With wildfire and spring flooding season around the corner, the Government of BC is encouraging people to prepare. With information from Prepared BC, here are some tips to help you protect your loved ones, home and finances from the impact of floods and wildfires in BC.
6 tips to prepare for floods and wildfires in BC
1. Review your home insurance policy. Review your home insurance policy to find out what coverage you have for floods and wildfires. The Insurance Council of BC has information on what questions you should ask your insurance agent. If you havenât already, speak to your insurance rep to find out if flood insurance or sewer-backup coverage is available for your property. If your area is high-risk, this type of coverage may be limited.
Try to review your policy and make any necessary changes before the start of flood and wildfire season. It can be challenging to get a new policy or coverage if your property is already under an evacuation alert or order.
- Questions about home insurance? You can speak to the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422.
2. Build an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag. During a disaster or extreme weather event, itâs important to have what you need close by and ready to go. Ensure you have a fully stocked emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag (in case you need to evacuate quickly). Check out this information from Prepared BC on how to prepare an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag with the necessary supplies.
3. Make a plan. An emergency plan lays out how you and your household will respond to a disaster. Knowing what to do will help keep you focused and safe. Check out this information from Prepared BC to help you make an emergency plan. Donât forget to add your insurance info to your emergency plan so itâs handy when you need it.
4. Know what to expect in an evacuation. Check out Prepared BCâs information on what to expect if you need to be evacuated. Make sure you follow the guidance of the BC Government and your local municipality. Stay up to date on current evacuation orders and alerts by visiting Emergency Info BCâs website.
5. Prepare your home for floods. According to Prepared BC, there are several things you can do to prepare your home for a flood, such as storing valuables and important documents in watertight containers. Read all of Prepared BCâs tips to help you prepare your home for a flood.
6. Prepare your home for wildfires. There are things you can do to slow the spread of a wildfire to limit the risk of damage to your home. Check out FireSmart BC Homeownerâs Manual to reduce the impact of wildfire on your home. Prepared BC also has tips to help you prepare for a wildfire.
Do you have any tips or resources that we may have missed? Please let us know in the comments.
Looking for more information?
For more information about preparing for floods, wildfires, and other weather events or disasters, please visit Prepared BCâs website.
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About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we canât help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.