NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010PSSG0047-000931 Aug. 6, 2010

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

 

PROVINCE APPROVES DISASTER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

 

VICTORIA – While lack of precipitation in many parts of the province has made for tinder-dry conditions where wildfire threats now exist, recent heavy rainfall caused flooding in Fort St. John and has prompted the Province to respond with Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) for impacted residents, Minister of Housing and Social Development, Rich Coleman announced today on behalf of Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Michael de Jong, Q.C.

 

“A sudden thunderstorm on July 29, 2010 accompanied by heavy rainfall in Fort St. John caused flash flooding in a number of neighbourhoods,” Coleman said. “We are approving Disaster Financial Assistance for residents in this community impacted by the flooding.”

 

To be eligible for assistance, the damage must be from an uninsurable event such as overland flooding. Sewer backup and wind damage are examples of insurable damage and therefore not eligible for DFA assistance.

 

The DFA program helps eligible homeowners, residential tenants, farms, small businesses and charitable organizations when property is damaged by uninsurable disasters, including certain floods and mudslides. For acceptable claims, the program covers up to 80 per cent of the portion of a claim exceeding $1,000, to a maximum of $300,000. Local governments are also eligible for DFA.

 

DFA claim forms and more information about the program are available at www.pep.bc.ca or by calling 1 888 257-4777.

 

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Media Contact:

Public Affairs Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 250 356-6961

 

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