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                                                                                                       Barbecue Season Is In Full Swing: Don’t Go Up In Flames


The joys of outdoor cooking also bring fire and associated risks. Here are some safety reminders for gas and propane barbecues to protect you and your property from harm or damage.
•    Never operate a barbecue in an enclosed space, close to a structure, or near combustibles. Have a one metre radius around it free of obstructions. 
•    Keep your barbecue in tip top shape. Check for hose breakage, valve leaks, and other parts before securing the tank well and turning on the gas. 
•    When in use, never leave the grill unattended, and when finished turn the tank off before the burners so the remaining gas in the lines can burn off. This can help prevent a flash the next time the BBQ is in use.
•    Make sure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible and in good working order. 
Additional Tips
•    Propane companies use an additive to create an unpleasant odour like rotten eggs to make a propane leak easier to detect, so you can shut off supply immediately, stop using the grill, and clear the area.
•    Although the risk of carbon monoxide is low when using a BBQ outdoors, it is not entirely eliminated. Learn to recognize the signs of CO2 poisoning and take appropriate action.
•    Store propane tanks in an upright position, in a spot where they are unlikely to be knocked or bumped to prevent any safety risk.
 

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Where is the 15% Reduction in my Auto Premium?

Despite what you have heard in the news, the promised rate reductions are not instant and are going to take time. The government has set a target to reduce rates on average by 15% over two years ending August 2015, with 8% in place by August of 2014, and another 7% by August 2015.

This means not everyone is guaranteed to see a 15% reduction, as it will depend on a number of factors:

  1. Your insurer - Companies that can demonstrate they can't provide the reduction don't have to.
  2. Where you live - Insurers price by territory claim experience and can justify different rates depending on where you live
  3. Your individual characteristics - Since it's an average, some may get higher reductions while others will get lower reductions, depending on personal rating factors.