WATCH ABOVE: Calgary continues to clean up after Tuesday’s hail storm that left a path of destruction. Gary Bobrovitz looks at how to deal with property damage.
CALGARY – As a result of recent hail and thunderstorms, many Calgarians are experiencing damage to their homes, vehicles and other property.
Even though natural disasters are unavoidable, experts have advice to prevent property damage. The city had no estimate of the cost of storm-related damages as of Wednesday night.
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Sue Henry, deputy chief of Calgary Emergency Management Agency, recommended residents clear off their eaves troughs and make sure they are pointed away from neighbouring homes.
Rosa Nelson, director of communications for the Western Division of Intact Insurance, said the company hadn’t seen a large number of claims after Tuesday’s storm.
“There are a few instances of localized flooding resulting in sewer back up, but no hail claims as of yet,” said Nelson.
READ MORE: Cleanup begins after intense August storm hits Calgary
Without tenant insurance, renters are on the hook for storm-related damage costs. Hail and wind damage are covered under most residential insurance plans, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
WATCH: Tammy Truman for Truman Insurance Company joins the News Hour with some insurance 101.
Nelson provided the following tips to prevent damage to property:
Hail
- “Cover all glass or delicate outdoor items and furniture.
- Close all windows and doors during a hailstorm.
- Install UL 2218 or FM 4473 as Class 3 or 4 shingles, for better protection.
- Put vehicles in the garage during hailstorms or cover with a thick blanket.
- Move flowers and flower pots under cover.
Water
- Inspect home roofs regularly for loose or curled shingles (this also applies for wind).
- Properly grade lot to avoid water seeping back into house.
- Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to ensure proper drainage.
- Ensure downspouts are located and facing away from the house.
- Reduce air and water leaks with weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Locate and seal any cracks in foundation walls and basement floor.
Wind
- Replace rock and gravel landscaping material with shredded bark.
- Install impact-resistant shutters over large windows and glass doors.
- Secure all moveable outdoor items or relocate them indoors.
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed and remove weak trees that may fall.
- Avoid parking vehicles near or below trees, lampposts or power lines.
- Secure all HVAC units, skylights and pipes to avoid being blown away.”
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With files from Gary Bobrovitz
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