TORONTO, April 23, 2006 – In the aftermath of extensive flooding or in the event of future flooding, insurer Royal & SunAlliance has some information that may help keep flood victims safe and mitigate damage.
It’s most important to protect yourself and your family first:
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If you are indoors, move to the upper levels of your home, and bring a battery operated radio and flashlights.
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Turn off electricity and outside gas valve.
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If you are outdoors, move to higher ground and avoid flood waters; even 15 cm of fast moving water can sweep you off your feet.
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Don’t stay in your car – according to the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), as little as 60 cm of water can carry a car away. If it is not safe to leave your car, park at the most elevated point possible.
What to do if your home or business has been flooded:
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Do NOT touch electrical wires, appliances or devices.
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Separate damaged property from undamaged property, and prepare an inventory of what has been lost or damaged.
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Take photographs of damaged property. If covered, Royal & SunAlliance will reimburse you for the cost of the developing.
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Keep receipts for any clean-up costs incurred (i.e., shop vac rentals, cleaning supplies, etc.).
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Your insurance company is there to help. Contact your independent insurance broker or your insurance company to report any damage.
Protecting your home in the future:
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Stay away from electrical wires.
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Raise any personal belongings that you have stored in the basement off the floor to prevent water damage.
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Through a licensed electrician and in accordance with the local building code, raise the main circuit breaker or fuse box 2 meters above flood level in your area.
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Install backflow valves or backflow prevention device to prevent sewer backups (check with local building codes for further information).
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Install sump pump if floors below ground level and check to make sure sump pump is operable. A backup sump pump would be beneficial.
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Disconnect eaves trough downspouts if connected to weeping tile
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Ensure proper drainage around your home; consider adding top soil with a minimum gradient of five degrees slope away from your home.
About Royal & SunAlliance Canada
The Royal & SunAlliance Canada group includes Roins Financial Services Limited, Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, Quebec Assurance Company, Johnson Inc., Western Assurance Company, and Ascentus Insurance Ltd., and is part of Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group plc. The Royal & SunAlliance Canada group employs more than 2,400 people and is represented by a large network of independent brokers across the country. In 2004, the Canadian Group wrote $1.4 billion in direct premiums with assets exceeding $4 billion. For more information, visit www.royalsunalliance.ca.
