The County's Oldest Locally Owned and Operated Brokerage.    Get a Quote    (613) 476-7418

Tip of the Month

                                                                                                       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.
 

Back to News
‘Tis the Season

Significant snow has been falling and impacting driving conditions all around us; even in our area to a degree. Winter tires, once known as “snow” tires, are becoming increasingly popular. In Canada, tests and experience have shown that winter tires have a distinct advantage over all-season tires. If you’ve been using the same winter tires for more than 3 years, their reliability is diminishing. New tires provide better grip and have more technological advancements than ones that are several years old.  Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer a discount for vehicles equipped with 4 winter tires during the months from November to April. You may be asked to provide the bill of sale and/or receipt for installation of the winter tires.