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.
Did You Tell Your Broker About Your Home Reno?
Many Canadians made major renovations to their homes during the pandemic. About 14% did so on impulse, but may not have told their insurers about these material changes.
Policies often stipulate a homeowner must tell their broker or insurer about any remodelling plans once those renovations exceed $5000, in order to maintain coverage provisions. Finishing a basement, removing structural supports, or building an addition can change the home’s rebuilding value which is key in determining adequate insurance limits.
According to a study, approximately 11% of Canadians made home renovations in 2021, and 26% of those renovations surpassed the $5000 disclosure bar stated on many policies. The report also indicated that Ontarians spent the most on renovations in the past year: almost double that of people in other provinces.
If you have recently completed home renovations, or plan to, contact you broker to review how this will impact your insurance coverage, so that any necessary adjustments can be made.
W.H. Williamson & Co. Limited
