What’s New: In Brief (June 03, 2009)

Hot and dry weather has hit B.C. and interface fires have already affected some structures.
Insurance Bureau of Canada is reminding homeowners to double-check policies to ensure coverage, instead of waiting until a forest fire threatens their communities.
“Every time disaster strikes, we hear of homeowners caught either without insurance or without adequate insurance,” Lindsay Olson, IBC’s vice president of B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba, notes in a release. 
“Our industry regularly steps in to help British Columbians recover from insurable losses arising from natural disasters,” she said. “It did so in 2003 by paying more than [Cdn]$200 million in claims, in 2006-07 by paying more than [Cdn]$150 million, and again this past winter when severe weather triggered [Cdn]$83.7 million in claims payments,” Olson added.
 

As fire danger ratings are being set off across B.C., BCAA Insurance is urging homeowners to safeguard themselves against wildfires.
The company provides a few simple tips to prevent damage from forest fires:
• Surround your home with a 10-metre low fuel belt. Clear away any trees, brush, gas/propane tanks and firewood that could add fuel to a fire. Use driveways, lawns and gravel to create a fuel break wherever possible.
• Clear away overhanging trees and combustible debris, such as pine needles or other vegetation, from your roof. They can act as fuel for airborne sparks and embers. When adding a new roof, consider using non-combustible roofing material.
• Keep one or more fire extinguishers charged and handy, and use a metal container to dispose of hot embers.
• Record your belongings in a written list, photo or video format. Do not keep this record of your belongings in your home.