Facing the Flames: A Story of Loss
Last year was a whirlwind for Tessa Santana. Picture this: she’s a devoted mom and grandmother, juggling the daily grind and making choices no one should have to make. You know, the kind where you’re forced to weigh food on the table against a roof over your head? Yeah, that was her life.
“We weren’t in a good place,” Tessa recounted when she spoke with the news. The decision to cancel her home insurance stuck with her like a heavy weight. She never thought that her northern Saskatchewan home would soon be threatened by wildfires. But you never can tell what life has up its sleeve, right?
After the Fire: Picking Up the Pieces
Flash forward to June, and the unthinkable happened. Their beloved home of 20 years just north of La Ronge succumbed to the flames, taking with it not just bricks and mortar, but a lifetime of memories. Tessa and her husband, Leonardo, lost a bunch of their furry family members too, which hit them hard. Their dogs, their donkey—gone. It’s the kind of loss that gnaws at your heart.
Now, they find themselves three hours south in Rosthern, living out of a trailer at the Valley Regional Park Campground. “We’ve been here for the last six weeks,” she explained, trying to put a positive spin on things. “I mean, it feels like an extended camping trip, sort of.” But then, of course, reality punched her in the gut. This wasn’t just a vacation – this was home, or what’s left of it.
Glimmers of Hope: Making the Trailer Feel Like Home
So there they are, cozying up in their trailer with their loyal dog, Coco. “We’ve got a TV and reclining chairs, so that’s a win,” she said with a chuckle. They even converted the shower into a closet — you know, making do. At night, they tuck in a king-sized bed, doing their best to make the most out of a tough situation.
But the set-up isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. “It’s hard to get settled in,” she admitted. With extension cords trailing to nearby outlets for power and constantly moving campsites because of other bookings, it’s taxing. “It’s tiring, it really is. But we’re grateful to have a spot in the park. At least we didn’t have to scramble to find something else,” she added. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
The Future: Dreaming of a New Home
The unknown looms over them like a dark cloud. They’ve got their summer planned out in the campground, but come winter? Who knows? Tessa just hopes they’ll have a roof over their heads before the snow starts to fall.
Meanwhile, Leonardo, who just retired from the mining industry, is gearing up to head back to work. It’s a necessary step as they save every penny—dreaming of being able to build or buy a new home one day. “Insurance will definitely be a top priority when we do get a house,” Tessa mentioned, her voice a mix of determination and lingering fear. She’s vowed not to be put in that position again. “If it ever came down to feeding my family or buying insurance, I’d pick feeding my family every single time.” What a reality check, right?
The Broader Picture: The Sting of Uninsured Losses
But Tessa’s story is not just a singular tragedy—it echoes a more extensive problem. Many people are finding themselves in similar situations, with insurance brokers reporting a spike in calls from folks who find themselves either underinsured or entirely left out in the cold.
Here’s a troubling stat: for every dollar in insured losses, homeowners, businesses, and governments are staring down three to four bucks in uninsured losses. Last year’s record-breaking $8.5 billion in insured losses in Canada translates to a staggering $25.5 to $34 billion in uninsured losses. That’s a boatload of money missing from budgets that could go to schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. It’s a messy cycle, isn’t it?
Understanding Wildfire Risks: What Can Be Done?
The good news? There are ways to lessen the blow if trouble strikes. Kathryn Bakos, managing director at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, stresses the importance of being proactive. Simple adaptations can make a world of difference. “If homeowners follow what’s called fire smart actions,” she explained, “you could potentially reduce the chance of your home burning down by 50 to 75 percent.”
Seriously, it’s not rocket science. Clearing combustible materials away from your home and using fire-resistant materials can save a lot of heartache. “Fires don’t play nice, so homeowners need to be ready,” Bakos added. Simple steps matter. They absolutely do.
FAQs: Wildfires and Insurance
What should I do if I’ve lost my home in a wildfire?
If you’re facing the loss of your home due to a wildfire, the first step is to ensure your safety and that of your family. Reach out to local emergency services and community resources for shelters and assistance. Make an inventory of your losses, and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to discuss claims. Support from friends and family can make a significant difference during this tough time.
How can I prevent my home from being damaged by wildfires?
Start by maintaining defensible space around your home. This includes cutting away dead plants, trimming overhanging branches, and using fire-resistant building materials. It’s about creating a barrier that can help protect your home from encroaching flames.
Why do many people go uninsured when living in wildfire-prone areas?
Unfortunately, many individuals face tough financial choices. Just like Tessa, some might prioritize their immediate needs—like feeding their family—over paying for insurance. It’s a heartbreaking choice that too many people are forced to make, especially how costly home insurance can be, particularly in high-risk areas.
What does “fire smart” mean?
“Fire smart” refers to strategies and practices aimed at reducing the risk of home loss from wildfires. It involves everything from maintaining a defensible space, using fire-resistant landscaping, and ensuring your roofs and siding can withstand heat and flames. It’s all about being prepared!
When will I know if I can get insurance again after a loss?
It can vary based on your insurance provider and situation. After a loss, insurers typically assess your risk and may require you to make modifications or adjustments before offering coverage again. Be persistent and ask about options to ensure you stay protected down the line.
Finding a New Path Forward
Back to Tessa and Leonardo: They’ve got plans and hopes for building their lives again. It’s been a roller coaster of emotion, but they’ve shown resilience that’s truly inspiring. They’re finding their way through grief and uncertainty, one small step at a time.
When they finally have a new place, Tessa knows insurance won’t be an afterthought. It’ll be right up there with food on the table. “I’ve definitely learned my lesson,” she said decisively. It’s all about making sure they never face this kind of heartache again.
