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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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Are you finally off to the Cottage?

                                                                                                                     Are You Finally Off to the Cottage?

 

Now that Covid restrictions are being relaxed, and hot, summer weather is here, people are moving about more, with many heading to their cottage for short or extended stays.

If you are a cottage owner, here are some points to consider:

  • Contents that normally stay at the cottage, need to be insured on the policy which covers the cottage itself. If your cottage does not qualify for a “package policy” as a seasonal, secondary residence, it is up to you to determine the coverage limit for your contents.
  • Contents you take with you to your cottage which are normally kept or used at your primary principal residence, are considered “temporarily removed” from your home, and are actually insured under that policy. If you return home and inadvertently leave these contents behind at the cottage, should they be damaged or destroyed by an insured peril, they may not be covered under your cottage policy.
  • Depending on your policy wording, coverage on your cottage and contents may be more restrictive or limited than on your principal residence.

Since there are many variables, a policy review with your broker is recommended, to avoid any unexpected surprises.