May 3-9 is Emergency Preparedness Week.
Natural disasters have cost Canadians billions of dollars over the last decade, and with more extreme weather events occurring each year, that cost and the damage to communities all over Canada is expected to increase. A 2013 study by Public Safety Canada estimated the worldwide cost of natural disasters has skyrocketed from $2 billion in the 1980s to $27 billion over the past decade.
North Battleford saw the effects of extreme weather in 2010 when heavy rains and hail caused extensive flooding and a local state of emergency to be declared.
“While we haven’t seen a severe storm threat since 2010, it’s important that we don’t forget how these and smaller disasters can impact us and our livelihoods,” says Steve Conant, branch manager at Western Financial Group in North Battleford.
The 2010 storm caused severe damage to North Battleford, resulting in 97 homes being flooded and 45 people evacuated from the area. Severe thunderstorms can happen quickly and can be devastating, particularly for homes and businesses. While anyone in North Battleford may be at risk, Western Financial Group offers a number of actions home and business owners can take to minimize the cost and impact severe storms can have on their lives.
Conant recommends a few key steps to prepare for an emergency situation.
Know the risks in your area. Talk to a broker to make sure proper coverage for the location of a home or business. Understanding that coverage will help prevent surprises, and a broker can walk through the individual risks faced. An annual meeting to review policies is also a great time to make sure home contents are up to date and that all valuables are covered under a policy.
Make a plan. Ensure family members have established an escape plan and practice it together at least once a year. Business owners should develop a continuity plan so they and their team can work remotely if they can’t get to the business or it’s been damaged.
Get an emergency kit. During an emergency, basic supplies are needed. If you aren’t able to evacuate, be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours without tap water or power.
While the extreme weather may be inevitable, there are a number of precautions home and business owners can take to help minimize risk or the impact of these disasters.
“Emergency Preparedness Week is an excellent time to revisit the individual risks you face,” says Conant. “We are urging everyone in North Battleford to think about severe storms to ensure they are protected in the event of an emergency.”
