Experts are strongly advising home and property owners to be prepared for when more severe weather hits Alberta.
A recent CBC article featuring industry experts warns, once again, that severe weather incidents are happening more frequently and are far more damaging. Only ten years ago the insurance industry paid an average of $675 million annually for devastating storms. Last year that number hit $3 billion.
January 2024 did not start out well, either, with a horrific cold snap causing temperatures to dip below -50 degrees Celsius in parts of Alberta. Several cases of burst pipes wreaked havoc on homes. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has tallied the cost of damages at about $180 million, which is significant.
Add that to the fact that Alberta is currently in a drought and last year’s wildfires are still burning in several places. It’s certain we will see more wildfires this coming summer, and more than likely they will start early. The Government of Alberta has put aside a $2 billion contingency fund to fight natural disasters, but many believe that will not be enough. In addition, the more home and property insurance claims that are made, the more insurance costs are sure to rise.
As extreme weather is becoming more common, being proactive is paramount. Preparation is key. Ensuring your home and/or business is winter-ready is crucial, which includes an annual furnace maintenance and adequate insulation to prevent frozen pipes.
We also advise contacting an insurance broker such as us at Lane’s to assess your coverage comprehensively, especially for flood risks, which are often not automatically covered, and also for wildfire risks if you are in a rural area.
Evacuations are becoming far more common
In the 2023 season, 48 Alberta communities and more than 38,000 people were evacuated due to wildfire. People had to leave their homes quickly and with very little notice.
In addition, on June 19 the town of Edson declared a state of local emergency after being hit by 135 millimetres of rain. Due to rising water, the community evacuated a nearby RV park, mobile home park, a golf course, and large festival park.
What to pack in your ‘go bag’
A “go bag,” or bug-out bag, is essential for emergency readiness and should contain items vital for survival during a minimum 72-hour evacuation. Key components include:
- Water and purification tablets
- Non-perishable, high-energy food
- First-aid kit with essential supplies and medications
- Clothing, including sturdy shoes, and bedding like a compact sleeping bag
- Shelter items: a lightweight tarp, multi-tool, whistle, flashlight, and portable weather radio
- Personal hygiene products, including toiletries and feminine hygiene items
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof container
- Cash in small denominations and coins
- Basic toolkit, matches or a lighter, and rope.
- Navigation tools: a local map, compass or GPS, and a charged mobile phone with a portable charger
- Entertainment items for morale
- Special needs items such as prescription medications and infant formula.
Regularly update your go bag to ensure the condition if its items and replace those that have expired.
Home insurance covers for evacuations
Good home insurance policies such as those we offer through the insurance companies we work with at Lane’s should provide coverage for living expenses should a covered event require you to leave your home for an extended period. Of course, the policy should also cover for the necessary repairs carried out to your home.
Knowing you are prepared for the worst can provide the peace of mind you deserve. Lane’s Insurance’s experienced brokers are here to help you keep your Alberta home insurance rates as low as possible while still enjoying the vital protections you need. We offer outstanding rates on home insurance, along with value-added services and money-saving insurance bundles. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and greater Alberta offices to see what we can do for you.
