WATER DAMAGE -ARE YOU PROTECTED

With warmer weather here (sort of), spring storms once again increase the risk of spring flooding across Ontario. Provincial Emergency Management authorities have predicted certain communities will likely experience flooding and homeowners should be prepared.

Municipalities are already taking action to reduce the local impacts of flooding and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is informing consumers about how they can prepare for the coming flood season and help protect themselves and their property from damage.

During a severe weather event, everyone’s priority must be their personal safety and the safety of loved ones and neighbours. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, emergency responders may have reduced resources. As such, this places greater emphasis on individual preparation.

A number of insurers now offer residential overland flood insurance, which, along with sewer backup coverage, helps reduce the financial risk of inland flooding events. These products are optional and must be added to home insurance policies for an additional premium.

You can always contact your DPM Insurance Group representative to ensure your property is protected. Insurance representatives are an essential service at this time and although we are not available in person, we can still respond to your insurance coverage questions, as well as assist with any claims.

Tips to protect your home from water damage:

• Keep a current and detailed home inventory.
• Assemble a disaster safety kit.
• Create a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan for your family.
• Visit Insurance Bureau of Canada website for more tips: Water Damage – Are You Protected?

Even while all levels of government are coping with the pandemic, we still face the same risks from extreme weather, especially flooding, that come every spring.