Alberta spring runoff advisory and flood watches in effect; IBC advises Albertans to protect their property and review insurance coverage

EDMONTON, April 10, 2014 /CNW/ - The Alberta government issued a spring runoff advisory and flood watches for a number of communities across the province. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) encourages residents who may be affected by localized flooding to take precautions.

"Unfortunately Albertans are no strangers to the risk of rising water," said Bill Adams, IBC Vice-President, Western and Pacific. "Now is the time to understand your insurance coverage and ensure you have appropriate plans in place to deal with a flood event. We encourage you to contact your insurance representative. You can also contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre or visit ibc.ca if you have any questions. We're here to help."

Here are precautions to take immediately:

• Review your insurance policies – call your insurance professional if you have questions about your coverage.
• Assemble an emergency kit: flashlight and batteries, battery-operated radio, etc.  
• Move valuable items from your basement to higher levels in your home.
• Clear eavestroughs and downspouts – if safe to do so – to direct water away from your home.
• Shovel snow away from the house, especially basement windows.
• Ask someone to check your property if you are away.

If you have related insurance questions, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-377-6378.

To get the latest information from the Government of Alberta, sign up for Alberta Emergency Alerts at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes and levies to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Sally Turney, Director, Corporate Communications & Events, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext. 4325, [email protected]