|
||||
Media Releases 2008May 6, 2008Adapting to the effects of climate change: What homeowners can do to protect their homes and communitiesToronto, ON – Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) wants to help Canadians adapt to the effects of climate change. Let’s face it, with severe weather events happening more frequently, we all need to take steps now to better protect ourselves and our communities. Research suggests that a majority of Canadian homeowners are interested in learning more about how to protect their homes from severe weather, but only three in ten are aware of what they can do. Mark Yakabuski, President & CEO, IBC, said, “May 4 to May 10 is Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. IBC is taking the opportunity to remind Canadian homeowners of what they can do to help reduce the risk that their homes and neighbourhoods will be damaged by the increased flooding we can expect to see in the coming years and decades.” To protect against flood damage in your house, install backflow valves to prevent sewer lines from backing up into your basement. Yakabuski added, “IBC also encourages Canadians to take measures on their own property that will reduce the water flow into municipal sewer systems, which are increasingly being overburdened by higher-intensity flooding. Climate change is everyone’s problem, and we all have a role to play in mitigating its effects.” Measures can include placing rain collection barrels at the base of downspouts; converting your driveway to a permeable material; and landscaping in ways that maximize moisture retention, such as mounded flower gardens near the road. All these measures will slow down water flow into sewers and aid absorption of water into the ground. Homeowners are also encouraged to avoid landscaping projects that would have the opposite effect, such as replacing your lawn with concrete or interlock brick. Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent nearly 95% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 104,000 Canadians, pays more than $6 billion in taxes to the federal and provincial governments, and has a total premium base of $35 billion. To view news releases and information, visit the media section of IBC’s website at www.ibc.ca. - 30 - For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: |
||||
|
||||
