New Brunswick to assist damage costs caused by post tropical storm Arthur

FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick government has announced financial help for those affected by the estimated $12.6 million worth of damage caused by post-tropical storm Arthur.

Arthur blew through the province July 5 bringing rain and heavy winds that caused widespread flooding and prolonged power outages.

Public Safety Minister Stephen Horsman says homeowners and businesses will have until Feb. 20 to apply for government assistance.

Horsman says most of the damage caused to private properties by wind should be covered by insurance, but he says if it isn’t, people should contact the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization for an eligibility assessment.

The program will help cover the costs of basic need items, such as repairs of structural damage to homes and businesses.

Individual homeowners and not-for-profit organizations must pay the first $1,000 worth of damage while the deductible for farms, fishermen and small businesses is $5,000.

Arthur leaves 93,000 without power in New Brunswick http://t.co/WAiA70Heu4 pic.twitter.com/OmO3vPSPF4

— CBC News (@CBCNews) July 7, 2014

Assistance for structural damage to homes is capped at $120,000, while farms, fishermen and small businesses can receive up to $500,000 in assistance.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY BY THE NEW BRUNSWICK GOVERNMENT:

What’s covered by the program:

– Appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, that could not be removed from flood danger.

– Cleanup including rental of fans, carpet cleaning machines, dehumidifiers and septic tank cleaning.

– Lost food.

– Replacement of drywall.

What’s not covered:

– Damage to decks and outbuildings, such as sheds.

– Erosion or landscaping, as well as paving.

– Seasonal residences or recreational equipment, such as boats, all-terrain vehicles or travel trailers.

– Belongings deemed to be luxury items, such as jewelry.

Other key elements:

– The deductible is automatically waived for social services clients.

– People with significant structural damage can be eligible for an advance of up to $4,000 to help with cleanup and essential repairs, processed within a few days of an application.