IBC issues stern reminder following Atlantic Canada flooding

Bureau stresses that consumers must understand what their policies can cover when it comes to flood damage

IBC issues stern reminder following Atlantic Canada flooding

Catastrophe & Flood

By Lyle Adriano

In the wake of intense flooding in Atlantic Canada, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is warning residents to stay on top of their insurance.

“We have seen the devastating effects that flooding can have on communities across our region,” IBC Atlantic manager of government relations Tom O’Handley said in a statement.

“Warming temperatures and melting snow are adding to the already-dangerous conditions in some parts of Atlantic Canada. There is a need for everyone to be on alert and to be safe. That’s why we want to help make sure that Atlantic Canadians are prepared and ready to deal with the damage when floods strike.”

The bureau reminded homeowners that overland flood insurance has become more accessible to Atlantic Canadians in recent years. IBC also encouraged homeowners to understand their insurance policies and to know what can and what cannot be covered.

IBC additionally suggested that homeowners should contact their insurance representatives in the event of property damage.

“IBC’s Consumer Information Centre is also available to answer any insurance-related questions that affected individuals might have,” O’Handley said.

Rain and warm temperatures – unusual around this time of the year – have helped worsen flood conditions in Atlantic Canada the past few days. Some parts of New Brunswick even experienced rainfall amounts totalling 125 millimeters over the weekend.

Conditions could worsen for Atlantic Canada before they get any better, if Environment Canada’s forecast for the next few days is to be believed.

The meteorological agency has issued a special weather statement that is in effect for some parts of the region. Environment Canada is expecting a low pressure system to head toward the Maritimes from south of Cape Cod. Select parts of the Atlantic regions could expect between 10 and 15 centimeters of snow.


Related stories:
Extreme weekend weather batters New Brunswick
Environment Canada, IBC, warn provinces to brace for severe weather
 

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