The Ontario Broker - June 2019 - 23

YOU COULD
ONLY SEE WATER
AND PEAKS OF
BUILDINGS AND
TREES AS FAR AS
THE EYE COULD
SEE.

HOW HAVE MANITOBANS ADAPTED TO
WEATHERPROOFING THEIR HOMES TO HANDLE
EXTREME CONDITIONS LIKE FROZEN PIPES AND
FLOODING?

Adding sewer backup coverage as well as surface water and
overland flooding coverage to their policies has helped in times
of claims. Better and more efficient furnaces have and continue
to be installed in older and newer homes. Stronger shingles
have been designed to stand up against windy conditions more
effectively, and building up ground slope around the foundation
of their homes so water drains away from the house as opposed
to down the side and into the weeping tile.
DESCRIBE THE WORST WEATHER-RELATED
EVENT YOU'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH.

The Flood of the Century-there was so much water in rural
areas, you could only see water and peaks of buildings and

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trees as far as the eye could see. We spent many days helping
people sandbag their properties. At the time I was living with
my folks who live just south of the city, but within the dike
wall, and we were evacuated for three weeks in case the dike
didn't hold up. Fortunately it did and we didn't suffer any
major water damage.
WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE YOU'VE
LEARNED IN YOUR 20+ YEARS AS A BROKER?

Always be honest with customers. Even if you don't know the
answer to their question, tell them you'll find it for them. And
give them a good insurance experience. We talk about service
every day - it's an expectation. We don't know where they've
been when they come into the office or where they're going
when they leave, so offer a positive experience in the time you
spend together. Lastly, treat employees like family - we often
spend more time with them than our own family members.

23

JUNE 2019
http://WWW.IBAO.ORG
The Ontario Broker - June 2019

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