In light of flooding in Mapleton Township last June, the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society chose to have Halwell Mutual Insurance president and CEO Marg Torrance, speak on flood insurance at the organization’s annual general meeting held on Nov. 24.
“Insurance is something you love to hate. I will attempt to de-mystify flood insurance. Water is complicated and has always been tricky to deal with,” Torrance said.
Working in the insurance field as an adjuster, Torrance has donned boots and gotten to the source of many water problems.
Water that escapes via air conditioning units, dishwashers, pools and water mains are sudden and accidental incidents that have been covered by insurance for a number of years. No coverage for ground water, surface water or sewer issues existed until the 1990s. Still not covered under the flooding umbrella is foundation cracking , as these cracks are not sudden or accidental in nature.
Floods in Calgary and Toronto in 2013, changed the landscape. At the G8 summit in 2015, Canada was the only country in attendance that did not have flood solutions. After the flooding and findings, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency focus on this area increased.
Currently 1.8 million Canadians are at risk of flooding. Over 70 per cent of homeowners believe they are covered for flooding, creating a large communication gap.
By 2016, 49.6% of the population said they would not buy flood insurance. Of that percentage, 90% said their home was not at risk of flooding.
This phenomenon created pressure on the government and insurance companies. With more extreme weather scenarios occurring, consumers became interested in purchasing flood coverage, Torrance explained.
The challenges around flood insurance are the complexity of the subject, location, and confusion around the source of water damage. In 2017, major floods across Canada resulted in $600 million in insured damages.
Rises in water damage are attributed to lifestyle changes, finished basements, climate change, busy lifestyles resulting in lack of maintenance to properties, aging infrastructure including old water and sewer systems and paved over landscapes.
“The once heavy storms that occurred every 40 years now occur every six years, according to Environment Canada statistics,” Torrance said.
Flooding is divided into three categories. Coastal flooding occurs when oceans and seas overflow onto dry land. Pluvial flooding involves the flooding of surfaces by excessive ground water levels caused by excessive rainfall. Fluvial flooding is caused by rivers overflowing.
Government and industry use geographical survey data, laser photos, hydrological and digital terrain models, along with elevation data, average rainfall, historical facts, soil types, land uses obstacles and drainage networks in their study of flooding.
Flood modelling determines where flooding may occur, the frequency of the occurrence, allows for the prediction of future events and assists in the estimation of damage and insured losses.
“Residents in a flood zone should know the risks involved. Seek out and talk to a broker and insurance agent with the best insurance coverage. Become knowledgeable and take precautions against flooding,” Torrance said.
Torrance suggested the elevation of electrical systems in the basement or their removal from the basement. She also suggested investigating the use of a new electronic water monitoring system for the basement, and installing a sump pump and backup generator. Consult with the municipality about incentives for installing sewer backflow valves, rain barrels and the disconnection of downspouts from municipal sewers, she suggested.
Have an emergency plan and pack a 72-hour emergency kit, including important documents.
Move valuables upstairs if possible and consider moving personal items that can’t be replaced upstairs permanently. Reach out to friends and neighbours to raise awareness and build community.
Listen to media flood warnings and be prepared to evacuate, if necessary, Torrance recommended. She also advised those at the gathering to stay away from flood waters, and avoid food or drink that has come in contact with flood water.
Do not drive in flood waters as cars can be swept away in as little as two feet of water, she noted.
Torrance recommends individuals who experience flooding contact their insurance company and a reputable flood restoration company as soon as possible after the incident.
