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Summer is a time for relaxing at the lake, sharing stories around a campfire, and enjoying seemingly endless sunshine. However, hot summer days also make for severe weather, which is why WINMAR® Property Restoration teams across Canada are often called out to help homeowners, business owners, and insurance adjusters deal with the damage caused by summer storms.

When severe weather threatens to take the relaxation out of your summer plans, WINMAR® Property Restoration is ready to help 24/7. We’re experts in handling emergencies and restorations, but we’re also here to help you feel more at ease when there are interruptions to life, vacations, and summer plans.

Hail, Thunderstorms, Tornados & Severe Weather

Canada has a richly diverse geographical layout, which means that WINMAR® teams in west, east, and central Canada are equipped to handle distinct scenarios.

Despite the differences, there are some commonalities in the work we do to restore your property to pre-damage condition. When we arrive at your property after a weather event, we will:

• Check for electrical damage or downed power lines, which could be a hazard
• Check for water damage, which can cause damage and mould
• Check for spills, such as gasoline or hazardous materials
• Examine the property for any other hazards or safety concerns
• Take detailed photos of damage to all parts of the property
• Create a plan to clean and restore buildings, contents and belongings
• Walk you through the next steps so you know what to expect

Most importantly, we’ll be there to answer questions and set your mind at ease about getting everything cleaned up and back in great condition – after all, we’ve done this many times before!

What to Do When You Experience Hail Damage

Hail damage can be particularly devastating for properties, especially when hail becomes large. Damage to surfaces such as shingles and roofing, siding, windows, and decks are typically expected. These issues can lead to other damages, including water damage and the development of mould. It’s important to have a property restoration specialist on-site rapidly to assess damages, mitigate further risks, and get to work on a restoration plan.

When a hailstorm occurs, here are some steps you can take before we arrive:

• First, make sure everyone on the property is indoors and safe if you can. It may be tempting to go outside and move uncovered vehicles or belongings, but this can be risky. Even small chunks of ice can rapidly turn to golf ball-sized hail. Remember that it’s a lot more difficult to repair your body than it is to repair your belongings!
• If you are outdoors when the storm hits, try to avoid taking shelter under trees, in culverts, or in any place that could fill with water or cause debris to fall on you.
• Close your blinds or curtains and stay away from the windows in case the glass shatters.
• Call WINMAR® Property Restoration as soon as possible (find a location). We respond as quickly as possible to all calls, with teams and equipment ready and waiting to be deployed at a moment’s notice.

What to Do When You Experience a Thunderstorm

Where there’s thunder, there’s lightning, and there may also be high winds, both of which can be extremely damaging to properties. Many of us experience severe weather thunderstorms on a regular basis, but some storms are worse than others. Depending on where your property is located, your buildings and belongings may become damaged by wind or lightning.

Here are some steps you can take if you experience a powerful thunderstorm and you’re concerned about damages or safety hazards from wind or lightning:

• Stay clear of damaged buildings, which may be a safety risk.
• Draw blinds or curtains over your windows.
• Be prepared for power outages with batteries and flashlights on hand.
• Unplug your appliances in case of a lightning strike, and avoid using water.
• Take shelter in the interior of your home or basement in case of falling trees.
• Call WINMAR® Property Restoration to have a specialist deployed as soon as possible (find a location).

What to Do When You Experience a Tornado

Tornadoes tend to occur in the southern parts of the eastern and prairie provinces in Canada, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Most tornadoes develop in March through October, with the majority happening between 3 PM and 7 PM (although they can certainly develop outside of these times).

If you live in a place where tornadoes can develop, you’ll know that it can be frightening when a tornado touches down near you.

If you receive a tornado warning, see funnel clouds developing, or you suspect the weather conditions could create a tornado, here are some basic steps to take:

• Keep the TV or a radio on and keep your phone handy so you can stay aware of what’s going on around you and call for emergency help or medical services if you need it.
• Stay clear of damaged buildings and powerlines.
• Plan for power outages, which are common during tornadoes, by having flashlights and batteries on hand.
• If you can, go to a basement or cellar to take shelter. If you don’t have a basement or cellar, stay clear of windows and take shelter in a small room like a bathroom or closet. Keep your head covered under a table or desk if possible.
• Reach out to WINMAR® Property Restoration as soon as possible to have our emergency crews assess the damage and look for safety issues (find a location).

Putting You at Ease After a Storm

Safety is always our first priority, and we know it’s yours too. After we’ve assessed your property and taken care of the immediate risks, we’ll continue to be there for you as the restoration process begins and until all of your restoration is fully complete.

Remember that no matter where you are in Canada, when the weather gets stormy, WINMAR® is only a phone call away!