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Harsh winter weather can turn small oversights into costly emergencies. From freezing pipes and ice dams to slips, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions, preparation is your best defense.

A house fire can leave behind not only physical damage but also the persistent smell of smoke and soot. These odours can seep into drywall, wood, carpets, and textiles, potentially aggravating health issues and making living spaces uncomfortable. While professional smoke remediation may be necessary for severe cases, there are several steps you can take yourself to reduce smoke odours and restore your indoor air quality.

Canada’s insurance system is feeling the strain of extreme weather. A new TD Economics analysis warns that catastrophic storms, floods and fires have caused nearly $60 billion in insured damage since 1983, with average annual losses more than doubling in the last decade.

From graffiti to broken windows and fencing—or more severe destruction such as arson or break-ins—the consequences of intentional acts of property damage can occur unexpectedly and leave homeowners with a deep sense of violation as well as expensive repairs.

A new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer projects Canada’s Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program will cost $1.8 billion annually from 2025 to 2034—double the average of the previous decade.

Even after a house fire has been extinguished and firefighting efforts have ended, the lingering effects of smoke and soot can continue to cause significant damage to the contents of your home. Both smoke and soot are highly acidic and can quickly corrode a variety of materials. The severity of deterioration increases if not addressed promptly, making immediate cleanup and remediation crucial.

On October 10, Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction by emphasizing this year’s theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”