Is there significant risk of being struck by a tornado in Canada? Canada does have tornadoes, and in some places it happens repeatedly. On average, 80 tornadoes touch down in Canada each year. We rank second, behind the US, for the largest number of tornadoes. A tornado is possible if the right weather conditions are present, no matter the location, but mostly in Canada they happen in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. Many people may not know that BC actually has a tornado zone in it's interior.
Make sure you have home insurance in place. The majority of home insurance policies in Canada will cover tornado damage under the "wind damage" section. Look at the list of covered perils if you have a named-perils policy form, to find out if you have coverage for wind damage. Comprehensive policies protect a homeowner from all risks, but certain exclusions do apply. Check the exclusions list so you know if wind is one of the perils that is not covered. Chances are it's covered.
Damage from tornadoes can be more than just wind, other damages your policy likely protects against are things like:
Windows that are broken; falling trees that damage your home; water damages that are caused by broken windows or a damaged roof; sewer backup damages; also,
additional living expenses incurred when you need to move out while your home is being repaired.
Next, look at your policy deductible. Often policies have more than one deductible, for instance, a general deductible, a lower glass deductible, and possibly a separate deductible for earthquake. Tornado damages are included in the general deductible in your policy. Some policies could have a separate wind damage deductible, so check your policy declaration page so you know for sure.
As a rule, Canadian policies cover lightning, windstorm, hail, and tornado damage to homes and detached structures, like garages, sheds, and gazebos. However, damage to things outside your home, such as trees, bushes, antennas, and satellite dishes are usually excluded.
Tips for Protection
Installing impact-resistant windows and anchoring heavy items so that they are not swept away by wind are a couple of things that can be done to protect against tornado damage. Secure other items outside like your furniture, barbeque, and garbage cans so they don't get picked up by high winds and flung into your house.
Create a detailed emergency plan for your family and go over it with them so that if a tornado occurs, they know where to go for shelter for their workplace, school, or your home. For homes that do not have a storm shelter underground, the safest place is the lowest part of the house in the center, which usually means the basement. Ensure there is a safe distance from any window.
To prepare for a major storm, keep an emergency kit ready that is good for at least 72 hours. 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. After a major disaster, the last thing you need is to also be wiped out financially, so purchase enough insurance so that you're fully covered.
Make sure you have home insurance in place. The majority of home insurance policies in Canada will cover tornado damage under the "wind damage" section. Look at the list of covered perils if you have a named-perils policy form, to find out if you have coverage for wind damage. Comprehensive policies protect a homeowner from all risks, but certain exclusions do apply. Check the exclusions list so you know if wind is one of the perils that is not covered. Chances are it's covered.
Damage from tornadoes can be more than just wind, other damages your policy likely protects against are things like:
Windows that are broken; falling trees that damage your home; water damages that are caused by broken windows or a damaged roof; sewer backup damages; also,
additional living expenses incurred when you need to move out while your home is being repaired.
Next, look at your policy deductible. Often policies have more than one deductible, for instance, a general deductible, a lower glass deductible, and possibly a separate deductible for earthquake. Tornado damages are included in the general deductible in your policy. Some policies could have a separate wind damage deductible, so check your policy declaration page so you know for sure.
As a rule, Canadian policies cover lightning, windstorm, hail, and tornado damage to homes and detached structures, like garages, sheds, and gazebos. However, damage to things outside your home, such as trees, bushes, antennas, and satellite dishes are usually excluded.
Tips for Protection
Installing impact-resistant windows and anchoring heavy items so that they are not swept away by wind are a couple of things that can be done to protect against tornado damage. Secure other items outside like your furniture, barbeque, and garbage cans so they don't get picked up by high winds and flung into your house.
Create a detailed emergency plan for your family and go over it with them so that if a tornado occurs, they know where to go for shelter for their workplace, school, or your home. For homes that do not have a storm shelter underground, the safest place is the lowest part of the house in the center, which usually means the basement. Ensure there is a safe distance from any window.
To prepare for a major storm, keep an emergency kit ready that is good for at least 72 hours. 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. After a major disaster, the last thing you need is to also be wiped out financially, so purchase enough insurance so that you're fully covered.
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