ICBC reminds Prince George residents to be ready for flooding — January 7

Steps to protect you and your vehicle from flood damage

ICBC is advising customers in Prince George to protect their vehicles and drive safely as the threat of flooding increases in the area.

ICBC recommends finding a safe location on high ground for the temporary storage of vehicles located in low-lying areas that may be subject to flooding. Similar care should be taken with seasonal vehicles such as motor homes, trailers or snowmobiles.

Customers need to ensure that vehicles are properly licensed and insured before they can be operated on any road or highway. Temporary Operation Permits may be purchased from any Autoplan broker for vehicles that are currently unlicensed. To minimize the chances of a loss, customers are encouraged to choose a location for storing their vehicles that is well above flood levels. Do not store valuable goods or household items in your vehicle as these items are not covered by vehicle insurance.

ICBC also reminds drivers to use their RoadSense and to avoid driving into any water flooded areas and roadways. If a road is flooded or marked closed, do not continue - back up and use another route.

ICBC is committed to providing hassle-free claims service with 38 full-service claim centres across BC. If you experience flood damage to your vehicle, you may report your claim online at www.icbc.com or call ICBC's 24-hour Dial-A-Claim Centre at 1-800-910-4222.

ICBC is taking steps to minimize the risks of flooding to its claims centres and driver licensing centres throughout the province. In the event that any ICBC locations are closed due to flooding, information on alternative service locations will be provided to local media and on www.icbc.com.

For evacuation alerts and orders, check your local government website for the most current information.

Driver Safety Tips - Flooding

• Floodwaters can quickly wash out roads and bridges. Avoid driving in flooded areas.
• Prepare an alternative route before you leave for your destination, in case the road you want to use is closed.
• If a road is flooded or marked closed, do not continue. Back up and use another route.
• If there is no other choice but to drive into water, drive slowly and cautiously, watching carefully for signs of a moving current that may have affected the safety of the road ahead. Respect the power of water.
• Think about what you can not see -- hazards such as submerged trees or downed power lines may be lurking beneath the water. If in doubt, do not proceed.
• After driving through deep water, always test your brakes. They may pull to one side or the other or they may not work at all. You can dry the brakes by driving slowly and applying brake pressure lightly. Other parts such as emergency brake cables, axles and electronic components should be dried and checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
• If your vehicle stalls on a flooded stretch of road, be prepared to abandon it and retreat to higher ground.
• Do not attempt to retrieve vehicles from flooded areas until it is safe. Wait for the water to recede.
• If your vehicle's engine has been even partially immersed in floodwater, do not attempt to start it. Qualified professionals should check all operating systems and fluid levels to prevent possible future problems.

Media contacts:
Alyson Gourley-Cramer
(250) 961-9299 or
(250) 561-5006

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