How to stay safe in a tornado

Tornadoes are a weather phenomenon we often associate with the southern parts of the United States. In reality, tornadoes can develop swiftly in Canada, especially during peak season. Understanding the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch is key to helping you act fast and protect your family, home and vehicles. While a tornado warning means you should take shelter immediately, a watch means conditions are favourable and that you have some time to prepare yourself and act.

Key takeaways

Here's is important information you should keep in mind:

• Watch = get ready.

• Warning = take shelter nearby now.

• Wind and tornado damage is generally covered under most standard home insurance policies, subject to policy terms, limits, deductibles and exclusions.

• Some types of water damage may be covered, while overland flood and sewer backup typically require additional policy endorsements.

• Securing loose items around your property, having an emergency kit and knowing the closest shelter location to you can significantly reduce your risk of harm.

How tornado alerts work in Canada and the EF scale

In Canada, tornado alerts are broadcast by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and delivered through Alert Ready, which alerts Canadians through the radio, wireless devices and TV. The country experiences approximately 60 tornadoes per year, according to Climate Data Canada, which is the second-highest number in the world behind the United States.

Further, tornadoes have been recorded in every province and territory, with the highest frequencies in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and western New Brunswick. To classify tornadoes, Canada uses the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, which was adopted in 2013. This classifies tornadoes by wind damage according to the following:

• EF0: 90 to 130 km/h

• EF1: 135 to 175 km/h

• EF2: 180 to 220 km/h

• EF3: 225 to 265 km/h

• EF4: 270 to 310 km/h

• EF5: 315 km/h or higher

Immediate action checklist: Tornado watch vs tornado warning

While there is nothing that can stop a tornado in its path, there are ways you can prepare yourself if a funnel cloud touches down near your home or vehicle. Here’s what you need to do:

Tornado watch: Be ready

This is your chance to prepare before the situation escalates:

• Move your vehicle into your garage or another covered area, if possible.

• Review your shelter plan and keep your emergency kit ready.

• Secure your patio furniture, garbage bins and other loose items in your yard.

• Charge your phones and backup batteries.

Tornado warning: Act now

These actions need to be taken immediately:

• Seek shelter right away.

• Move to the lowest floor in your home or other safe shelter and ensure it’s a windowless room.

• Protect your head and neck with your arms, pillows or a mattress.

• Stay away from the windows and exterior walls.

• If you’re driving, stop, exit your vehicle and shelter in a low ditch or other low-lying areas to protect yourself from flying debris.

Avoid

Your safety is a priority. Here's what not to do in the case of a tornado:

• Do not seek shelter under an overpass.

• Do not open windows.

Shelter guidance by living situation

How you seek shelter also depends on your living situation:

Houses with basements

You should:

• Choose an interior room away from windows and shelter under sturdy furniture.

Homes without basements

Choose to:

• Use a small interior room like a bathroom, hallway or closet.

• Stay away from windows.

Apartment or condo

Ensure that you:

• Go to an interior part of your building on the lowest accessible floor and stay away from windows.

Mobile homes

You should do the following:

• If you live in a mobile home, evacuate to a nearby sturdy building or community shelter.

• As a last resort, lie flat in a low-lying area and protect your head and neck.

Pets

If you own pets, prepare by:

• Having carriers, leashes and other supplies on hand.

Vehicles and outdoor scenarios

Weather can be unpredictable. There may come a time when you’re driving when a tornado warning is issued in your area. If this happens, do the following:

• Pull over and seek shelter in a nearby building. Ensure it is a sturdy shelter.

• If no shelter is available, leave your vehicle and shelter in a low-lying area or nearest ditch. Make sure to lie flat.

• Do not attempt to outrun a tornado.

Outdoor sites, construction areas and outdoor events

Here's what you need to do if a tornado warning is issued and you aren't able to take shelter in your home:

• Move quickly to the nearest sturdy building.

• Avoid long-span buildings like arenas, barns or warehouses, which may be more vulnerable to collapse in extreme winds.

• During a tornado watch, park your vehicles away from trees, poles and loose debris.

Preparedness kit and home hardening

The Canadian Red Cross recommends that all households be self-sufficient for 72 hours following a tornado. To keep you and your family members safe, ensure you have the following in your emergency kit:

• Work gloves, long pants, thick-soled shoes and other PPE.

• Water (two to four litres per person/day).

• Non-perishable food

• Medications and first-aid supplies

• Flashlights, chargers, batteries

• Keep these supplies in a safe room or dedicated storm shelter

• Sleeping bags

• Pet supplies

• Important documents

According to home hardening best practices from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (CLR), homeowners should:

• Reinforce door frames

• Secure outdoor items and heavy objects that could be easily tossed in high winds

• Trim weak branches to prevent falling debris

• Reinforce and properly secure garage doors

After the severe weather storm: Safety and claims steps

Staying informed and avoiding hazards is essential to your safety:

Safety first

Be aware and careful:

• Watch out for broken utility lines and fallen power lines.

• Wear gloves and sturdy footwear.

Document the damage

Make sure to:

• Take photos and videos of the damage before you begin your cleanup.

• Keep all receipts for repairs and temporary expenses.

File your claim

Here's what you need to do:

• Contact your broker or insurer immediately.

• Provide a list of damaged items.

• Submit your documents.

• Work with your adjuster.

• Track your additional living expenses, if applicable under your policy.

Insurance coverage at a glance

When it comes to your home, auto and business insurance, coverage varies by policy, province and insurer. Generally, you can expect:

Home insurance

Consider insuring your home, and get the following covered:

• Dwelling damage from tornado winds, flying debris and wind-created openings on outside walls and roofs.

• Detached structures such as garages or sheds, typically covered up to a percentage of your dwelling limit

• Contents damaged by tornado winds and falling debris.

Auto insurance

It's worth knowing that:

• Comprehensive (optional): Comprehensive car insurance typically covers damage caused by tornadoes and other severe weather events.

Business insurance

Consider purchasing:

• Property insurance

• Business interruption coverage

• Equipment and data protection.

Common gaps, endorsements and provincial nuances

Most standard insurance policies will exclude the following:

• Overland flood insurance (requires an endorsement)

• Sewer backup (optional coverage)

• Limits on detached structures and outdoor property

Speak to a BrokerLink insurance advisor to review your current insurance coverage and understand how your policy responds to severe weather events.

Contact BrokerLink

If you’re unsure how your home and auto insurance coverage applies to tornado damage or other severe weather events, contact your BrokerLink broker for guidance.

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