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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| Deep Snow is Deep Trouble | |
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Deep Snow Is Deep Trouble
So far this season, we have not had a massive snowfall like the recent record breaker in Newfoundland, but winter isn’t over yet. Every year, many roofs collapse due to heavy snow or ice accumulation. Add rain or wet snow falls on top, and a roof can easily become overloaded. Often roofs collapse suddenly, giving occupants little, if any, warning to evacuate. It can happen to new or old buildings alike, and cause extensive damage to both the building and its contents. Low pitched and flat roofs are the most susceptible to collapse. Watch for ice buildup on the edge and valleys of your roof, known as “ice damming”, which causes water to back up and enter the building under the shingles and wood decking. It occurs during alternating freeze/thaw cycles due to heat loss through the roof. In addition to adding extra weight to the roof, ice dams can cause extensive water damage inside, which may not be automatically included on your policy. Excessive accumulations of snow and ice require removal. For safe removal that won’t damage your roof or endanger you, consult a professional. Be certain the contractor you choose is adequately covered by WSIB and provides you with a current liability insurance certificate. |
Deep Snow Is Deep Trouble
So far this season, we have not had a massive snowfall like the recent record breaker in Newfoundland, but winter isn’t over yet. Every year, many roofs collapse due to heavy snow or ice accumulation. Add rain or wet snow falls on top, and a roof can easily become overloaded. Often roofs collapse suddenly, giving occupants little, if any, warning to evacuate. It can happen to new or old buildings alike, and cause extensive damage to both the building and its contents. Low pitched and flat roofs are the most susceptible to collapse.
Watch for ice buildup on the edge and valleys of your roof, known as “ice damming”, which causes water to back up and enter the building under the shingles and wood decking. It occurs during alternating freeze/thaw cycles due to heat loss through the roof. In addition to adding extra weight to the roof, ice dams can cause extensive water damage inside, which may not be automatically included on your policy.
Excessive accumulations of snow and ice require removal. For safe removal that won’t damage your roof or endanger you, consult a professional. Be certain the contractor you choose is adequately covered by WSIB and provides you with a current liability insurance certificate.
                                                            Who’s At Fault in Caution Light Crashes?
Canada’s dreaded amber light is the source of numerous intersection crashes, resulting in untold insurance claims. Because of this, be especially vigilant when turning left against yellow caution lights at intersections. Although the outcome of a given case will be determined based upon the facts that are unique to that case, a driver making a left-hand turn will generally not be able to rely on an assumption that the other driver will stop for the yellow light.
Fault for the resulting collision will likely be found in such cases on the part of the left-turning driver.Â
Drivers have a legal duty to stop for a yellow light, but only if they can do so safely. Otherwise, they are allowed to proceed through the intersection with caution.
The Highway Traffic Act states that a left-turning driver must ensure the turn can be safely made, so it is the responsibility of that driver to make sure it is safe to proceed through the intersection.Â
Some drivers attempting to make a left turn on a yellow light may assume that an approaching vehicle will stop; however, this assumption does not lessen or negate liability for left-hand turning drivers in the event of a collision.
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W.H. Williamson & Co. Limited
