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
If You Consume Cannabis Don’t Get Behind the Wheel

                                                                            If You Consume Cannabis Don’t Get Behind the Wheel

 

Prior to legalization of cannabis, 1.9 million Canadians admitted to driving high. Driving under the influence of cannabis is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol; both are considered Criminal Code convictions. Three new drug related offences have been added, and the code has been revised to allow for roadside testing for drug concentrations. There are specific offences for exceeding the limits for drug concentration, or exceeding the limits for a combination of alcohol and drug concentration. New penalties implemented in July will be stiffened in January, 2019. Any amount of THC can result in impaired driving charges. If convicted, that means your insurer won’t cover any resulting damage to your vehicle and they will drop you as a customer. You will have to go to a high risk market where your premium will skyrocket.

There is “0 tolerance” for those having a graduated driver’s licence  and for commercial drivers; none at all is allowed in their system. The police have the authority to immediately suspend their licence, administer a fine, and have the vehicle towed.

A conviction under any of the drug related offences is subject to an insurance premium surcharge or declination of coverage.

If legalization leads to an increase in roadside accidents, premiums for everyone will increase, not just users.