Greg discusses what to look for when hitting the lake in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Featuring Greg Marcynicuk at Heritage Insurance. Today, Greg, it's severe summer weather season. We got to be prepared for those thunderstorms.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct, Rob. And I think the biggest thing is, know the risks and be prepared. And, before and during this summer season starts, you should trim any dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of those falling onto your house. Also, make sure you clean your gutters, drains and downpipes. And make sure your roof is in good repair.
Make an emergency kit, as well as an emergency plan. So, when a storm is imminent, usually Environment Canada will issue weather warnings, and they could do that either through the weather office website, automated telephone, on radio, television broadcasts. So, it's important that you pay attention when you feel or you can see that a storm is imminent.
As far as the severe thunderstorm watch, the conditions are conducive to development of severe thunderstorms in and around the watch area. A severe thunderstorm warning, issued when a severe thunderstorm has been observed by spotters or indicated on radar. Tornado watch is when conditions are favorable for development of severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes in and around the watch area.
And a tornado warning, spotters have sighted a tornado and one has been indicated on radar and is occuring. What can you do if there is a tornado warning? You want to make sure that everything is secure around outside, such as any lawn furniture, or any fixtures, so that flying objects can't hurt anyone.
Consider going to a sheltered area that your family has identified. And, if you're indoors during a storm, stay away from windows, doors, and fireplaces. If you're in a car, step away from trees or powerlines that might fall on you. And avoid the base of steep or unstable slopes, or low areas prone to flooding.
The other thing I'm always very adamant about is making an emergency plan with your families so that you know what to do, where the important documents are, and where you're going to meet. And as well, you should always have an emergency kit that is sufficient for at least 72 hours. You should have water there, two liters of water per person a day, food that won't spoil - such as canned food, energy bars, dried food. And remember to replace those at least once a year. A manual can opener, wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and radio - first aid kit, of course. And if you have any sort of medications, infant formula, make sure you have them with you as well.
A good idea to have extra keys to your car and your house. And, as well, have some cash, preferably in smaller bills, such as $10 bills and some change. And, as well, a copy of the emergency plan and contact information.
So, these are just great ideas to be ready for this severe summer storm season. So, make sure you review your insurance to make sure that you have the proper coverages.
Most insurance policies do provide coverage for wind or lightning damage, but it's always a good idea to get together and review these with your insurance broker.
Rob: There you go. And, we can do that right at Heritage Insurance.
Greg: That's correct. On the corner of First and Fairford Street West. And come on in and talk to any of our fine people here at Heritage insurance.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)