Preparing for severe weather in Yukon
Yukon’s rugged landscape and northern climate make it vulnerable to a range of natural disasters. From floods and wildfires to earthquakes, severe weather events can significantly impact communities and businesses.
Acera Insurance is here to help you prepare.
Here’s what you should know about protecting yourself from severe weather in Yukon.
If you have any questions, please contact a member of our team or visit us at our Whitehorse branch.
Yukon floods
Flooding in Yukon most commonly occurs in the spring and early summer when rapid snowmelt and heavy rains cause water levels to rise. Ice jams in rivers can also lead to sudden and severe flooding.
How big of a risk are floods in Yukon?
While Yukon has a smaller population compared to other parts of the country, flooding can have a major impact on communities, infrastructure and transportation routes.
One of the most recent notable flooding events in Yukon happened in the Southern Lakes region in the spring of 2021, for which a State of Emergency was issued.
How to prepare for floods in Yukon
Acera Insurance’s flood preparedness guide provides practical strategies to help protect your home, business or farm from flooding.
Protect your home and vehicles from floods
Protect your business from floods
Protect your farm from floods
Related reading:
How to stay safe during a flood
Yukon wildfires
Wildfire season in Yukon typically runs from April to September, with peak activity in July and August. The combination of dry conditions, lightning strikes and human activity makes wildfires a significant concern.
How big of a risk are wildfires in Yukon?
Yukon’s vast forests and dry summer conditions contribute to a high wildfire risk, particularly in remote areas.
The most recent devastating wildfire season was 2022, which by mid-July resulted in 138,000-plus hectares burned — significantly greater than the 25-year average for that time of year. As a result, several communities across Yukon were placed under evacuation alert. A travel advisory was also issued, asking residents and visitors across the territory to only travel for essential reasons.
In 2023 and 2024, a combined total of 357 wildfires blazed across Yukon, burning a combined total of 430,000 hectares.
How to prepare for wildfires in Yukon
Acera Insurance’s wildfire preparedness guide provides key steps to help protect your home, business or farm from wildfires.
Protect your home and vehicles from wildfires
Protect your business from wildfires
Protect your farm from wildfires
Related reading:
How to stay safe during a wildfire
Yukon earthquakes
Yukon is located in a seismically active region, making it one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Canada. While most earthquakes in Yukon are small and go unnoticed, larger quakes have the potential to cause significant damage.
How big of a risk are earthquakes in Yukon?
Yukon experiences minor earthquakes each year, many of which go undetected. That said, Yukon has experienced some of Canada’s strongest earthquakes in the past 75 years, including:
- A magnitude 6.2 and magnitude 6.3 earthquakes in 2017
- A magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 1958
How to prepare for earthquakes in Yukon
Acera Insurance’s earthquake preparedness guide provides key recommendations to help you secure your property and protect yourself from seismic events.
Protect your home and vehicles from earthquakes
Protect your business from earthquakes
Protect your farm from earthquakes
Related reading:
How to stay safe during an earthquake
Are you ready for severe weather in Yukon?
You can’t control severe weather, but you can take proactive steps to minimize its impact.
Speak with an Acera Insurance advisor today to learn more about home, auto, business and farm coverage options for floods, wildfires and earthquakes.
You can also visit a member of our team at our Whitehorse branch.