Markham ON – April 17, 2014 — Recent warm weather following a snow filled winter has resulted in an increase of water levels in areas across New Brunswick this week causing safety concerns and could result in property damage and water intrusion.

Here are a few tips to help protect you and your home:

To avoid water intrusion

• Remove snow from basement stairwells, window wells and around walls.
• Uncover and clear a path to storm drains on the street.
• If safe, clear eavestroughs and downspouts of leaves and debris and ensure downspouts drain properly – ideally six feet away from the home.
• Check walls, floors, windows and foundations for cracks or leaks and make any necessary repairs immediately.
• If it looks like water intrusion may occur, shut off the electricity and outside gas valve immediately and move important personal documents and expensive items, such as electronic equipment, out of the basement to a higher floor to keep them safe from water damage.

If flooding occurs

• Go to upper floors and keep out of any standing water. Hazards from floating debris, sewer contamination, live electrical wires and slippery footing can make wading in flood waters extremely dangerous.
• If you are outdoors, climb to high ground in a highly visible and safe area. Never cross floodwaters as water as shallow as 15 centimetres could sweep you off your feet.
• If while in your vehicle you come to a flooded area, turn around, head for elevated ground and park there. Avoid remaining in your vehicle as little as 60 centimetres of water can carry away a car.

After Damage

• If possible, record details of any damage before you clean up. Take photos or video to help with your insurance company’s assessment.
• Once you’ve assessed damage as best you can, contact your insurance company. Allstate representatives are available, and customers who need to report a claim can call 1-800-387-0462.

More tips from Allstate Canada on preventing water and wind damage or surviving a power outage can be found online at allstate.ca in the Learning Centre:

And on goodhandsadvice.ca:

• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/know-your-risks/water-damage-risks
• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/protect/wind-and-severe-weather-protection
• goodhandsadvice.ca/en/know-your-risks/power-outage-risks.

About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is one of the country’s leading producers and distributors of home and auto insurance products, serving Canadians since 1953. The company strives to keep its customers in "Good Hands®" as well as its employees, and has recently been listed for the second year in a row on the Best Employers in Canada list. Allstate Canada is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates and has partnered with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada), United Way and Junior Achievement. To learn more about Allstate Canada, visit www.allstate.ca.

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For more information please contact:

Kevin Wilson
Senior Communications Specialist
T: 905.475.4527
kwilson@allstate.ca