Avoid Disaster with Tailor Made Insurance Safety Tips

Think About the Unthinkable

We prefer not to think about unpleasant things, such as what would happen if a fire started in our home. Better to focus on preventing it by observing the following guidelines from the Canada Safety Council.

Family Fire Safety

• Plan and practice two escape routes from each bedroom. If one is through a second story window, make sure you have a way to reach the ground safely.
• Make sure everyone knows your escape plan, your outside meeting place, and how to call the fire department.
• Fight a fire only if you can do so with your back to an exit.

Heating Equipment

• Have your furnace checked and your chimney cleaned every year.
• Clear the area around your furnace of boxes and papers.
• Use a metal screen on your fireplace and burn only wood.
• Keep portable heaters at least one metre away from bedding and drapes.
• Store paint and other flammable products away from the furnace or water heater.
• If you heat your home with gas, oil, wood, or other fossil fuels, install a carbon monoxide detector with a UL or ULC label.

In the Kitchen

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Don't store things over the stove.
• Keep your oven and stove clean and clear of potholders and clutter.
• Smother a grease fire with a lid – never throw water on the flame.
• Never heat oil in an open pot – use a CSA-approved, sealed deep-fryer.

In the Home

• Install smoke detectors outside bedrooms and make sure everyone can hear and recognize the alarm with doors closed.
• Replace smoke detector batteries once a year.
• Have all-purpose fire extinguishers near cooking and heating equipment.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Ninety-five percent of Canadian households have at least one smoke alarm. That explains why fewer Canadians die in home fires now than back in the 1970s, before this practice became widespread. Here are some tips on using them properly.

Types of Smoke Alarms

• When buying a smoke alarm, look for the ULC label certifying that the product meets Canadian standards.
• Smoke alarms can be electrically powered, battery powered, or a combination of both. Whatever kind you have, remember that they don't last forever.
• Ionization smoke alarms typically respond first to flaming fires. They are best suited for rooms which contain highly-combustible materials.
• Photoelectric type smoke alarms typically respond first to slow smouldering fires and are less prone to nuisance alarms near the kitchen area.
• For maximum protection, install at least one ionization and one photoelectric smoke alarm on each level of your home.

Maintenance

• Replace your smoke alarm every five years (at least) and, in the meantime, make sure to regularly maintain it.
• Clean the inside of smoke alarms every six months as they may not work if they are plugged up, even if the batteries are still good.
• Clean smoke alarms more often if a smoker lives in the house.
• Replace the batteries once a year or when you hear intermittent beeping.
• Test alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
• If an alarm is electrically connected to household circuits and doesn't sound, check the fuse and try again. In either case, if the alarm still isn't working, replace the entire unit.

Source: Canada Safety Council

After a Fender-Bender

If you're involved in a car accident, it's important to know what to do afterward:

• Immediately check for personal injuries and call for emergency aid, if needed.
• If you or any of your passengers are hurt, get emergency help.
• If possible, and necessary, drive your car to the side of the road, away from traffic.
• Draw a sketch of the accident scene, if you can, and write down any details of the accident (i.e. estimated speed, weather, road conditions). It's surprising how quickly your recollection fades after an accident. Describe damage to your vehicle and others involved. You might even draw a sample picture of them, circling damaged areas.
• Write down the other driver's name, address, phone number, driver's licence number, licence plate number, vehicle make and model, vehicle owner and address (if different from the driver's), insurer, and policy number.

Your accident report must be filed with the police within 48 hours. When you report the claim to your broker, you will also need a copy of the police report or accident number.

Safety All Along the Line

Do you ever talk on the phone while driving? Or do you drive while talking on the phone?

Remember that the danger increases with use, and that it's better to be safe than sorry! Take the time to go over these tips from the Canada Safety Council.

Talking on the Phone

• Use a hands-free model.
• Keep conversations brief.
• Use speed-dialing.
• Never dial while driving.
• Don't take notes while driving.
• If a conversation becomes too engrossing, pull over somewhere safe.
• Let your voicemail pick up calls in tricky driving situations.
• Practice using your cell phone and voicemail while your car is stopped.
• Avoid unnecessary calls.

Driving

• Keep your hands on the wheel.
• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Stay in your lane.
• Drive carefully.
• Always make driving your number one priority.

Source: Canada Safety Council