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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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Do You Know Your Stuff?

Have you ever tried to list all your valuables from memory? Try it and then compare your list to your actual possessions. Chances are you’ll be surprised by how much you’ve missed. Imagine how much harder it would be if you’re trying to compile a list after your property has been stolen or damaged in a fire or flood. Without proper documentation, receipts, and photographs, it’s difficult to describe the true value of your belongings.

We advise you prepare a household inventory which is a list of all the valuables contained in your home, such as furniture, appliances, computer equipment, audio visual equipment, jewellery, artwork, musical instruments, tools, and clothing. It also includes property you store directly outside of your home, in a garage, shed, or backyard – such as sports equipment, gardening equipment, and patio furniture.

As you go from room to room, look inside drawers and closets too, and record all items of value. If possible, include how and when each item was acquired, its cost when purchased, and its estimated replacement cost. The more detail you include such as the manufacturer, serial and/or model numbers, the more useful the list will be.