Every year, some B.C. residents will have to evacuate. It could be as localized as your own home or strata building in the event of fire or flood, or a larger imminent threat, such as a wildfire or hazardous material spill that may cause everyone in your neighbourhood to evacuate.

Preparation is key! When faced with an emergency, we may not necessarily think straight.

Tips

1. Have a plan.

Develop a plan now:

• Plan for getting everyone out of the house in the event of fire at any time of the day or night.
• Plan to be without power, water, or services for at least three days.
• Be ready to leave your home quickly by car or on foot.
• Plan for your pets, and for connecting with family members should an emergency occur when you’re not all together.

Be sure that everyone in the family knows what to expect and what to do.

2. Have supplies and resources ready.

Make a list of supplies and keep it handy:

• Keep a small bag packed with a set of comfortable clothes and shoes. Have an emergency kit at home with water, canned food and supplies.
• Know where your important papers (passport, identification, will), computer back-ups and other essential items are stored. Have a digital back-up of personal records; insurance declarations, financial records and home inventory list.
• Check your emergency kits regularly to ensure items are usable and ready. Be sure to consider seasonal adjustments in your supplies. Store important document and irreplaceable personal items away from flood-prone areas like basements.

3. Leave your home safe.

• Include emergency contact numbers for: your insurance broker or insurance company, and BC Hydro (1-888-POWERON, 1-888-769-3766).
• Turn off all unnecessary appliances i.e. air conditioners, hot tubs etc.
• Unplug sensitive electrical equipment and appliances, such as televisions and computers.
• Turn off all lights except for one exterior light, which will indicate that power is on at the residence.

4. Know where you’re going.

Keep cash in small bills on hand and the car full of gas. Keep a map in the car, even if it has GPS.

Who Can Help?

• You Insurance Policy – Your home insurance also includes coverage for additional living expenses in the event that you are temporarily unable to live in your home due to an insured loss in certain circumstances.
• Emergency Social Services – You may receive emergency social services for up to 72 hours. Services may include food, lodging, clothing, emotional support, information about the crisis, and family reunification.
• Emergency Management BC – Emergency Management BC will support communities through response and recovery.
• Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) Program – DFA compensation is available for uninsurable losses in five categories: Homeowners (principal residence only), residential tenants, small business owners, farmers and charitable organizations. Note: Losses of personal property for which insurance was reasonably and readily available are not eligible for DFA compensation.

What to include in an emergency kit!

1. Water: two litres of water per person, per day
2. Food: Canned food, energy bars and other non-perishables.
3. Manual can opener
4. Flashlight and batteries
5. First Aid kit
6. Battery-powered or wind-up radio and extra batteries
7. Special needs items: Prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities.
8. Extra keys for your car and house
9. Cash: include small bills and change; service outlets will be operating at reduced capacity
10. Your emergency plan: Include in and out of town contacts.

Property Water Damage

Overland Water – Sewer Back Up – Ground Water – Service Line – Am I covered? Help!!!!

Spring melt is upon us and, with a snowpack higher than average, some areas have the potential of increased water flow that can cause property damage leaving residents at risk.

What has changed?

Emergency Management BC (EMBC) has published a notice of their position in regards to flood claims . They advise that that flood claims that were previously considered by EMBC will no longer be considered if a flooding disaster occurs and an applicant could have “reasonably and readily” purchased overland flood insurance. Due to this position many insurers are now offering coverages of this nature where, in the past, they were only available for commercial buildings.

What does this mean to you?

EMBC have transferred the onus to the property owner to investigate if coverage is available and purchase if you choose.

Available Water Coverage Definitions

Overland Water – Flood exposures such as overflow of a river or lake, sudden and accidental entrance of surface water, melting ice and snow, and sewer back- up at the same time as the mentioned events

Sewer Back-up – damage related to the backing up or escape of water from sewers or drains

Ground Water – sudden and accidental infiltration of water through the foundations from underground water sources

Service Line – damage to service line due to loss resulting from leak, break, tear, rupture or collapse of the line (including damage from tree roots)

Coverage for these perils is not automatically included in property policies sold in Canada and can only be added at your request. To review your current and available coverages or options we ask that you contact your Kootenay Insurance / McBain representative.

It gives us great pleasure to announce that McBain Insurance Agency located in Summerland BC has joined the Kootenay Insurance Services team effective June 1, 2017.

Kootenay Insurance Services Ltd. represents many of Canada’s largest and most stable Insurance Companies providing home, auto , commercial , recreation and travel insurance through it’s multi branch network with locations in Kimberley, Cranbrook, Invermere, Trail, Nelson and Crawford Bay. Founded on a strategic partnership leveraging the strengths of Kootenay Savings Credit Union, East Kootenay Community Credit Union , Nelson and District Credit Union and now Summerland & District Credit Union .

McBain Insurance Agency has operated in Summerland since 1970 and is a wholly owned division of Summerland Credit Union providing home, auto , commercial ,recreation and travel insurance . McBain Insurance is also an ICBC appointed agent therefore in addition to auto insurance , enhanced ICBC services such as drivers licensing.
Kootenay Insurance Services Ltd and McBain Insurance Agency will continue to operate under their individual established names and locations.

“This provides a great opportunity for Kootenay Insurance to expand beyond the Kootenay Region with two companies that hold similar values with an emphasis on our employees and to provide superior service and products to our clients” says John Sullivan CEO of Kootenay Insurance.

Kelly Marshall CEO of Summerland Credit Union added “ we are absolutely delighted to be combining our insurance operations with Kootenay Insurance Services. Through this new venture we will now have the strength and economies of scale to not only add value for our members and clients through access to a broader range of insurance products and suppliers but this transaction will also provide opportunity for employee development and advancement. This is a culmination of a two year review and evaluation process to determine the best option for members, employees and the credit union.”

With a vision of being our communities choice for insurance , this merger strengthens those roots.

Sincerely,

John Sullivan, CEO
Kootenay Insurance Services Ltd.

Kelly Marshall, CEO
Summerland Credit Union

 

 

Kootenay Insurance Services is happy to announce that we have added Family Insurance Solutions to our portfolio of companies.

Established in 1989, Family Insurance was created to provide Home and Auto coverage to BC Residence.

We encourage you to contact any of our KIS locations today to see how Family’s Optional Vehicle Coverages compare.

Cranbrook KIS is again participating in the Annual Santa Claus Parade as well as collecting donations on behalf of the local Food Bank.

So while your enjoying the Santa Claus Parade, take a moment to drop by Kootenay Insurance Services Ltd. with a food or cash donation. Any donation will also get your name into a draw to win the Inflatable Penguin Display that will be on top of our KIS car in the parade.