As the temperatures start to rise across Canada and the blanket of snow melts, it means a heightened risk of flooding in many areas. Between snow and debris build-up next to your property and on your roof, it can lead to an alarming amount of above-ground water accumulation.
Spring thaw and your home:
You can reduce the risk of your house or business flooding by making sure there aren’t any snow piles obstructing the flow of water away from your property and by clearing the snow from around the foundation, off the roof, and from window wells. This also means clearing your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are free of debris, so that water can flow off your roof and away from the foundation. Additionally, consider installing a sump pump in the basement to protect from flooding and test it to make sure it is working properly before snow begins to melt. Remember that these machines require electricity to operate, so consider having an alternative power source on hand in the event of a power outage.
READ MORE: Preparing Your Business for a Flood
Spring thaw and your vehicle:
Although it might seem like common sense, avoid driving through large puddles, flooded roadways and potholes. Puddles can be very deceptive; six inches of water is enough to stall your car and twelve inches of water can completely sweep your car away. Driving through puddles can also damage your brakes, cause your car to hydroplane and leave you with potentially permanent damage to your vehicle. It is best to avoid puddles altogether if you can, since it can be hard to gauge how deep the water is.
Flood Insurance:
Most basic home insurance policies do not cover flood damages, so this would also be a good time to consider purchasing flood insurance and talking to your insurer about what the coverage includes. Business policies may or may not include coverage for overland flooding, so it’s best to consult with your broker to confirm that the coverage is in place. It’s important to review this in advance, because the advent of potential flood conditions in your area may forbid insurers from adding the coverage to your policy.
If you aren’t sure if your home or business insurance policy has you covered for water damage or you have more questions about flood insurance, talk to one of the expert brokers at Fuse Insurance.
Read on: 5 Common Causes of Home and Business Fires and How to Prevent Them
Fuse Insurance Ltd. is the evolution of the commercial insurance brokerage, and the first of its kind in Western Canada. Backed by policies from a selection of A-rated insurers, Fuse Insurance can provide coverage for businesses large and small from almost any industry. For further information or to get an online quote now, click here or call us at 1-866-387-FUSE (3873) for more details.