Hurricane season is upon us — here’s how to keep your home safe from damage

Thinking about the worst-case scenario ahead of time can go a long way

HALIFAXtoday\ Kieran Delamont

Those living in eastern Newfoundland continue to cleanup from Hurricane Larry, and earlier this month, the remnants of Ida traipsed their way across the Maritimes.

Nova Scotians have had a few close calls so far in 2021 and there’s no question hurricane season is in full swing.

Which, for anyone owning a home in the Maritimes can bring a lot of headaches, a lot of damages, and a decent tab when all is said and done. But, says Tara Laidman of The Co-operators insurance broker, huge claims don’t have to be a foregone conclusion.

“If we look at the Co-operators data, the average loss from hurricane damage is just shy of $18,000,” she says. “A lot of that damage comes from water, and it’s the water that comes along with the storm surge — the abnormal rise in the lake or ocean waters. We also see tremendous amounts of rain, and when that much rain comes it’s really hard for the ground to absorb.”

Overall, she says, good prep for hurricane season starts early. No one wants to dwell too much on what-ifs, but thinking about the worst-case scenario ahead of time can go a long way.

“You definitely want to make sure you have a family evacuation plan,” Laidman says. Prepare an emergency kit if there’s a storm inbound and have a bag packed.

A walk around your property in a worst-case scenario mindset can be helpful at reducing damages as well.

“Remove any weak branches or trees that you think could fall down during the wind,” she says, “and certainly, take a look at anything that could take flight during a hurricane.”

Patio sets can easily catch in a strong breeze, and among the last things you want to see flying toward you is a wrought-iron patio table.

More significant protections — things like wind-resistant shingles or hurricane clips that keep the roof from blowing away — can have a “significant effect,” but are often costly. “If you’re not going to do anything else, it would be costly to do,” Laidman says. “But if you’re in the middle of getting a new roof or a new build, it’s a good idea.”

The good news is that all of those things are doable. If you have been slouching a bit on hurricane prep, there’s no time like the present — because the threat it poses is being amplified by climate change.

“Canadians can see that. They’re definitely seeing that these risks are happening sooner, and they’re not slowing down,” Laidman says. You should be “prepared for longer seasons. They should be prepared for more severe hurricanes, and they should be prepared for the frequency of hurricanes.”

It’s important also to think of all the things inside your home, Laidman says, especially what’s in your basement.

A few decades ago having an unfinished basement was more common, and while it is annoying and damaging to see flooding there, it pales in comparison to the more ubiquitous finished basement, with carpets, drywall, electronics and family heirlooms getting ruined in a flood.

“The damage you see with water when you peel back that wall or that flooring, it just keeps going,” she says.

Between general trends toward maximizing living space and the pandemic creating many electronics-heavy home offices, the result is higher claims and more damages.

“People tend to use all levels of their living space now,” she says. “Especially if you’re in the area that could get flooding, make sure you take your valuables to a higher level in your home — make sure you bring those things up to higher ground.”

And, of course, The Co-operator’s position is that insurance helps, Laidman says. Read that policy and then read it again. The hardest cases are often the ones where people are taken by surprise at what is and isn’t covered.

“Know ahead of time — not at the time of a claim — but ahead of time, what is going to be covered,” Laidman says.

While Nova Scotia has escaped a direct hit this year — so far — it is inevitable that we’ll catch one at some point, in some year. Storm chips will help. A bit of smart prep-work will, too.