As extreme weather hits many parts of British Columbia, there is no denying the possibility for a natural disaster to catch us off guard at a moment’s notice.
It may be time to consider whether or not you are prepared for the unexpected.
Know Which Hazards are a Threat to Your Area
First, take steps to understand what you are at risk for. Not only are floods a risk, but wildfires and earthquakes are also high on the list. British Columbians have access to a hazard map provided by the government to help inform them on which hazards to watch out for in their area.
Make a Plan for Your Household
Next, come up with a plan. Do you have a meeting place and an evacuation route in your area? You may need a different plan for each disaster that could affect your area. Every household emergency plan will look different depending on location, house type, and family structure. Local authorities have guides to help you make a plan.
Another thing you will want to make sure you have on hand is an emergency preparedness kit. During a disaster, having both a household emergency kit and a grab bag is crucial for being prepared. For easy access, an emergency kit list is available here.
Know Your Coverage
DFA- the Disaster Financial Assistance program is available for those who require compensation from uninsurable disasters. The key word is uninsurable. For example, as earthquake coverage is readily and reasonably available, it is not covered by the DFA. Find out more about DFA eligibility here.
With the potential of these natural disasters occurring at any time, we encourage you to take the time to understand what insurance coverages are available to you and what is not. Although most policies automatically include coverage for wildfires, coverage for earthquakes and floods are typically additional packages. These packages also come with hefty deductibles and limits; we suggest talking with your expert insurance broker to avoid any troubling surprises. Having an Insurance Broker who can quote multiple companies is highly beneficial in ensuring you have the proper coverage to fit your needs.
Canadians wishing to support the 2021 British Columbia Flooding and Extreme Weather Appeal can donate here.
