Hurricanes in Canada? Surely you jest!

When they happen (and they do), will you be covered?

This past weekend the Atlantic provinces were hit by what was left of Hurricane Noel, the deadliest tropical storm of the year. By the time it hit, Noel was classified a post-tropical storm and dealt parts of the region, with at times, wind gusts of up to 180 km/h and rainfall in some parts as much as 130 millimetres. While anywhere from 175,000 to 200,000 people were without power and some highways were washed out, thankfully, there were no serious injuries reported in the Maritimes.

There was however, property damage; flying roofing and bricks caused damage to homes and vehicles as did uprooted trees that were toppled. Not to mention damage caused by getting that much rain in so little time.

How's this hurricane season rank to past seasons?

Hurricane season typically starts June 1^st and runs through to November 30^th. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average Atlantic hurricane season brings 11 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.

The 2007 hurricane season was predicted to be more active than normal. Some predications even had this season seeing up to 17 named storms of which nine will be hurricanes with at least five of them being intense (meaning a category 3 or higher.)

With less than a month to go until the hurricane season is over, it remains to be seen if these predictions are accurate. However, according to the NOAA's website, so far there have been 14 named storms of which 5 have become hurricanes (Hurricane Dean, Felix, Humberto, Lorenzo and now Noel.) Of these 5; Dean, Felix and Noel have been classified as major.

But we don't get hurricanes in Canada, do we?

According to Environment Canada's, Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC), the number of tropical cyclones (a class of weather system under which a hurricane falls) that have affected Canada on average for the last 10 years is almost 5 per year. So, if you think only people living in the southern and eastern coastlines of the United States should be worried about hurricanes, think again. Canadian provinces, especially eastern shorelines, Quebec and even Ontario are not free from the possibility of a hurricane.

Of course most Canadians have heard of Hurricane Hazel, which hit Southern Ontario in 1954 resulting in 81 deaths and over $100 million in damage. However, more recent examples are easily found. Last fall at least 3 hurricanes hit the east coast and caused damage in various areas.

According to the CHC, Hurricane Florence hit Newfoundland with winds gusting up to 160 km/h. A house was completely destroyed, roads were washed out, and power blackouts throughout the southern areas of the province were reported along with grounded boats, fallen trees and damaged roofs. Earlier in the summer Hurricanes Alberto and Beryl caused reported damage in Nova Scotia which included power outages, damaged trees and minor flooding of roads and waterways.

Of course, there was Hurricane Juan in September 2003; eight people died, hundreds of thousands of trees were toppled, power was out for 300,000 people across the region (in some cases for a week), and a line of railcars were knocked off their track in Halifax habour.

What'll your insurance cover if your area is hit by a hurricane?

Think you know what your insurance covers? Unfortunately, many people don't.

For example, did you know that under most home insurance policies, if your sewer backs up (and you have this coverage specifically included in your policy) you're covered; but, if you incur damage due to any other type of flooding you're not?

Just think about the damage a severe storm could cause to your home, and some of the questions that arise:

   • Will your home insurance policy cover the cost of damage to your roof due to high winds from a storm or hurricane?
   • Will your home insurance policy cover the cost of a tree falling against the house?
   • What if your home is destroyed? Will your policy cover its replacement?
   • If you have to leave your home-for any length of time-will your expenses be covered?
   • Will your policy cover damage that items on your property may cause to your neighbours' homes?

What about your auto insurance? What will it cover?

   • Do you know what you'd be covered for if a tree fell on your car?
   • Will your policy cover flood damage to your vehicle?

Take the quiz to test you knowledge

kanetix.ca has set up a fascinating short quiz to answer all these questions and more. Find out if your storm ready today, and take the quiz: Are you storm ready?