BCAA

In Canada, extreme weather events, such as severe floods, that used to occur every 40 years, are now occurring every 6 years in some areas. HOME flood insurance 24 BCA A .COM FALL 2017 iStock Coverage basics Every policy is different, but BCAA's Flood Insurance typically covers repairs required to a home as a result of damage by overland flooding, as well as 80 per cent of the value of damaged contents and up to $10,000 for mass evacuation. Additional living expenses, such as alternate accommodations, transportation and even pet boarding, are often covered during the period following an evacuation. " BCAA also recognizes that in disaster situations, there is often urgent need, so we work with clients to provide incidental amounts to cover basic necessities," says Willoughby. Geographical location is one of the main factors taken into consideration for Flood Insurance eligibility. Some areas that are considered higher risk may be excluded, or limited to a capped amount of coverage, but Willoughby says in most cases, normal coverage limits apply. While the Silcocks' home escaped this year's floods unscathed, Lindsay says she was grateful for the increased sense of security that Flood Insurance provided. "While the water levels of Okanagan Lake this year were unprecedented, having Flood Insurance certainly gave us peace of mind." PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE We may not be able to control the forces of nature, but we can take a few simple steps to limit costly water damage to our homes and belongings: Direct water flow with landscaping. Design and grade your landscaping in a way that naturally directs water away from your home and basement accesses, and plant a garden nearby to catch and disperse water. Check your eaves and roof to ensure they are draining properly. Eavestroughs should extend at least two metres from foundation walls to prevent water from seeping into your basement (downspout extensions cost around $15). Install a rain barrel. This will help keep excess water out of already- overloaded storm sewers. Apply a weather-protecting sealant to the base of ground-level doors and basement windows. Store smart. If you keep important belongings in the basement, set them higher, as items on the ground are often the first to be affected by incoming water. Storing items in waterproof totes can also help to minimize damages. Invest in a basement water alarm to alert you if water is accumulating. Canada now gets an extra 20 days of rain per year on average, compared to the 1950s. Clean gutters regularly to prevent water from pooling and seeping indoors.

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