Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe across Canada, driven by factors such as climate change. Yet, a 2021 public opinion survey on emergency preparedness revealed that only 11% of Canadians have tried to reduce the risk of their home being affected by weather-related emergencies or disasters.1 This means many Canadians may not be prepared and haven’t taken the necessary steps to protect themselves. Whether it’s floods, wildfires, extreme heat, earthquakes, storms, or hurricanes, disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. As we recognize Emergency Preparedness Week, now is the perfect time to take action. Read on to discover practical steps to safeguard your family.

Key takeaways

• Being prepared prevents rushed decisions, safety hazards, and avoidable losses.
• Create an emergency plan, including contacts, meeting spots, and household roles.
• Assemble a 72-hour emergency kit with water, food, and essential supplies, and store it in an accessible location.
• Emergency preparedness and home insurance work together. Taking steps to reduce risk can limit damage and simplify the claims process.
• Review your insurance policy carefully, as important coverages may be add-ons.

Why emergency preparedness matters
Events such as thunderstorms, floods, and prolonged power outages can disrupt daily life and cause extensive property damage. When households aren’t prepared, these situations often lead to rushed decisions, safety hazards, and avoidable losses. Being prepared keeps you safe and helps you stay in control during stressful times. It also demonstrates to insurers that you've taken reasonable measures to protect your property, which is an important part of home insurance. While insurance is there to support your recovery after a loss, preparedness can reduce the potential for damage in the first place.

Creating an emergency plan
An emergency plan doesn’t have to be complicated. The goal is to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do, where to go, and how to stay connected during an emergency. Start by discussing different scenarios and decide together on the best course of action. Your plan should include:
 

• Emergency contacts, including out of town family or friends.
• Meeting spots, both near your home and outside your neighbourhood.
• Roles and responsibilities, such as who grabs the emergency kit or helps your pets.
• Important information, like utility shut off locations and local emergency numbers.

Having a clear plan in place can help reduce confusion and improve safety when time is limited.

What to include in an emergency kit
An emergency kit ensures you have essential supplies if services are disrupted or you need to leave your home quickly. Many experts recommend preparing a kit that can support your household for at least 72 hours.

Common items include:

• Bottled water and non‑perishable food
• Flashlights, batteries, and a battery‑powered radio
• First‑aid supplies and medications
• Phone chargers or power banks
• Copies of important documents, such as identification and insurance policies
• Seasonal items like blankets, warm clothing, or sunscreen

Store your kit in an easily accessible location and check it annually to replace expired or outdated items.

How preparedness supports your home insurance
Emergency preparedness and home insurance are most effective when they work hand in hand. Proactively reducing risks not only helps prevent losses that may not be fully covered, but also demonstrates responsible homeownership. For example, knowing how to quickly shut off your water supply can minimize damage from a burst pipe. Installing smoke alarms and regularly servicing heating systems can reduce the likelihood of fire-related losses. Maintaining clear eavestroughs and proper drainage can protect your home from water damage during heavy rainfall. Preparation also streamlines the claims process. Having digital or physical copies of your insurance policy, an inventory of your belongings, and important contact information can make submitting a claim quicker and less stressful.

Understanding your coverage
Home insurance doesn’t cover every emergency in the same way. Your coverage depends on the cause of the loss, the type of policy you have, and any optional coverage you’ve added. For instance, many standard home insurance policies don’t automatically include sewer backup or overland water protection, as these coverages can vary depending on where you live. Understanding exactly what your policy covers, and what it doesn’t, helps you prepare more effectively. By knowing your coverage, you can take extra precautions where needed and avoid unwelcome surprises after an emergency.

If you're an existing OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-494-0090 to review your current home insurance policy and discuss enhancing your protection with additional optional coverage. If you're not insured with OTIP and are shopping for home insurance, call us at 1-888-892-4935 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!
 

1. Public Safety Canada – National Risk Profile: Strengthening Canada's All-Hazards Approach to Emergency Management