How to prepare your home and car for extreme weather events

One moment, it's a calm day. The next? A powerful storm rolls in, bringing high winds, heavy rain, or maybe even baseball-sized hailstones that tear through your neighbourhood in minutes. This may sound like a scene from the latest disaster movie to hit our screens, but the reality is, extreme weather events are becoming more common in Canada—and they can happen with very little warning.

With your home and car on the front lines, the key to minimizing the devastation that extreme weather can bring isn't luck: It's preparation. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to prepare your home and car for severe weather year-round—plus the critical steps to take right before, during, and after an extreme weather event hits. 

An extreme weather event is any severe weather condition that hits hard enough or lasts long enough to cause widespread damage and disruption.

Extreme weather conditions such as raging thunderstorms or violent hailstorms can come on suddenly, or they can develop and intensify over time, like an extended heatwave or deep freeze. But no matter what form an extreme weather event takes, they all have the potential to create dangerous conditions capable of causing significant injury and damage.

Here are some of the most common types of extreme weather we experience in Canada, and the kind of devastation they can cause:

• High wind events. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds strong enough to tear off roofs, topple trees, down power lines, and send dangerous debris flying.^{1, 2, 3}
• Heavy rain & hail events. Sudden and intense downpours can create flash floods, damage infrastructure, homes, and cars, overwhelm drainage systems, and cause waterborne disease outbreaks,⁴ while severe hailstorms can seriously injure humans and animals, destroy crops, shatter windows,damage siding and roofs, and dent vehicles.⁵
• Severe cold events. Winter storms such as blizzards and ice storms can bring extreme wind chills, severe ice conditions, and heavy snowfall—situations that can cause extended power outages, frozen pipes, treacherous road conditions, and serious health conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia.⁶
• Extreme heat events. Severe droughts create serious health risks, pose a significant threat to the health of Canada's crops and forests, and heighten wildfire and flood risks,⁷ while prolonged heatwaves not only intensify drought conditions, they can also stress power grids, cause extreme fire conditions, and seriously impact the health of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, the homeless, and those with medical conditions.⁸

The extreme weather events brought on by climate change is taking a toll on Canadian homes and vehicles. In 2024, weather-related disasters such as wildfires, floods, and hailstorms resulted in a record-breaking $8.5 billion in insurance payouts.⁹ And flooding continues to be the most common—and costly—natural disaster, with water-related damage topping insurance claims for homes across Canada.¹⁰ Vehicles are also vulnerable, with severe storms bringing risks like hail, rising floodwaters, and falling debris.

The extreme weather events we've been seeing show no signs of stopping, either. Instead, they're expected to escalate, with extreme heat and heavy rainfall predicted to occur with more frequency across the country.¹¹ And, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada, we'll be seeing an increase in wildfires, as well as more intense droughts, heat waves, and hurricanes.¹²

Canada's changing weather patterns make it more important than ever to be prepared. But extreme weather doesn't follow a schedule—which is why year-round preparation can be key to staying ahead of potential weather threats throughout the year.

Your home and car are among your biggest investments, and both face risks from floods, wildfires, hailstorms, and more. By keeping your property in top shape year-round and taking the time now to make a few strategic upgrades, you can be better prepared to stay ahead of whatever climate change throws your way. 

Your home provides you with shelter from the harsh conditions extreme weather can bring, but it's also vulnerable to damage from these conditions. Taking action now could help your home stand up to the challenges that severe weather brings. Here are some key steps you can take to help keep your property weather-ready around the clock:

• Know your local weather risks. Find out which extreme weather threats—for example, flooding, wildfires, or severe thunderstorms—are most likely in your area, so you can focus on making the right preparations.
• Stay informed about severe weather.  Bookmark trusted weather resources such as Environment and Climate Change Canada  and your municipality's emergency services to get real-time warnings and be notified of emergency instructions. Consider signing up for TD Insurance's Severe Weather & Safety Alerts for localized, timely alerts that help you monitor weather conditions in up to two locations.
• Make an emergency plan. Create a clear plan for what to do in an emergency, including evacuation routes and emergency contacts, and keep a kit of essential supplies packed and ready. Make sure everyone in your home knows the details of this plan and where the emergency kit is stored.
• Store documents safely. Keep important household information such as insurance policies and government-issued ID documents—passports, SIN cards, and birth certificates, for example—in a fire-resistant, waterproof container.
• Reinforce windows and doors. Prepare your windows and doors with weather stripping and seal any cracks. If possible, install storm-resistant upgrades, such as storm shutters or hurricane-rated doors, and reinforce your garage doors (for example, by installing a bracing kit and adding slide locks).
• Perform regular outdoor maintenance. This includes clearing eavestroughs and gutters, removing dead branches, trimming large trees, and having a roofing professional inspect your roof as necessary for any damage that could worsen with bad weather.
• Upgrade for weather protection. Consider upgrading to more durable materials (such as hail-resistant shingles or reinforced siding), installing a backflow valve to help protect against sewage backups, and replacing gravel in your yard with wood chips to reduce the risk of damage from wind-driven debris.

Protect basement or lower level storage. If you store items in your basement or on a lower level, reduce the risk of water damage by using waterproof bins or raised shelving to keep valuable or moisture-sensitive items off the floor.

Extreme weather can take a toll on your car too, which means your vehicle needs to be ready for anything the weather might throw at it all year-round. The following tips can help you stay prepared:

• Park wisely and be aware of risks. A garage or covered parking provides better protection for your car, but if you're parking outside, be aware of potential hazards such as overhanging tree branches, loose signage, or low-lying drainage trouble spots—especially during storm season, even if a storm hasn't been forecast.
• Check seals and prevent leaks. Regularly inspect the weather seals around doors, windows, and the trunk of your car for cracks or gaps and replace them as needed to prevent leaks. A properly sealed car is less likely to suffer water damage in heavy rain.
• Stock an emergency kit. Keep essential supplies like bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, a blanket, and a first-aid kit in your car at all times.
• Keep important documents protected. Store your registration and insurance papers in a waterproof case or bag inside your glove compartment. If you're a TD Insurance customer and you live in a province that accepts digital proof of insurance (most provinces do¹³), you could also download a digital pink card or proof of insurance through the TD Insurance app.
• Maintain tires and battery. Properly inflated, well-maintained tires help improve handling in extreme weather, so be sure to check tire treads and pressure regularly. Have your battery tested at least twice a year, and remove any corrosion that may have built up.
• Check wipers, lights, and electronics. Make sure your wipers work properly and keep your windshield washer fluid topped up. Routinely test headlights, brake lights, and hazard signals to ensure they're working properly to help you maintain maximum visibility during severe weather conditions.

When extreme weather is on the way, the final hours before it hits can be crucial. Each type of severe weather or storm requires its own safety measures—see, for example, our tips for hurricanes, freezing rain, heavy rain, and heavy snow. But in addition to taking storm-specific safety steps, the following general, last-minute preparations can help protect your home, car, and belongings, and get you ready for potential power outages or evacuation:

• Monitor local weather alert resources. Check official weather alerts from Environment and Climate Change Canada, emergency services, and your local news to track the storm's progress and stay aware of any potential need to evacuate. Sign up for TD Insurance's Severe Weather & Safety Alerts to receive warnings in real time.
• Prepare your yard. Bring in anything that could be picked up by strong winds, including planters, children's toys, and garbage bins. Secure heavier items that can't be moved indoors, such as BBQs and larger pieces of patio furniture.
• Secure doors, windows, and vents. Lock your windows and doors and close and seal all vents. If necessary, line any gaps with towels to help prevent water from seeping in.
• Prepare your car. Fill up on gas in case the storm shuts down nearby gas stations and top up your windshield washer fluid. Consider taking photos of your car to document its pre-storm condition for insurance purposes.
• If necessary, move your car. Park in a garage if you can. If your only option is to park outside, choose a spot that's away from power lines and tall objects such as trees. Avoid parking in a lower-lying area that may be prone to flooding and remember to set your parking or emergency brakes before leaving your vehicle. 
• Protect important documents. Ensure IDs, insurance policies, and other essential papers are stored in a fire-resistant and waterproof container, and confirm that your vehicle registration and proof of insurance are safely stored in your car.
• Have emergency cash on hand. Power outages and network failures can disrupt ATM services and debit and credit card transactions. Withdraw enough cash to cover essentials like food and gas or to pay for unexpected expenses in case electronic payments systems go down. 
• Keep your cell phone fully charged. Plug in your phone now, before the storm hits, and make sure power banks and other portable power sources are ready in case of an extended power outage.

Be prepared for evacuation. Know your evacuation route, have a bag ready with essentials, and consider leaving early if it's safe to do so and conditions are expected worsen quickly.

Once extreme weather has arrived, your safety and the safety of your household becomes the top priority. Whether it's a major storm, wildfire, or flood, severe weather conditions can create dangerous situations, so it's important to follow official guidance and avoid taking any unnecessary risks. In addition to weather-specific precautions, keep the following general safety tips in mind:

• Stay informed. Follow Environment and Climate Change Canada and local news sources for real-time updates and official instructions. Consider signing up for TD Insurance's Severe Weather & Safety Alerts if you haven't done so yet. And be prepared to adjust your plans if conditions worsen.
• Get indoors if possible. If you can, take shelter indoors. Once inside, head to the basement or an interior room, and be sure to stay clear of windows, doors, and fireplaces, which can break, leak, or become unstable in extreme weather conditions.
• Protect yourself if outside. If you're stuck outside and there's no immediate shelter available, stay low, avoid tall objects like trees or poles, and move away from any objects or structures that could collapse or be blown over.
• Stop safely if driving. If you can't safely continue driving, pull over in the safest available spot, avoiding trees, power lines, and flood-prone areas. If staying in the car is unsafe—for example, if the situation involves rising floodwaters or high winds near unstable structures—leave your vehicle and move to a safer location.
• Prepare for possible power issues. Set your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting to help your food last longer. If it's storming, unplug all non-essential electronics and small appliances to prevent damage from power surges, and use your cell phone for communications, rather than your landline.
• Evacuate if told to do so. If local authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately. Delaying your departure could make it harder to leave safely, as conditions might deteriorate rapidly.

While the immediate danger may have passed, there's still the chance of new risks emerging even as you begin the recovery process. Whether it's flooded roads, downed power lines, or structural damage, extreme weather can often leave dangerous situations in its wake. Here's how to navigate the aftermath safely:

• Continue to stay informed. We probably sound like a broken record by now, but it's important to keep monitoring authoritative sources for updates. Whether it's news about road closures, power outages, or other post-storm hazards, staying informed is essential to recovering safely after a severe weather event.
• Wait for official approval to return home. If you evacuated, don't go home until authorities have confirmed it's safe to do so. Storms and other weather events can leave behind hidden dangers like contaminated floodwaters, plus emergency crews may still be clearing debris and inspecting local infrastructure.
• Check for damage. Once it's safe to do so, walk around your home and property. Stay cautious, though, and be on the alert for hazards such as gas leaks, fallen power lines, or water damage, and avoid standing water until you know it's safe. Watch out for any trees that may have fallen and downed wires, and inspect your home's structure and foundation, windows, and walls, for  signs of visible damage.If you're concerned about damage to your roof, engage a roofing professional to do an inspection. They can provide you with a report which can be helpful for your insurance provider.
• Prevent further damage. Take steps to reduce the risk of further damage. For example, cover up broken windows, remove wet carpet or furniture to help prevent mold from growing, and if necessary, reach out to a roofing professional to assess your roof for damage. Be sure to turn off utilities such as water or electricity if necessary.
• Document everything. Take photos and videos of any damage before cleaning up in case you need to file an insurance claim. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs, and notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.

No one can control the weather but if you're a TD Insurance customer, and your home or car has been affected by severe weather, contact us to start a claim. We're here to help you get back on track as quickly as possible. 

Sources:

¹https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/hurricane-forecasts-facts/learn/hazards-impacts.html

²https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/trnds-en.aspx

³https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/thunderstorms/thunderstorms-information-facts

⁴https://climateinstitute.ca/news/fact-sheet-climate-change-and-flooding/; https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/mrgnc-mngmnt/ntrl-hzrds/fld-en.aspx

⁵https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/in-focus/alberta-continues-to-see-large-scale-impacts-from-hailstorms

⁶https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/svrstrms-en.aspx; https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/winter-storms/winter-storms-information-facts

⁷https://natural-resources.canada.ca/climate-change/climate-change-impacts-forests/impacts-climate-change-forests/drought/17772; https://climateinstitute.ca/news/fact-sheet-climate-change-and-drought/; https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/21-004-x/2021001/article/00001-eng.htm

⁸https://science.gc.ca/site/science/en/blogs/science-health/surviving-heat-impacts-2021-western-heat-dome-canada; https://climateatlas.ca/health-impacts-extreme-heat; https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html

⁹https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/7165-another-year-catastrophic-weather-canada; https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/2024-shatters-record-for-costliest-year-for-severe-weather-related-losses-in-canadian-history-at-8-5-billion

¹⁰https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/7165-another-year-catastrophic-weather-canada

¹¹https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/ten-most-impactful-weather-stories/2024.html

¹²https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/7628-extreme-weather-numbers-how-weather-impacts-energy-output

¹³https://gowlingwlg.com/en-ca/insights-resources/articles/2023/new-brunswick-electronic-proof-car-insurance