Markham, ON- Sunday, December 22, 2013: Parts of Ontario and Quebec have been hit by severe ice storms leaving hundreds of thousands of citizens without power and heat. Thousands of trees toppled under the weight of the ice, bringing down power lines and blowing transformers in several regions of both provinces.
As this weather system moves east towards the Maritime provinces, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada stands ready to respond and will have additional staff on hand to help manage storm-related inquiries in the coming hours and days.
Local Allstate Insurance Agencies in communities across Ontario will be open for business— as long as it is safe— in order to serve our customers. If you have any questions, call your Allstate Insurance Agency first.
If further support is required, you can direct questions or insurance claims reports to Allstate Canada’s 24-hour, 7 days a week claims line at 1-800-387-0462. Or contact Allstate online.
Safety Tips
In the aftermath of an ice storm, safety should be everyone’s top priority. Even after the worst of the storm has passed, an element of danger still remains.
Here are some tips provided by the Government of Canada and Allstate to help keep you and your family safe in the aftermath of this ice storm.
Ice Storm Safety:
1. If you have to go outside during or immediately after an ice storm, watch for branches or wires that could break or fall due to the weight of the ice.
2. Don't approach power lines. Any hanging power line could be charged. Stay back at least 10 metres from wires or anything in contact with them.
3. Avoid driving if at all possible. Freezing rain can make roads extremely slippery. Wait several hours after freezing rain ends so road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads.
4. Freezing rain and strong winds increase the chances for hypothermia. Dress for the weather with boots or shoes with rubber soles.
5. Stay tuned to local television or radio stations for weather advisories, and check Environment Canada for weather warnings.
Power Outage Safety:
1. If you are forced to leave your home, take proactive measures to prevent pipes from freezing by turning off the main water line and drain all lines by opening the taps and closing them once the water runs out. Also flush toilets to remove water from tanks.
2. The food in a full freezer may last from 24 – 48 hours. However, in the winter weather, food could be stored outdoors if it is safe to do so.
3. Unplug or turn off all appliances to avoid possible damage when power resumes.
4. Plug in only the most essential appliances first, and wait 10 to 15 minutes to give the electrical system time to stabilize before connecting everything else.
About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of the country’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, serving Canadians since 1953. The company strives to keep its customers in "Good Hands®" as well as its employees, and has recently been listed for the second year in a row on the Best Employers in Canada list. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), United Way and Junior Achievement. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Kevin Wilson
Senior Communications Specialist
T: 905.475.4527
kwilson@allstate.ca