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38 bca a .com winter 2014 iStock AT H O M E Water Damage Water can damage your home in minutes but taking a few quick steps can help reduce the impact by Stacey McLachLan Water, Water Everywhere In CAsE Of (WATEr) EMErgEnCy → Locate and shut off the main water supply line to prevent further water from entering your home. → Turn off the electricity from your main fuse box only if it's safe to do so, advises Emergency management bc. If you must step in water to access the breaker, don't touch it and call for professional help instead. before turning the power back on, be sure to have your electrical system checked by an electrician. (If your automatic water shut- off valve was activated, it may remain in the closed posi- tion even after power is restored and need resetting.) → once it's safe, move anything in the path of the water to a dry area. You can store any important documents in your freezer (if it's airtight) for safekeeping. → call your insurer as soon as you can, and if your loss is covered, they can help you get the cleanup started – so life can get back to normal. They will also help you under- stand your home insurance policy and what it covers. A s any homeowner who has experienced a water emergency knows, a little water can cause big problems. The immediate damage that water can do is obvious – prized possessions and important documents instantly ruined – but the long- term damage to your home can be even more devastating if not handled right away. Ounce of prevention The best way to deal with water emergencies is to pre- vent them in the first place. Never run your dishwasher or washing machine when you're not home, regularly check your water tank for leaks or cor- roded valves, and examine your appliance hoses for wear and tear – and consider invest- ing in reinforced, braided stainless-steel hoses. These hoses are ultra-durable com- pared to rubber hoses that can become brittle and rupture. On the lookout Planning on being away from home for a while? Have a trusted friend or neighbour check on your property daily to make sure any problems are caught early – and so that you can relax and enjoy your time away. Move fast If you're unlucky enough to experience a water emer- gency, act fast. Knowing where your water shut-off valves are is key to minimizing damage, so make sure your whole family can find them in an emergency. Automatic shut-off valves can be installed, too, to stop the water flow and trigger an alarm. Mould isn't typically covered by home insurance, so it's important to try to stop it from forming. Try to absorb as much of the leaked water as possible, and run a dehu- midifier or fan to dry the area as quickly as possible. n TIP! Members can save up to 15% on BCAA Home Insurance. Get a free quote in minutes at bcaa.com/protected