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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.
 

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"Pokemon Go" Poses Risks

                                                             “Pokemon Go” Poses Risks

 

There are several risks arising from the “Pokemon Go” computer game, including exposure of confidential information, liability exposure, and distracted driving. Augmented reality games usually require your GPS location and a data connection (WiFi or cellular), which means giving access to the app developer to track your whereabouts. By playing these games, you may be allowing the sharing of metadata such as details on who you are, where you live, locations you frequent, who you associate with, time spent in each location, and so on. If you play on a mobile device that you also use for business, then the risk is heightened by the possible exposure of confidential company information.

As more of the augmented reality games emerge, the onus will be on players and property owners to assess their personal risks and take the necessary precautions to minimize their liability exposure.

The game has also become one of the growing dangers of distracted driving. Pokemon appearing on the dashboard of vehicles entices drivers to capture them instead of paying attention to the road. The increase of distracted occurrences have caused many law enforcement agencies to release public safety announcements