As we know, disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, extreme flooding and winter storms are happening here in Nova Scotia and The Maritimes now more than ever. When severe weather events strike, damages often take days, weeks or even longer to restore. In these dangerous events, you may be on your own for several days. While it may sound scary, you can mitigate the impact by being well-prepared.

Preparing Your Property for Extreme Weather

As the saying goes, “it’s time to batten down the hatches.” As a homeowner, it makes sense to do what you can to prepare your property for extreme weather conditions.

• Doors and windows are at greater risk of damage than other parts of a home during high winds. Protect your home from flying branches. Trim your trees, tie down broken limbs and move them away from doors and windows.
• Make sure structures such as carports and tool sheds are well-anchored. Patio furniture, potted plants, barbeque grills and other items should be brought inside or otherwise anchored.
• If you have any type of trailer, a boat or watercraft, needless to say, these will require extra attention to make sure they are well-secured.

Your Disaster Ready Kit Checklist

Environment Canada advises that residents at risk of potential heavy storm damage have enough supplies for up to 72 hours in the event of a power outage in their area. Here is a quick summary of the essentials you need for your Disaster Ready Kit.

• Emergency Plan: include a hard copy of your emergency plan and ensure it lists in-town and out-of-town contacts.
• Water: 2-4 Litres per person per day (small bottles are easier to carry in case of an evacuation order)
• Food: canned food, energy bars, and other non-perishables
• Cash: including smaller bills and change (in case ATM machines are down and banks are closed)
• Special Needs Items: prescription medications, instant formula, and equipment for people with disabilities
• A charged cell phone and back-up battery
• Candles and matches or a lighter
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit, any perscription medicine and aspirin
• Extra Keys for your car and house
• A full tank of gas or fully charged electric vehicle
• If you own a pet, make sure you have enough pet food
• Propane for your BBQ

Stay Informed and Connected.

As we navigate challenging storms together, we encourages everyone to remain strong and supportive of one another. It’s also important to stay informed and connect. Here are some resources to consider.

• Halifax’s Emergency Management Page offers valuable information to help you stay up to date with the impacts of the flood.
• Nova Scotia Hurricane emergeny updates and support
• You may want to sign up for alerts to receive timely updates and notifications from the municipality. Halifax Alerts or Nova Scotia Alerts

Know Your Insurance Policy Details.

You may not have time to adjust your Home Insurance coverages, but please review your Overland Water Protection. This protects you from surface water accumulation or runoff, including torrential rainfall when water enters your property. Many home insurance policies in Canada do not automatically include coverage for overland water flooding. Be careful not to assume you have flood or overland water coverage, especially if you live in an area at risk of flooding. Not understanding your water damage coverage is one of several common mistakes when buying home insurance. It is essential to consult your home insurance provider for specifics about your coverage. For more information on flood insurance, read our blog, What’s the Deal with Flood Insurance in Canada? Please note that insurance providers are unable to add coverage or increase existing coverage after the weather warning has been issued for your area.

Before any extreme weather event or storm, we advise that you take note of your Home Insurance Policy Number and Insurance Policy Provider. For our clients, to find this information, open our Bauld Insurance app or click this link to the Bauld Insurance client web portal. Your policy number and insurance provider are listed under “Policy Information.”

If you need to make a claim, the most efficient approach is to contact your insurance provider directly. Here is a list of 24/7 Emergency Claims Numbers for all Insurance providers used by Bauld Insurance. Please take note of your home insurance policy provider’s phone number:

• Aviva: 1-866-692-8482
• Economical: 1-800-607-2424
• Intact: 1-866-464-2424
• Pembridge/Pafco: 1-800-561-7222
• Portage Mutual: 1-800-565-1000
• Travelers: 1-800-661-5522
• Wawanesa: 1-844-929-2637
• CAA: 1-800-431-0693
• Echelon: 1-800-324-3566

If you experience difficulties or you do not know your Home Insurance Provider, please call our 24/7 claim support service: 1-877-925-2285.  For more information about making an insurance claim and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our webpage: bauldinsurance.com/claim-support.