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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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COVID -19 And Business Interruption Insurance

                                                                            COVID-19 and Business Interruption Insurance

 

In order for Business Interruption coverage to respond, there must be direct physical loss or damage to the insured building and/or its contents or its equipment by an insured peril, such as fire, wind, or falling object, for example. Business Interruption cannot be activated on its own – a slowdown in business, closure, quarantine, etc. do not cause a direct physical loss or damage to insured property. Likewise, a virus, COVID-19 in this case, does not cause any direct physical loss or damage either.   

An extension in policy wordings called “interruption by civil authority,” does exist, but refers to bodily injury or property damage to a neighbouring or adjacent property where the business is closed by order or civil authority for clean-up, investigation, etc.    

It is hopeful that small business will be able to re-coup some of their loss from special government programs put in effect in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The IBC and the Canadian Government have put together several resources regarding COVID-19. Information can be found under the following links: COVID-19 and business insurance: How coverage is triggered

                            Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):Resources for Canadian businesses