In Canada, is there much of a chance of a tornado? Canada does have tornadoes, and in some places it happens repeatedly. 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. If the weather is suitable for a tornado, it can happen in any province, but most of them happen in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Many people may not know that BC actually has a tornado zone in it's interior.
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. 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. All you have to do is look under the list of exclusions to see if wind is excluded. Chances are it's covered.
Other types of tornado-related damage generally covered by your home insurance include:
Windows that are broken; damage caused by trees falling on your home; damage from water that has entered the home by way of broken windows or a roof that has sustained damage; damages that are the result of a sewer backup; and,
if you need to live elsewhere while repairs are made on your home, living expenses will be covered.
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. The deductible that must be paid for tornado damage is the general deductible. Look over your policy declaration section to determine if there is a deductible that is specifically to cover wind damage.
As a rule, Canadian policies cover lightning, windstorm, hail, and tornado damage to homes and detached structures, like garages, sheds, and gazebos. 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. 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.
Prepare and go over a tornado emergency plan with your family, and be sure they know what to do at home, school, or work if a tornado occurs. If you don't have an underground storm shelter at home, go to the lowest, most central room - preferably a cellar or basement. Do not take shelter near windows.
Have a 72-hour kit ready before disaster strikes. Include these essential items: first-aid kit, prescriptions, non-perishable food, water, a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and some extra clothing, bedding, and toiletries if possible.
Check with your insurance provider to make sure you have the best coverage available. 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.
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. 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. All you have to do is look under the list of exclusions to see if wind is excluded. Chances are it's covered.
Other types of tornado-related damage generally covered by your home insurance include:
Windows that are broken; damage caused by trees falling on your home; damage from water that has entered the home by way of broken windows or a roof that has sustained damage; damages that are the result of a sewer backup; and,
if you need to live elsewhere while repairs are made on your home, living expenses will be covered.
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. The deductible that must be paid for tornado damage is the general deductible. Look over your policy declaration section to determine if there is a deductible that is specifically to cover wind damage.
As a rule, Canadian policies cover lightning, windstorm, hail, and tornado damage to homes and detached structures, like garages, sheds, and gazebos. 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. 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.
Prepare and go over a tornado emergency plan with your family, and be sure they know what to do at home, school, or work if a tornado occurs. If you don't have an underground storm shelter at home, go to the lowest, most central room - preferably a cellar or basement. Do not take shelter near windows.
Have a 72-hour kit ready before disaster strikes. Include these essential items: first-aid kit, prescriptions, non-perishable food, water, a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and some extra clothing, bedding, and toiletries if possible.
Check with your insurance provider to make sure you have the best coverage available. 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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