ON THE RADAR
CAA and Extreme Weather
Homeowners have an ally when it comes to the challenge of protecting their homes.
By Dick Snyder
Keeping gutters clear of leaves and debris will help to stop blockages that can cause water damage to your home. | PHOTO: SVETIKD/iSTOCK
EXTREME WEATHER IS AFFECTING CANADIANS and their homes in increasingly impactful ways. CAA aims to help however possible, working to ensure its Members are adaptable and resilient. One example is CAA Insurance, which has the resources to help homeowners prepare. The sources of weather damage may evolve with the seasons and depend to some extent on region, but every Canadian home could be affected by climate change and extreme weather. The key to protecting your property from weather events is being well prepared and understanding the specific risks you may face, says Elliott Silverstein, director of Government Relations at CAA Club Group. “This is not about how you’re going to react 24 hours before a storm hits, or after a storm hits. It’s what [you are] doing months or even years in advance to limit the impact.” These weather-related effects are influenced by season and local factors such as microclimate, elevation and proximity to watercourses — channels through which water flows, either naturally or artificially. This is why it is crucial to seek professional advice regarding the steps you can take to mitigate risk and damage.
“This is not about how you're going to react 24 hours before a storm hits, or after a storm hits. It's what [you are] doing months or even years in advance to limit the impact.”
“We are trying to educate about what actions people can take to increase their home's resilience against potential catastrophic events,” says Silverstein. “For example, if you are renovating your home, consider choosing shingles that have higher fire- and wind-resistance ratings. These are important decisions to make in the planning stage. Ultimately, in the wake of an extreme weather incident, a homeowner does not want to endure the stress and inconvenience of having to repair damage.” CAA Insurance has developed a series of resources designed to educate Members on how to prepare for four categories of environmental risk. These downloadable PDFs contain detailed and actionable steps you can take to increase resilience to these weather events. Here is a brief look at the four categories — be sure to visit the CAA Insurance website for full details. WIND Year-round, severe winds — whether straight-line winds or tornadoes — pose challenges to our homes. Environment Canada defines “severe wind” based on regional criteria, but generally these winds top 70 km/h, with gusts exceeding 90 km/h. Reinforcing your roof is the most important action to take, as well as strengthening doors, windows, garage entranceways, and securing objects and outdoor appliances. Read more on protecting your home against high winds.
Ensure windows and doors are performing properly to stop the elements from making their way into your home. | PHOTO: SVITLANAH/ENVATO
Minimizing snow buildup and removing it where possible can help protect your home from damage due to snowmelt runoff. | PHOTO: BANKSPHOTOS/iSTOCK
FLOODING It’s key to identify how water might enter your home. Flooding commonly occurs due to snowmelt runoff, heavy rain, ice jams or structural failure. Coastal flooding can occur near large bodies of water. Urban flooding can result from a buildup of storm water. Basement flooding is usually due to the rise of groundwater. Steps you can take to protect from flooding include sealing cracks and clearing gutters and downspouts to ensure water flows away from your home. A professional can consult on additional safeguards, such as the installation of sump pumps and backwater valves. WILDFIRES Calculating your risk from wildfires can involve many factors. If your home is surrounded by trees, or is located near an overgrown field or woodlot, or at the top of a hill (because fire rises), you could be at risk. However, even homes in denser residential areas can be susceptible. FireSmart Canada is a national program that helps guide homeowners with advice on how to increase their resilience to wildfires. They suggest surrounding homes with non-flammable surfaces and covering roofs and exterior walls with flame-resistant materials. Read more on protecting your home from wildfires. SNOW AND ICE With temperatures across Canada capable of plunging to -40 C in a cold snap, homeowners can experience frozen or burst pipes, ice dams along roof edges that can lead to leaks, buildup causing potential roof collapse and more. Key preventative measures include insulating exposed pipes, walls and attics, inspecting roofs and gutters, maintaining heating systems and securing backup power in case of outages. Preparing for snow removal (such as arranging for snow removal services, tuning up your snow blower, getting the shovels out of the shed and buying salt) is also an essential step. While extreme weather events are increasing, Canadians can take comfort in knowing that they have done what they can to help prevent or reduce damage to their homes. It’s worth taking the time to make a plan. CAA