Imagine trying to piece together your life after floods. You return home to water-stained walls, ruined furniture and total inconvenience – yet that is just the start of your problems.
According to a CBC report, many Cape Bretoners are not only facing up to this harsh reality, but they are also dealing with the fact that they may not be covered by insurance.
The publication quotes the case of Terry Drohan, of Sydney, who believes his home may potentially be a total loss after his property was filled with furnace oil, silt and sewage. He believes that sewage backup cover may be the only cover he and his neighbours have – and that payouts are typically only around $10,000 with that coverage.
More than 220mm of rain hit the area on Thanksgiving with insurance experts stating that sewage backup cover can be called on if water came through the sewer, via floor drains, sinks, toilets and bathtubs. However, water that entered a property through doors and windows is only typically covered by policies that offer “extended water coverage.”
Drohan claimed to CBC that one of his neighbours was told by an insurance adjustor “you’re on your own” as his policy doesn’t include overland flooding or cover groundwater.
The publication also cited the case of Denise Dunn, who lives in Prime Brook, close to Sydney. In her case, her basement was destroyed – and while her policy includes sewage backup it was of no help because her home is not on the municipal sewer system.
Such issues have led to Cape Breton regional mayor Cecil Clarke to announce $1.5 million in emergency funding – although this is designed for people who are in immediate need of food, clothing or shelter.
However, during a meeting on Thursday he stated he is confident that further disaster relief will be made available by the province and the federal government.
Related links
Recovery begins in Atlantic Canada after torrential rains
East Coast facing millions worth of insured damage
Cape Breton rain causes toxic, basement flooding problems
