Greg discusses how to avoid flood damage in your home in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Whether we're out of the woods with springtime flooding, or not, it's always a good idea to be prepared. And you never know what Mother Nature is going to bring. Whether it's the snow melt, or heavy spring rains, it's good to be prepared for flooding.
Greg Marcyniuk from Heritage Insurance in downtown Moose Jaw, here to elaborate on that. Sir, it's, well, like a lot of your pieces, we talk about an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's right Rob. And you know here in Saskatchewan, the weather is so unpredictable. Or, for that matter all, of Canada. So, we never know, we may be out of the woods but I'm still not quite sure. We can still see some winter storms come in.
With that brings in a lot of moisture. So, the biggest thing, what you want to do when you are preparing for floods, is you should probably have floor boards for your doors that you can install when flooding is eminent. Seal floors to prevent water seeping up from the ground. Fit non-return valves to drains in both inlets and other water pipes.
Install high shelving so you can put things that are worth something when flooding is inevitable, so it is out of the flood. Also, make sure all of your electrical sockets are at least 1.5 meters above the floor. Keep a pump in your basement, or the lowest level to remove the flood water and again check these sump pumps. And, complete a list of useful numbers that will include the local authorities on your phone or in an address book, as well as your broker so that you contact them.
Learn how to shut off your gas, electricity, and water. Develop a continuity plan. That is huge for both your suppliers and clients in the event that if you do have a flood you are prepared for it. And it's not only for floods that you should have a continuity plan. It should be for any disaster. Designate an emergency flood contact.
Train your employees as well to correct flood safety procedures and establish a safe meeting place in the event something happens real quick. And I would suggest you stockpile some materials, such as plastic sheeting, plywood, sandbags, nails, hammers, gloves, bolts, boots and shovels. And the other thing that is very important, check your policy to make sure that you do have flood coverage in place.
Not every company does offer flood coverage, but it's something especially if you're in a low-lying area that I would highly recommend that you go through either review with your broker, or, if you want, we can certainly take a look at your policy and you can come here anytime. Contact any of our fine people at the corner of Fairford and 1st, Northwest.
Rob: We should also point, okay it's not just mother nature that causes flooding, sometimes we have water pipe problems too, right?
Greg: Oh, that's correct. Water pipes and you just never know. Water pipes, sewer back-up, and again just being prepared for the situation. You know like you said earlier, ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Rob: You can get more information online.
Greg: That's correct, nohassleinsurance.ca, and we'd be more than happy to help you.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)