How to avoid flood damage to your home and car

THORNHILL, ON, June 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Images of submerged streets, stranded cars and flooded basements are seared in the memories of many following the record rainfall on July 8, 2013. During that storm, CAA Insurance Company (Ontario) received approximately 450 flood claims, the most claims received from a single natural disaster in our history and the average cost of the damage was $27,000 per home.

Two years later, severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours are common place in Ontario. That's why CAA Insurance is reminding homeowners to take the necessary steps to protect their property.

CAA Insurance tips for homeowners:

• Extend your downspouts so that rainwater flows away from your home. Maintain your eavestroughs and downspouts, have them inspected yearly.
• Install flood shields on all basement windows above ground level.
• Ensure the grading around your yard slopes away from your home.
• In older homes, make sure you have a properly installed backflow valve to prevent sewage back up in your home. Backflow valves are designed to automatically close when they detect water trying to enter your home from the sewer, stopping potential water damage.
• Inspect the exterior foundation walls for cracks and have them repaired or filled.
• Review your insurance policy. Know what is and isn't covered.
• If you experience flooding in your home, call your insurance company immediately to report the damage to your property. If you are insured with CAA Insurance, call 1-800-387-2656 to file your claim.

During major thunderstorms and torrential downpours, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) recommends the following tips for drivers:

• Slow down. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not drive through standing water. Attempting to drive through flooded streets may cause your engine to stall and your brakes to fail.
• Even if the water appears shallow enough to drive through, don't try it.
• Plan your route to avoid low-lying areas, if possible.
• If you don't have to drive, stay off the roads.
• If you become stranded and your car stalls, call CAA for help. CAA SCO encourages members to download the CAA App and use CAA Service Tracker to track the status and estimated time of arrival of their road service call.

Flood waters can potentially damage your vehicle's electrical and exhaust systems, wheel bearings and brakes, as well as, your airbags. If you have driven through standing water, CAA suggests a professional inspect your vehicle. For a list of reliable repair facilities look for the CAA Approved Auto Repair Service sign.

For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. CAA South Central Ontario is one of nine auto clubs across Canada providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance services and member savings for our 2 million members.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

For further information: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].