Personal Disaster Recovery Plan

Canada is no stranger to natural disasters – facing a series of devastating events ranging from wildfires and floods to heat waves, hail and wind storms and even earthquakes. In fact, for the second year in a row, Canada exceeded $3 billion in insured damage from natural catastrophes and other severe weather events. Natural catastrophes caused $3.1 billion in insured losses in 2023, making it the fourth costliest year on record, according to CatIQ.

What’s worse – extreme weather and natural disasters are only becoming more frequent and severe. It’s therefore critical to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home, car and other belongings. 

What is a Personal Disaster Recovery Plan? 

A Personal Disaster Recovery Plan is a proactive approach to mitigating the impact of natural disasters on your home and assets. It involves assessing potential risks, developing strategies to minimize damage, and creating a roadmap for recovery in the event of a catastrophe. 

Should you have a Disaster Recovery Plan? 

Having a Personal Disaster Recovery Plan is crucial for safeguarding yourself and your family against unforeseen emergencies. It provides peace of mind knowing that you are prepared to face whatever challenges may arise, and helps you recover quicker after an event. Moreover, a well-thought-out plan can help minimize the financial burden of rebuilding or repairing your home and possessions in the aftermath of a disaster. By investing time and effort into creating a comprehensive plan, you are taking proactive steps to protect your most valuable assets, and your loved ones.

Your Personal Disaster Recovery Plan 

Creating a Personal Disaster Recovery Plan involves several key steps:

1. Assessment: Begin by identifying potential hazards in your area, such as floods, wildfires, or earthquakes. Assess the vulnerability of your home and belongings to these risks. 

2. Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, medications, and first aid kits. Create a designated emergency kit that can be easily accessed in the event of an evacuation. 

3. Evacuation Plan: Develop a detailed evacuation plan with designated meeting points and alternative routes. Practice drills regularly to ensure that everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.  

4. Communication: Establish a communication plan to stay in touch with family members and emergency contacts during a crisis. Maintain a list of important phone numbers and keep mobile devices charged and accessible. 

5. Documentation: Keep important documents, such as insurance policies, identification papers, and financial records, in a secure, waterproof container. Store digital copies in a password protected cloud storage account for added security. 

6. Recovery Strategies: Outline steps for recovering from a disaster, including contacting your broker and insurance provider, documenting damage, and accessing financial assistance. Consider consulting with professionals, such as restoration companies or financial advisors, to guide you through the recovery process. Your insurance broker will also help with this process. 

7. Insurance Coverage: Review your home and auto insurance policies with your broker to ensure they provide adequate coverage for natural disasters. Consider additional endorsements or riders that may be necessary to fill any gaps in coverage. 

A-kan Insurance can help with insurance as well as guide you on disaster preparedness, claims and recovery.