A survey from First Onsite shows that Canadians are anxious when it comes to severe weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes. (Photo 14895752 © Wisconsinart | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet

Survey finds Canadians worried about severe weather

May 7, 2024 | 12:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new survey has found that half of Canadians are anxious about tornadoes and severe wind gusts, while 28 per cent have fears of hurricanes.

First Onsite unveiled the numbers as the second leg of its annual weather and property survey looking into the concerns of Canadians, their perceptions and property readiness regarding disaster scenarios.

The company says it is releasing the numbers in light of Emergency Preparedness Week, a national initiative supported by Public Safety Canada.

READ MORE: RCMP offers safety tips for Emergency Preparedness Week

First Onsite says during the 2023 season, Western University’s Northern Tornadoes Project recorded 86 tornadoes across the country. The previous year saw 129, listed as a Canadian record for the most tornadoes documented in a year.

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CLIMATE CHANGE & INSURANCE

The survey found that two-thirds of Canadians think climate change is driving up the cost of their home or business insurance. First Onsite says disaster claims in Canada have more than quadrupled in the past 15 years, accounting for $3.1 billion of insured losses in 2022 and the same amount in 2023. Officials say that is up from $400 million in 2008, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Seven out of 10 Canadians, or 69 per cent, say they are concerned about the loss of valuables and personal items, while 72 per cent worry about the cost of major renovations and repairs needed because of a weather-related disaster.

“Volatile weather has put many Canadians on edge, and for a good reason,” says SVP of large loss for First Onsite Jim Mandeville.

“When disasters strike, knowing what to expect can make a world of difference – that is why planning and preparedness are so essential,” Mandeville adds.

For Alberta, First Onsite says 43 per cent of residents in the province voiced fears of tornadoes while 60 per cent believe climate change is causing a rise in the cost of insurance.

The theme for this year’s Emergency Preparedness Week is ‘Be Prepared. Know Your Risk”.

READ MORE: Be prepared in case of emergency: City of Lethbridge

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