Wind Warnings: Click Below for Advice on Protecting Your Home

From coast to coast, Canadians have felt the impact strong winds can bring and the damage they can leave behind first-hand. So what can you do if a wind warning is declared in your area? We’re here to help with high wind safety tips you can use. Watch the video or read the guide below.

When you receive a strong wind warning, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of danger and property damage.

• Follow evacuation orders given by local authorities.
• Bring pets and children indoors. A basement is an excellent location for kids and critters if you have one in your home.
• If space is available, park your vehicle in a garage. Avoid parking beneath tree branches or other potential hazards.
• Secure stray items, like toys and lawn furniture, so they don't become projectiles in strong winds. Place them inside a shed or a garage. Larger items may need sandbags or tie-downs to prevent lift-off.
• Close and latch doors, windows and storm shutters to increase your protection.

When a windstorm arrives, consider these steps to add to your safety:

• If you are able to find shelter, head for it. If available to you, bring your emergency preparedness kit to where you’ll be waiting out the storm.
• If you live in an apartment building or a condo, take the extra precaution of not using the elevator.
• If you’re caught outside during the storm, protect yourself by getting as close to the ground as you can. Protect your head with your hands and be alert for debris that may fly through the air.
• If heavy winds emerge while driving, get to the nearest form of shelter possible. Taking refuge under an overpass or a bridge may seem tempting, but extreme winds can increase in these locations. Stay away if possible.
• Check your local news and trusted social media outlets for details on the conditions and potential hazards. The news will give you access to safety updates, government messages, future wind warnings and other factors that might impact your safety and decision-making.

Play it safe and exercise extra caution after the wind calms down.

• If you spot a downed power line caused by wind damage, do not approach it yourself. Contact your local power company to handle this hazard.
• If possible from the ground, inspect your roof for damage caused by strong winds. A loose shingle can be a major tip-off.
• If the structure of your home appears to have weakened during the storm (sagging ceilings, split walls, uneven floors), exit and have a professional inspect its safety.
• If you have property damage, be sure to photograph it for your insurance claim needs.
• Keep receipts of any clean-up or other related costs associated with the wind damage.
• Consider your deductible when assessing the damage. Minor damage may warrant paying out pocket versus submitting an insurance claim.
• Contact TD Insurance if you have a claim to file. Readying an insurance claim or just looking for solutions following strong winds? We’re ready to talk to you.

You can reach one of our helpful TD Insurance Claims Advisors by dialling 1-866-848-9744, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Depending on the circumstances and subject to your policy's coverage, we may be able to dispatch emergency services to provide solutions to mitigate further damage and put your safety first.

Our TD Insurance Customer Advice Centers are also available to answer your insurance coverage questions. For existing TD MyInsurance customers, click here to login and chat securely with one of our Advisors.

Alternatively, you can call us at 1-877-777-7136, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.