Insurance Bureau of Canada flood precaution tips for Belleville area residents

TORONTO, April 11, 2014 /CNW/ - A state of emergency has been declared by the City of Belleville in response to the flooding by the Moira River in the Foxboro area.  Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) encourages residents to take precautions.

"We encourage people to be safe and have appropriate plans in place to deal with a flood event," said Ralph Palumbo, IBC VP Ontario Region. "If residents have questions about their insurance coverage, they should contact their insurance representative.  Anyone with questions regarding their home, auto or business insurance can contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre or visit ibc.ca.  We're here to help."

Here are precautions to take immediately:

• Ensure that you and your family are safe.
• 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.
• Ask someone to check your property if you are away.

If you have related insurance questions, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-377-2880.   

Homeowners concerned about flooding should call the City of Belleville Fire Department Flood Information Hotline at 613-962-7550.

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]