as for attending to any special health care needs.
- 7. Prepare a detailed home inventory.
- 8. If you are away for an extended amount of time, have someone check your property daily and, in the winter, clear snow from the walk and driveway.
- 9. Put all important documents in a safe place and ensure they are accessible if you need to evacuate.
- 10. Ask your insurance representative about coverage for specific events.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.
For more information, visit www.ibc.ca.
Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada
