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: How Insurance Companies are Supporting Customers | |
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The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has announced that its member companies will take the following measures: 1.Drivers whose habits have changed significantly qualify for reduced car insurance premiums; for example, if they are no longer commuting to work, or one of the family’s vehicles is no longer in use, premiums can be reduced to reflect the change. 2.Insurers are deferring premium payments and exploring other flexible payment options for those individuals and businesses who have been most affected financially. Payment options are also being explored to help those still able to pay, but may need additional flexibility. 3.Insurers are waiving their NSF fees for customers on payment plans who can’t pay their premiums. The bank may still charge an NSF fee, which the insurance company has no control over. 4.Insurers are “freezing” their rates for the next renewal term, so customers should not see any rate increase if their driving record or claims experience remains unchanged . 5.Because of the pandemic, if a vehicle is temporarily being used differently, such as to deliver groceries, medicine, or take-out to people in the community on a volunteer basis, it will not adversely affect the premium or the ability to make a claim. The same holds true, if you are temporarily working from home. Insurers remain open for business to assist customers and continue to pay claims for covered losses. If you have any questions during this challenging time, contact your broker to find out what options are available to you, or if your insurer is taking any additional measures for financial relief. |
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has announced that its member companies will take the following measures:
1.Drivers whose habits have changed significantly qualify for reduced car insurance premiums; for example, if they are no longer commuting to work, or one of the family’s vehicles is no longer in use, premiums can be reduced to reflect the change.
2.Insurers are deferring premium payments and exploring other flexible payment options for those individuals and businesses who have been most affected financially. Payment options are also being explored to help those still able to pay, but may need additional flexibility.
3.Insurers are waiving their NSF fees for customers on payment plans who can’t pay their premiums. The bank may still charge an NSF fee, which the insurance company has no control over.
4.Insurers are “freezing” their rates for the next renewal term, so customers should not see any rate increase if their driving record or claims experience remains unchanged .
5.Because of the pandemic, if a vehicle is temporarily being used differently, such as to deliver groceries, medicine, or take-out to people in the community on a volunteer basis, it will not adversely affect the premium or the ability to make a claim. The same holds true, if you are temporarily working from home.
Insurers remain open for business to assist customers and continue to pay claims for covered losses. If you have any questions during this challenging time, contact your broker to find out what options are available to you, or if your insurer is taking any additional measures for financial relief.
                                                            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
