IBC advises New Brunswick to prepare for flood season

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has issued an advisory to New Brunswick about the impending flood season.

“Twice in recent years, we have seen the devastating effects that flooding can have on communities in New Brunswick,” said Graham Little, government relations manager at IBC. “Warming temperatures, melting snow, ice jams, and rain are all contributing factors to flood conditions.”

Graham also urged residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their properties during this season.

“IBC is asking New Brunswickers in flood-prone areas to be on the alert and to stay safe,” he said. “We want to help make sure New Brunswick residents are prepared and ready to deal with the potential damages.”

In a statement, the bureau laid out a few tips on how New Brunswickers can prepare for the coming flood season. These include:

• Keeping a current, detailed inventory of your home’s contents
• Preparing an emergency supply kit
• Creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan for you and/or your family

To protect properties from water damage, the IBC shared these tips:

• Store valuable items on the upper floors of your home, not in the basement.
• Raise large appliances, electrical panels, the furnace, and the hot water heater off the basement floor on wood or cement blocks. If that isn't possible, consider anchoring them and protecting them with a floodwall or shield.
• Anchor fuel tanks to the floor. A fuel tank can tip over or float in a flood, causing fuel to spill or catch fire. Make sure vents and fill-line openings are above flood levels. For propane tanks, contact the propane company and ask about the best storage methods.

Meanwhile, if flooding is imminent, the bureau advised residents to:

• Shut off electricity to the areas of the home that may be affected
• Use sandbags, or install flood shields or built-up barriers to stop water from entering through basement windows and doors
• Pay attention to information from local authorities and regularly monitor weather developments
• Avoid roads that are immersed in water

“Several insurers now offer residential overland flood insurance, which, along with sewer backup coverage, helps reduce the financial risk of flooding events,” IBC said in a statement. “This product, as well as sewer backup coverage, is optional; it must be added to the home insurance policy at an additional cost.”

IBC also advised residents to visit its official website for more tips on how to stay safe during the flood season.