The Heavy Price of Wildfires
Last summer, Tessa Santana found herself in an impossible predicament. Pay for house insurance or make sure her family had food on the table? Tough choice, right? “We weren’t in a good place,” she told CTV News, reflecting on a year when finances were tighter than a drum.
It’s over a year later, and when Tessa, a grandmother and dedicated mom, made the decision to drop her insurance, she never could’ve imagined the fallout. “Last year was tough on us,” she said, but as wildfires ripped through her northern Saskatchewan community, her choice became painfully clear.
Just to think, their home of 20 years — where so many memories lingered — was reduced to ash. The fire not only took their cherished belongings, but tragically, it claimed the lives of most of their animals, including two dogs and a beloved donkey. “That’s something I’ve got to live with,” she said quietly, the weight of sorrow clearly evident.
Starting Over
Tessa and her husband Leonardo are now camping out at the Valley Regional Park Campground. They’ve been making do in their trailer for the last six weeks, a situation they describe with bittersweet humor. “We love camping. It feels like an extended camping trip,” she laughs, but her smile doesn’t completely mask the underlying truth. Reality hits hard when you realize this isn’t a joyful getaway; it’s a makeshift home after losing everything.
Despite the stark surroundings, they’re doing their best to make their trailer feel cozy. “We’re not really just camping. We’re glamping,” she winks, pointing to their comfy king-sized bed and the cheerful little TV they managed to squeeze in. “We’re making it as homey as we can.”
But it hasn’t been easy. They’ve had to move campsites more than a few times because other people booked spots. “It’s tiring, it really is,” Tessa admits. They’ve even got extension cords running to the next site for power — not ideal, but they’re making it work.
Living in Transition
The Santanas don’t really know where life will take them next. Right now, this campground is their summer home, but the thought of winter is looming over them. “We hope to at least be renting a place by the time the snow flies,” Tessa says, her voice tinged with uncertainty. There’s that sense of hope woven through her words — and yet, you can feel the anxiety, too.
Leonardo is heading back to work soon after taking time off to sort everything out. He’s ready to dive back into the grind. “We’re saving up to buy or build a new house one day,” he says, though it feels like a distant dream. It’s one of those things that keeps them going — thinking about a future where they’re finally settled again.
One lesson they’ve learned? The importance of insurance. “When we do get a house, insurance will be a top priority,” Tessa reassures herself. But even with the scars of their past, she’s firm. “If it ever came down to it again, feeding my family or buying insurance, every time I’m going to feed my family.” That’s the reality for too many folks caught in a cycle of hard choices.
Understanding the Insurance Gap
You know, Tessa’s story isn’t just a fluke. You’d be surprised at how many others find themselves in similar situations. As wildfires have ravaged communities, insurance brokers across the country reported a surge in calls from folks caught without coverage — or barely covered. Crazy, right? It’s known as the insurance gap.
Here’s the scoop: for every dollar in insured losses, there’s roughly three to four dollars in losses that aren’t covered. Think of it! Last year, Canada hit record-breaking numbers for weather-related losses, reaching an astounding $8.5 billion in insured losses. If you do the math, that sets the stage for uninsured losses to be anywhere between $25.5 billion to $34 billion. Yikes!
What does this mean for communities? Well, for governments, that’s money pulled right from budgets for schools, hospitals, even infrastructure. For businesses, it’s cash that could’ve funded growth, equipment upgrades, or employee bonuses. It’s like a domino effect that hurts everyone.
FAQ
What is the insurance gap?
The insurance gap refers to the difference between insured losses and uninsured losses, often indicating how much financial burden homeowners, businesses, and governments bear during disasters.
How does this impact communities?
When insurance gaps widen, it affects government budgets for essential services like hospitals and schools and hinders business growth, which can lead to wider economic challenges.
Are there ways to reduce property damage?
Absolutely! Experts suggest implementing fire smart actions around your home, like moving combustible materials away and utilizing fire-resistant building materials to potentially reduce fire damage by up to 75%.
What does Tessa plan to do differently next time?
Tessa is adamant about prioritizing insurance when they eventually get a new home. She wants to avoid the gut-wrenching choice between feeding her family and protecting their property.
What resources are available for those affected?
After disasters, local government services and NGOs often provide support for displaced families, from temporary housing to financial aid. It’s worth reaching out!
Taking Action Before Disaster Strikes
Knowing how to prepare for an emergency can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Experts like Kathryn Bakos, managing director over at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, emphasize that making simple changes can lead to big gains. Who doesn’t want that?
She explains that if homeowners take initiatives to become “fire smart,” they can significantly reduce their risks. We’re talking about moving stuff away from the house that could catch fire and opting for non-combustible materials. “If you put what’s called fire smart actions into place, 15 actions around the house, you could potentially reduce the chance of your home burning down by up to 50 to 75 percent,” Bakos explains. That’s like doubling your chances of staying safe!
Picture this: Tessa and her family could have taken those precautions, perhaps saving their beloved home from the flames. It’s a sobering thought, but it demonstrates the incredible need for precnancy and planning.
Building Resilience For The Future
At the end of the day, it’s all about resilience. Communities need to find ways to bounce back from disasters and prepare for the next big challenge. It starts with education, awareness, and making smart choices. Just the other day, I was chatting with a friend who went through her own natural disaster. She highlighted how crucial it is to not only adapt your home but also bolster your community’s response efforts.
Building that sense of community can definitely make a difference. Neighbors banding together to discuss preparations isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential. Sharing resources, knowledge, and support can empower everyone when things go south.
This is what Tessa and Leonardo aspire to do when they rebuild: creating a home and a community that’s stronger and more prepared than before. “We’ll definitely be looking into community initiatives and support,” Tessa mentioned, their eyes sparkling with hope. She knows there’s power in togetherness.
Final Thoughts
So, as the Santanas navigate this challenging chapter, they carry with them lessons learned the hard way. They’re creating a new path, a more secure future, and finding ways to make their lives richer — even while living in a trailer. It’s a beautiful reminder that resilience shines brightest when the going gets tough.
While the road ahead might be filled with uncertainty, Tessa holds dear the moments spent with family, the laughter shared over campfires, and the sweet dreams of a new home. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together,” she says, radiating determination and love.
