Photo: BC gov. Flickr Floods near Merritt in November 2021. Are you ready for this year’s fresh spring freshening and summer fire seasons? The provincial government is urging residents to prepare now by taking steps to protect their homes by purchasing flood and fire insurance. “As we have seen in recent years, from fires to floods, many households in the county are uninsured or underinsured for the dangers we face in British Columbia, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change,” said Minister Mike Farnworth. Public Security and Attorney General. “The province is working hard to support those affected by recent disasters, but ultimately flood and fire insurance is one of the best ways you can protect your family.” Housing insurance for fire damage is widely available throughout the province and provides coverage for fire damage and losses. Home flood insurance may be limited, especially in high-risk areas, but insurance agents can help you determine if home flood insurance or backup drainage coverage is available for your property. The province reminds residents that no financial assistance is available in the event of a disaster for losses due to forest fires due to the availability of fire insurance. People can also contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1 844 227-5422 for information on home insurance. Here are some tips to help British Colombians prepare for floods:
Clean the debris from the gutters and spouts and you have a house plan ready. Lift and anchor utilities such as heating systems, electrical panels and sockets. Keep away from eroded shores as they may cause unstable soil. Keep children and pets away from streams. With higher water levels, boats and water users can expect increased debris. Boatmen should be aware of the impact that crossing their shores can have and reduce their speed accordingly. The action of the waves can cause corrosion or flooding. Never drive or walk on flooded roads. The water can be deeper than it looks and the levels can rise very quickly. Stay alert to changing conditions, especially if you live in low-lying areas or near waterways. The Flood Preparedness Guide is available online
“As our climate changes, we are seeing a dramatic increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as floods, storms and wildfires in British Columbia,” said Aaron Sutherland, vice president of Western and Pacific Insurance Bureau of Canada.
“Insurance is a crucial tool to help individuals and families prepare for – and recover from – these risks if the worst happens.” Here are some tips to help British Colombians prepare for fires:
Remove flammable materials (woody shrubs, dry grass, etc.) to mineral soils and use non-combustible materials, such as gravel, brick, or concrete, in areas close to your home. Clean leaves and evergreens from gutters and avoid planting flammable trees and plants such as cedar, fir, juniper, pine and tall grass near buildings. Keep the lawn well watered and trimmed and move piles of firewood, building materials, storage sheds and other potentially flammable structures away from your home. Measure the distance between the outermost branches of the trees to ensure at least three meters between them. Remove small coniferous or evergreen trees that can act as a “ladder” for the fire to reach the tops of the trees. Remove branches two meters from the ground to stop surface fires from moving to the tops of the trees. Clean fallen branches, dry grass and needles to eliminate potential fuel on the surface. The Fire Preparedness Guide is available online
