A new provincial disaster recovery program totaling $7 million will help residents across Central Alberta recover from flooding over the summer.
Affected folks in Red Deer can visit a registration centre Sept. 20-22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the G.H. Dawe Centre.
Applicants should bring along the name of their insurance broker/agents, a letter from their insurance company indicating what is not covered by insurance and a list of losses and damages.
The Disaster Recovery Program covers situations where insurance is not readily and reasonably available.
The program provides financial help for requirements essential for day-to-day living, but isn’t intended to provide full compensation for all losses and damages.
Citizens are advised that the program doesn’t cover losses or damages due to sewer back-up because insurance can be purchased for this hazard.
If you are unable to access the registration centre during these three days contact the City of Red Deer Emergency Management office at 403-342-8258.
“These types of weather events disrupt people’s lives and cause millions of dollars in damage,” said Premier Ed Stelmach.
“This government is committed to ensuring that all Albertans and their communities receive help for their uninsurable losses and damages.”
The program will help those affected by severe overland flooding that followed storms on July 10-20.
The following municipalities have applied for financial help under a Disaster Recovery Program — the City of Red Deer, Ponoka County, Town of Ponoka, County of Lacombe, City of Lacombe, Town of Innisfail, Town of Castor and the Town of Hardisty.
Dates for the City and County of Lacombe run Sept. 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
Municipalities formulate how much they figure they will need to cover costs, and then apply to the province, said Tim Chander of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.
“These storms had a devastating impact on people and their communities,” said Hector Goudreau, minister of Municipal Affairs. “This assistance will help them with the cost of cleaning up and rebuilding.”
The program will also help municipalities with infrastructure damage, emergency operation and clean-up costs.
Meanwhile, Chander said the $7 million mark could ultimately be higher or lower depending on what the needs ultimately amount to.
As soon as completed applications are processed, provincial evaluators will visit within 30 days to work with residents to establish estimates of their eligible damage.
Residents will be reimbursed as quickly as possible.
For more information about the program, check out www.aema.alberta.ca or call 1-888-671-1111.
mweber@reddeerexpress.com
