Natural disaster preparation: 5 simple steps to limit damage

A natural disaster is a destructive event caused by nature or weather—a flood, ice storm, torrential rain, tsunami, tornado, forest fire or landslide, for example—which is so intense that it exceeds a community’s normal capacity to cope. However, these phenomena are becoming more and more frequent and unpredictable, resulting in major property damage—and costly bills for homeowners, drivers and insurers.

In this context, preparing for natural disasters is no longer an option, but a necessity. While auto and home insurance plays an essential role in protecting insured people from the financial consequences of a claim, it does not replace the important steps you can take to limit the extent of the damage. The good news? Preventing damage from natural disasters often involves just taking a few simple, accessible and inexpensive actions. Keep reading for five effective steps you can take now.

What to know about natural disasters in Quebec and across Canada

1. The impact of climate change is confirmed

Climate change is definitely one of the culprits. Climate zones—geographical regions with similar long-term weather patterns—are changing. Global warming is redrawing these boundaries, bringing its own set of challenges for policyholders and insurers alike.

For example, in neighbourhoods where sewage problems used to be rare, municipal sewer systems are now overflowing more frequently after heavy rains, leading to an increase in sewer backups into homes.

2. A clear increase in frequency and intensity

Natural disasters are on the rise, not least because of climate change. In Quebec and across Canada, extreme events are not only becoming more frequent, they are also causing more and more damage. For example, forest fires, once confined to western Canada, are now a regular part of the summer season in Quebec.

3. Consequences for citizens

Every climate zone in Canada presents its own challenges for homeowners. Insurance companies are keeping a close eye on these developments as they adapt to this new risk management reality. Homeowners and car owners can therefore expect more questions when it comes to getting an auto insurance or home insurance quote.

In the event of a claim, insured people can of course count on their insurers. But they now also need to better understand the impact of natural disasters on their insurance premiums, and the need for prevention to protect their assets.

Which are the most costly natural disasters?

1. Flooding

What does this list of the ten costliest years for Canadian insurers due to extreme weather conditions reveal? It’s not hard to see that flooding is not only frequent, but that it comes with very high bills!

2. Wind storms

The organization Ouranos, a hub of innovation and consensus-building to help Quebec society better adapt to climate change, states on its website that “current climate models still underestimate the speed of strong winds and the intensity of the various types of storms affecting Quebec”.

High winds can cause major damage to buildings, roofs and transport infrastructure such as roads and bridges. For example, a derecho—a fast-moving, straight-line storm system with downbursts that causes considerable damage over a wide area—and Hurricane Fiona resulted in costs of $3.8 billion in 2022.

3. Other types of storms

Although snowstorms can cause serious inconveniences on the roads, there are several things you can do to help you prepare for them. Other types of weather events can also cause damage. An ice storm in Quebec and Ontario caused insured damage totalling $342 million from March 28 to 31, 2025. Another example? The cost of the July 2024 hailstorm in Calgary has almost doubled compared with initial estimates.

4. Forest fires

According to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. insured damage caused by severe weather exceeded $2.4 billion in 2025. This makes it the tenth costliest year on record for insured damage related to severe weather events in Canada. Several forest fires in the Prairies were big contributors to the total.

Natural disaster preparation: why is it essential?

1. To reduce property damage

Simple precautions, such as clearing gutters, securing outdoor items or properly maintaining your roof, can prevent water, snow or wind from causing costly damage. These preventive measures can also help you avoid major repairs and costly claims.

2. To ensure the safety of those inside

Prevention, through proper planning, reduces the risk of injury, emergency evacuation or exposure to hazards such as forest fires. A well-prepared environment protects what matters most: people’s safety.

3. To boost resilience in emergency situations

Making a home more resilient to flooding or sewer backup, by installing a backwater or check valve and an alarm to prevent sewage backup in the event of flooding, is a preventive measure that helps protect your family home from environmental damage. To prevent flooding in particular, there are a number of measures you can take.

4. To reduce stress

Knowing that measures are in place (before, during and after a forest fire, for example) gives you a sense of control and prevents you from making rushed decisions in a panic. Being prepared reduces uncertainty, as well as unpleasant surprises and their financial and emotional consequences.

5 simple steps to limit damage

1. Clear and maintain gutters and drains

In autumn (or regularly, if necessary!), clean your eavestroughs and remove any dead leaves that may be lodged in them. Clogged eavestroughs slow down water flow and can lead to accumulation. This water can then leak into your roof, your siding or the walls of your home, and cause damage.

2. Reinforce doors and windows before storms

Doors and windows are the weakest link in a house and are vulnerable when exposed to strong winds, large hailstones or torrential rain. Make sure your doors and windows are properly closed and locked, and that the caulking around them is watertight and in good condition.

3. Remove objects outside that could become projectiles

Garden furniture, BBQs and tools can become projectiles when Mother Nature unleashes her fury. Make sure they are properly stored if strong winds are coming.

4. Prepare a complete emergency kit

Here’s how to prepare a family emergency kit for the home. And of course, you also need a kit for your car!

5. Create a buffer zone around the house in case of forest fire risk

What is a buffer zone? Also called “defensible space”, a buffer zone is an area with no trees or plants between your property and the surrounding forest, the purpose of which is to slow or stop the spread of a potential forest fire. You should also remove dead leaves and potentially flammable debris that sometimes accumulate on the ground.

Best practices for protecting your car

1. Park safely

To prevent your car being damaged by Mother Nature, it’s a good idea to park your car in a garage or carport. Hail can wreak havoc.

2. Avoid flood zones

Parking your vehicle in a flood zone obviously increases the likelihood of damage during heavy rains. Water alone can damage the engine, electrical components and passenger compartment when a vehicle is submerged. If you can, park high up, away from known flood zones.

3. Check weather warnings before you travel

Before you head out on the road, check the weather forecast. Plan your route, clear any snow and ice from your vehicle and adapt your driving to the conditions.

Our goal: to protect what matters most to you

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