Staying informed about the weather is easier than ever thanks to smartphones, apps, television, and local radio updates. While staying aware is important, being prepared is what truly protects your home, your belongings, and, most importantly, your safety.
When severe weather is possible, you’ll often hear terms like advisory, watch, or warning.
Understanding the difference can help you know when to stay alert, when to prepare, and when to take action.
- Advisory: Weather conditions may create inconvenience or minor disruption, but a serious threat is not expected. Stay informed and cautious.
- Watch: Conditions are favourable for severe weather to develop. Monitor updates closely, prepare emergency supplies, secure outdoor items, and avoid unnecessary travel if risk increases.
- Warning: Severe weather is occurring or highly likely. Take immediate precautions and move to a safe location if necessary. Note that warnings for events like tornadoes or severe thunderstorms may be issued less than an hour before impact, while other warnings may come 6–12 hours beforehand.
Prepare and Protect
Whether it's wind, freezing rain, heavy snow, thunderstorms, or flooding, proactive preparation reduces risk and stress. Consider:
- Securing outdoor furniture and loose items
- Cleaning eavestroughs and downspouts
- Updating emergency kits
- Reviewing home insurance coverage details
- Preparing backup power sources and lighting
Useful Resources
Weather can change quickly and understanding alerts and planning ahead is key to protecting what matters most.
If you ever have questions about coverage or claims, we are here to help.