How to prepare for the unexpected

Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, and ensuring your home is capable of withstanding significant weather events is one of them. It’s important to know the risks present in your area and take reasonable measures to prevent or avoid them wherever possible.

Snow & Ice Storms

For homeowners in Canada, cold temperatures, heavy snowfall and ice build-ups pose significant risks. Frozen pipes, water leaks and roof damage can easily occur if preparations are not made before the temperatures drop. Lack of preparation can lead to unexpected and costly repairs.

In order to prevent damage from snow and ice, it’s important to understand your home’s vulnerabilities. Roof collapse, roof or ice dams, and frozen pipes are the most common threats to homes during extreme winter weather. It is important to understand how to mitigate these risks, so make sure your roof, eavestroughs and pipes are always prepared for the cold snowy weather. If you’re not sure what to look for, a home inspector can help identify risks, offer up insights and provide solutions before disaster strikes.

In order to prevent damage from snow and ice, it’s important to understand your home’s vulnerabilities. Roof collapse, roof or ice dams, and frozen pipes are the most common threats to homes during extreme winter weather. It is important to understand how to mitigate these risks, so make sure your roof, eavestroughs and pipes are always prepared for the cold snowy weather. If you’re not sure what to look for, a home inspector can help identify risks, offer up insights and provide solutions before disaster strikes.

Severe Wind

As the global climate continues to evolve, factors like tornadoes and severe winds are becoming a more common threat to Canadians and their homes. For most homes, the common areas of impact are the roof, exterior walls and windows. It is important to understand where your home is susceptible to wind damage and what you can do to prevent it. Some simple steps you can take include removing debris from your yard, keeping eavestrough and household drains free of blockage, and that there are no dead or damaged branches on trees near your home.

In the event of high winds or tornados, damage can be caused by the force of moving air and flying debris. For this reason, it’s wise to find a home inspector who is familiar with your area and can recommend preventative measures. Ensuring that your home’s roofing, doors and siding are rated for severe winds and impacts is a great starting point, but there are several other factors to consider depending on where you live.

Flooding

High winds, unpredictable weather and rapid snow melt-offs can lead to unexpected flooding. It’s becoming increasingly important to know and understand the flood risks in your area and how your home may be affected. For this reason, it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected and have an emergency plan in the event a flash flood strikes.

Getting to know your home and how to protect it can go a long way to saving time, money and frustrations down the road. Start by knowing what to do in the event of a flood—avoid touching electronic outlets, devices or appliances—and know-how to manage flood waters and sewage backups. Ensure you have a well-stocked and up-to-date emergency kit, an emergency plan and preparations for power outages.  Also, know how to clean up after a flood and what your insurance plan covers.