Skip to main content

Hurricane preparedness guide: How to protect yourself from storm-related damage

Hurricane season in Canada is typically between June and November, often with peak storm activity being late August and September.

While the Atlantic provinces are most at risk for hurricanes and tropical storms, Ontario and Quebec can also be on the receiving end of severe wind and torrential rainfall from hurricanes moving across the eastern United States.

With sustained windspeeds between 117 km/h and upwards of 250 km/h, hurricanes can cause devastating property damage in a short period of time. Even lesser tropical storms — which are classified as having windspeeds between 62 and 116 km/h — can result in significant losses.

Acera Insurance does more than just offer coverage to protect against a variety of threats — we also educate and empower our clients to minimize risk.

Our hurricane preparedness guide provides information that can help you proactively minimize damage that a storm may cause to your home, business or farm. We also explain which insurance policies offer protection against hurricane-related losses and how to file an insurance claim.

Hurricane information for individuals

Protect your home from hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause property damage in several ways:

Widespread power outages can spoil food, which can ruin appliances like refrigerators and chest freezers.

  • High winds and blowing debris can wreck roofs and siding, as well as break windows.
  • Torrential rain and storm surges increase the likelihood of overland flooding.
  • Widespread power outages can spoil food, which can ruin appliances like refrigerators and chest freezers.

While you can’t prevent a hurricane, you can take measures to protect your home and property from a storm. Here are some tips to help make your property more resilient to a hurricane’s severe winds, flying debris and significant rainfall:

  • Keep your roof in good condition — make sure shingles are secure, as well as your eavestroughs and downspouts clean and in good repair.
  • Check for blockages. Periodically inspect outdoor drains and ensure they are free of obstructions like leaves, branches or other yard debris.
  • Secure loose exterior items or bring them inside. This includes items such as patio furniture, garbage cans, barbecues, bikes and toys.
  • Protect your windows and glass doors. Ensure these are properly caulked or weather stripped and install impact-resistant storm shutters.
  • Consider installing garage doors that are certified for high winds and impact.
  • Trim and remove branches and trees that could fall on your house.
  • Park your vehicle in a garage if you have one. Boats should also be stored undercover, if possible.
  • Regularly maintain storm drains. If your home is near a storm drain, ensure it’s free of debris. Contact your municipality for maintenance if the storm drain is clogged or not functioning properly.

Hurricane information for businesses

Protect your business from hurricanes

To protect your business from a hurricane, you must:

  • Reduce the likelihood of property damage
  • Have a plan in place to protect your employees
  • Have a business continuity plan

Let’s explore these in more detail:

Hurricane information for farms

Protect your farm from hurricanes

  • The extreme winds and torrential rains that accompany hurricanes can wreak havoc on a farm of any scale — from hobby farm to large-scale commercial operation.
  • While you cannot stop a hurricane, you can proactively protect your farm to minimize potential damage from wind, flying debris and water.

The following insurance policies can provide farm coverage in the event of hurricane-related wind damage:

  • Property insurance (i.e., homeowner insurance, commercial property insurance)
  • Livestock insurance
  • Crop insurance
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage as part of your auto policy

As far as water-related hurricane damage is concerned, you can protect your farm from:

  • Localized flooding by purchasing overland water coverage.
  • Sewer backups by purchasing sewer backup coverage.

Coverage is not available for coastal flooding or storm surges.

Staying safe during a hurricane

Answers to your insurance questions about hurricanes

Learn how to insure your home and business against flooding and how to minimize flood damage.

Learn how to insure your home and business against wildfires and how to minimize damage caused by these blazes.

Learn how to insure your home, business or farm against earthquakes and how to minimize damage caused by these tremors.

Learn how to insure your home, business or farm against tornadoes and how to minimize damage caused by twisters.

Learn how to insure your home, business or farm against hail and how to minimize damage caused by hailstones.