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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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New Ontario Vehicle Storage Lien Rules

 

New Ontario Vehicle Storage Lien Rules Effective July 1, 2016

Changes to Ontario’s vehicle storage laws, designed to reduce auto claims costs, take effect July 1, 2016. Previous to that date, when a vehicle had been damaged in an accident, it might be brought to a storage facility after the collision by someone other than the owner, or without the owner’s authority. Those who store vehicles after accidents could begin charging for storage services right away, even though the owner of the vehicle might be unaware of where their car was located and that it was accumulating charges every day. Storers could hold a vehicle and accumulate storage charges for up to 60 days without giving any notice and then still claim a lien for the storage costs.

Bill 15 is an omnibus bill passed into law back in 2014. One of the laws changed was the Repair and Storage Liens Act. As of July 1, the new regulation reduces the notice period from 60 days to 15 days for vehicles registered in Ontario. The new rules are expected to improve storage practices and remove associated costs from the auto insurance system.