Alberta wildfires – TW is here to help

Wildfires are dangerous and are becoming more common across Alberta. If an evacuation is ordered for your region, finding the right information will keep you safe. Luckily, TW is here to help, and following these tips will help protect your family and home.

How to evacuate

In the past, the Government of Alberta has created designated evacuation routes to provide a safe and efficient corridor out of harm’s way. For the most up-to-date information on the province’s evacuation plan, please visit http://www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca.

Insurance coverage

Valid policyholders have coverage for fire, smoke, and water damage as a result of a wildfire. To learn more about your specific coverage, please call us at 1-800-272-5688.

For the most current Alberta wildfire insurance information, the Insurance Bureau of Canada is a great resource. Click here for details.

As always, your safety is our priority. Here are some things we recommend you keep in mind as you prepare for the re-entry process.

Before you return home:

Confirm that local authorities have granted permission for you to return.
Prepare yourself and your family, both physically and emotionally. Seeing your damaged home or community could be very stressful.
Try to secure some items that may be useful to you to bring along: flashlights, garbage bags, protective gloves, face masks, goggles, strong tape and bags or backpacks.

Upon re-entry:

Once you return to your property, extra caution should be used, as there could be severe damage to your home.
Wear boots, long sleeves, long pants and rubber gloves when going through areas that have been affected by fire. If you or any members of your family have breathing difficulties or asthma, please take appropriate measures to protect yourself.
Wear an N-95 mask near any debris to avoid breathing in smoke and ash.
Take pictures and begin an inventory of what has been damaged. Don’t start throwing anything away until you have been instructed to do so by your adjuster.

If you left your car when you were evacuated and it was damaged by the fire, do not attempt to start it.
Remove valuable items like passports, jewelry, banking and insurance documents, medical prescriptions and birth certificates.
Power should be restored on re-entry, but other services may require you to call to be re-established.
Do not handle hazardous materials such as aerosol cans, paint, solvents, propane tanks or cleaning fluids. Consult your municipal website about their safe disposal.
Animals may have taken shelter in your home, garage or outbuildings. Leaving a door open while you are in your home will allow them to leave on their own and avoid any human-wildlife conflicts.

We are here to help.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact TW Insurance at 1-800-272-5688 to speak with a licensed Broker.