Mobilizing the strength of a network: How Steamatic Canada ensures effective catastrophe management

As natural disasters increase in frequency and severity across Canada, the pressure on insurers and restorers to respond effectively has never been greater.

In recent years, Canadians have faced an alarming number of catastrophic (CAT) weather events, ranging from wildfires and hurricanes to devastating floods. While the industry grapples with its new norm of over $3 billion annually in insured CAT losses, the Insurance Bureau of Canada reports insurers are dealing with a record-breaking number of claims from four major CATs this past summer alone.

For Steamatic Canada, a leading restoration services provider, the stakes are higher than ever.

“The experiences of the past few months have shown us that many in the industry are not fully prepared when faced with such crises,” says Nancy Raymond, President of Steamatic Canada. “A reactive approach is not enough. These climatic events are likely to become more frequent, and at Steamatic we’ve long recognized the need for an elaborate CAT plan.”

With a robust CAT management plan and a united network of franchisees, Steamatic is at the forefront of helping Canadians recover and rebuild their lives when disaster strikes. At the same time, the company is creating opportunities for future franchisees to benefit from its extensive experience and network, Raymond adds, which ultimately enables the insurance industry to deliver on its promise to be there for Canadians in times they need it the most.

SUCCESSFUL CAT MANAGEMENT

“We need to recognize that we have to continuously analyse and refine our CAT plans in order to ensure we’re ready to act, regardless of the region in Canada,” says Raymond, who has led the company for the past decade.

A successful CAT management program requires pre-emptive agreements between insurers and their service providers, she explains. “One of the common pitfalls is waiting until a crisis is already unfolding to begin mobilizing resources. Delayed responses can lead to confusion, miscommunication and slower recovery times for those affected by the disaster,” she adds.

To prevent such issues, Raymond advocates for early discussions and agreements: “For a CAT plan to be successful, agreements and expectations must be discussed and solidified well before a CAT event is declared. This ensures that once a disaster strikes, the plan can be executed swiftly with just a single call.”

A UNITED NETWORK

Steamatic Canada has been a trusted partner for the insurance industry since 1968, providing critical restoration services after disasters. Whether it’s water damage, fire, mold or major structural repairs, the company is on call 24/7, 365 days a year, with a network that spans the entire country. Beyond its Canadian roots, Steamatic also benefits from international support, which strengthens its ability to respond to large-scale CAT events.

One of Steamatic’s greatest strengths is its well-established network of franchisees across Canada. In times of crisis, this network can mobilize quickly to serve disaster victims in need. Steamatic’s franchisees are business professionals who undergo rigorous assessments before joining the network, ensuring they have the financial and operational capability to handle the challenges of CAT management.

“Our franchisees must be committed, adaptable and ready to mobilize anywhere in Canada,” says Raymond. “Steamatic has recently invested nearly $400,000 in fleet equipment to support franchisees and respond to CAT events like the Quebec floods. This is just one of the many initiatives we’ve implemented to differentiate ourselves and better serve our insurer partners.”

This strong network not only allows Steamatic to respond effectively to disasters but also provides a tremendous opportunity for potential franchisees.

For those considering a successful career in the restoration industry, joining a network like Steamatic offers several advantages. Franchisees benefit from Steamatic’s decades of experience, its strong relationships with insurers, best practices sharing and the operational support of a well-established banner.

“It’s a chance to be part of a network where everyone serves a common goal to help Canadians in times of crisis, where relationships often evolve into friendships and where everyone is invested in each other’s success,” Raymond says.

In a world where disasters happen more frequently than ever, having a reliable, responsive network like Steamatic in your corner can make all the difference. Whether it’s a homeowner recovering from a flood or a new franchisee looking to grow their business, Steamatic’s commitment to service excellence and community support remains unwavering – and essential to effective disaster management across Canada.

For more information on Steamatic Canada’s franchise opportunities, visit steamatic.ca.