Financial assistance is on the way for some British Columbians affected by recent flooding.
Emergency Management BC (EMBC) announced today that provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) has been authorized for qualifying claimants, such as homeowners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local government bodies, who are unable to obtain insurance to cover these disaster-related losses.
The assistance has been authorized for Vancouver Island and southwest and central areas of the province, including all First Nation communities, electoral areas and municipalities within the geographic boundaries of these areas, according to a release from the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).
Information about disaster financial assistance, the application form and other information for applicants is available on the DFA website. The release said applicants should first check with their insurance agent to determine if their current insurance policy provides coverage for the resulting damage. The deadline for EMBC to receive applications is February 12, 2022.
When evacuation orders are rescinded after floodwaters have receded and homes are deemed safe for return by authorities, EMBC recommends:
• Having authorized technicians to assess any electrical or gas equipment exposed to floodwaters;
• Getting power or gas turned back on;
• Ensuring the home and contents are properly cleaned before moving back in;
• Confirming a supply of safe water is available;
• Arranging for the proper disposal of human waste and garbage.
