Important Information Regarding Ottawa-Gatineau Region Tornadoes on September 21st

On Friday September 21st, six tornadoes caused destruction throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau region, targeting Calabogie, White Lake, Kinburn, Dunrobin, Gatineau, Arlington Woods, Greenboro, Val-des-Bois, Mont-Laurier, Otter Lake and surrounding neighbourhoods. First and foremost, the entire team at Oegema, Nicholson & Associates would like to extend our sympathies to all who have been affected by the events Friday and we would like to acknowledge the outstanding response and unbelievable hard work from first responders and hydro workers who have spent long hours helping those in need. We would also like to provide some important information for any of our clients who may have experienced damages as a result of the tornadoes to ensure their safety and insurance needs are taken care of as quickly as possible. If you have experienced damages and have not yet reported a claim, we encourage you to contact our office or contact your insurance company directly for any of the following damages and losses which may have occurred to determine how your insurance policies may be able to help you and begin any claims processes needed. Damage to your home – including exterior housing materials being damaged or removed by the winds, damage to roof or structural integrity of home due to winds or fallen trees, loss of perishable foods in refrigerator or freezer as a result of extended power outage. Damage to your business – including damage to exterior or interior of building due to wind and flying debris, loss or damage of machinery or equipment directly related to the storms, loss of perishable foods in refrigerator or freezer as a result of extended power outage if applicable. Damage to your vehicle – including exterior damage or broken windows from flying debris, hail, or fallen trees. If your damage is not listed above we still encourage you to give us a call to determine if your damage is covered by your insurance policy and how to best go about clean up efforts and repairs or replacement. If you have already reported a claim but have questions or concerns, please contact us. For information from the City of Ottawa about community support services, scam prevention, tax deferral program as well as information about volunteering and/or donating, visit one of the Emergency Support Centres. Please also note that claims will be prioritized based on severity of damage. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to get the lives of our clients affected by the tornadoes back to normal, and we ask that all follow the directions of city officials and emergency services going forward for safety reasons.