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Tornado preparedness guide: How to minimize and protect yourself from tornado-related damage

Peak tornado season in Canada typically occurs between June and August, but a twister can happen anytime between the spring and fall.

Tornadoes range in size and scale, often travelling at speeds upwards of 100 km/h — even reaching speeds of up to 400 km/h in severe cases. This can lead to extensive property damage in a short period of time.

Tornadoes have been recorded in every province and territory in Canada. While they are most prevalent across the Prairies, southern Ontario and southern Quebec, parts of interior British Columbia and western New Brunswick are also at risk. It is important to remember that they can touch down anywhere.

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

Note: As significant rainfall and large hailstones are common before and during a tornado, we recommend you also review our flood preparedness guide and hail preparedness guide.

Tornado information for individuals

Protect your home from tornadoes

When it comes to tornadoes, reinforcing the strength of your home may help minimize damage that high winds and flying debris can cause.

  • Consider installing storm shutters for your windows, skylights and doors. Choose storm shutters that are impact resistant.
  • When the time comes to replace your roof, consider installing a waterproof underlayment and using impact-resistant roof materials.
  • Secure or shelter your outdoor belongings (i.e., patio furniture, barbecues, garbage bins).
  • Use furniture anchors to securely fasten large furniture (i.e., dressers, bookcases) to the wall.
  • If possible, park your vehicle under cover (i.e., garage, carport).

Tornado information for businesses

Protect your business from tornadoes

Tornadoes can damage your business property, put your employees at risk and disrupt your operations. Prepare your business with these tips.

Tornado information for farms

Protect your farm from tornadoes

No matter if you run a hobby farm or a large-scale commercial operation, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize potential damage and losses that a tornado can cause.

When a tornado presents a direct risk, always prioritize your safety as well as those around you.

Stay safe during a tornado

Tornadoes can form quickly, meaning there could be little to no time for authorities to issue warnings. That’s why it’s important to recognize signs that a tornado may be imminent.

Tornado preparedness: Answers to your insurance questions

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 hail and how to minimize damage caused by these storms.

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 hurricanes and how to minimize damage caused by these storms.