Emergency Tornado Information
updated 1:19 pm (2018/10/09)
Windstorm/Tornado event on Friday, September 21st, 2018
As most people in and around Ottawa/Gatineau, and in fact, around the world have heard, we experienced a major windstorm and 6 tornadoes in the area. We at Rhodes & Williams Insurance Brokers hope that you, your family, friends and neighbours are all safe. Unfortunately, we know that many of our clients and friends have been impacted and we are doing everything we can to help.
Although not damaged by the storm, our office building was impacted with power outage throughout the weekend, which resulted in our phones not being operational. We got word out as best we could regarding emergency contact procedures. As of this morning, our power is back up, our phones are operational and we are doing everything in our power to help our clients impacted by the storm. We will update this page as things change.
I am seriously affected ─ my house or business is seriously damaged?
If your safety is at risk, immediately call 911! Only if it is safe to do so, do what you can to safely prevent further damage to your property. Contact your Rhodes & Williams Insurance Broker at 613-226-6590 or 1-888-391-8379. We are answering as many calls as we can. If you are unable to get a hold of us, visit www.icrashed.ca for insurance company direct contact numbers. If neither of those work, try calling 613‑232‑7100 for Crawford Adjusters who will do their best to help you.
Am I Covered?
Damage to homes caused by hail or wind is generally covered. This includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches. This would also generally include damage to your home and its contents when water enters through openings as a result of the wind or hail damage.
In certain circumstances, homeowners who are unable to live in their homes because of the insurable damage are entitled to additional living expenses. This coverage would be found under a comprehensive homeowner’s policy, and is meant to respond in this type of event.
I have been impacted, but less seriously?
Take care and stay safe! Depending on how badly you are impacted, see comments in the section above. If it is not serious, keep notes, take pictures and contact us in a couple days if it can wait, if not, see above. We will be trying to triage emergency situations over the next couple of days.
Power was out and food spoiled ─ am I covered?
This and a couple others are questions we have been asked frequently over the past couple of days. Visit our FAQ section to learn more.
Insurance Company Emergency Claims Centres
These emergency claims centres have now all closed. If you are having any trouble with your claims due to this event, please contact your broker to see how we can help.