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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 Operate a Home Based Business?

                                                                                                                   Do You Operate a Home-based Business?

 

Especially in these COVID times, home-based business operations are on the increase. Many home-based businesses may be either underinsured or uninsured because the owners thought their business activities were covered under their personal residence policy. In order to be properly protected, a Home-Based Business extension  needs to be added to your personal homeowner’s, condominium or tenant’s policy. Unless your insurance company is aware of your home-based business, you may even void your policy. For example, if your house burns down, you may find that your fire coverage is void because you didn’t tell the insurance company that you were using your home for business. Business property is also excluded under a personal lines policy, so if your computer used for business purposes is stolen, it is not covered. Liability exposure arising from your home business, also requires protection; for example, if a delivery person slips and falls on your premises when making a business delivery. Depending on the scope and nature of your business , you may actually require a separate commercial policy. Contact your broker to arrange the appropriate coverage.