Make emergency preparedness a priority this long weekend

HALIFAX, Feb. 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) encourages families across Nova Scotia to make emergency preparation a priority for the province's inaugural Nova Scotia Heritage Day long weekend .

"As we have seen over the past couple of weeks, the frequency and severity of winter weather events is on the rise across the Atlantic Region," said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. "With more snow in the forecast for this weekend, take a few minutes to review your family's emergency plans and replenish your disaster safety kits. When it comes to severe weather and emergencies, preparation is key."

IBC's Top 10 tips to prepare your family for an emergency are:

1. Create an emergency preparedness plan.
2. Assemble disaster safety kits for your home, car and office.
3. Be sure to have at least 2 litres of drinking water per person a day for up to 72 hours.
4. Know your home's exits and nearby safe meeting locations. 
5. Speak with your neighbours to plan ahead and share responsibilities. 
6. Compile contact lists for work and school as well as for attending to any special health needs.
7. Prepare a detailed home inventory.
8. If away for an extended amount of time, have someone check your property daily and clear snow from the walk and driveway.
9. Put all important documents in a safe place and ensure they are accessible if you need to evacuate.
10. Ask your insurance representative about coverage for specific events.

To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit www.ibc.ca or review Your Emergency Preparedness Guide by the Government of Canada. For additional information, click here for IBC brochures.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Atlantic or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2-ASK-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

Image with caption: "IBC Top 10: Tips to prepare your family for an emergency (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150212_C7181_PHOTO_EN_12062.jpg

For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]