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.
Property Insurance Discounts That Could Lower Your Premium
Here’s a list of discounts to discuss with your broker:
Alarm Discounts – for homes with centrally monitored fire or security alarm systems
Claims-free Discount – for homeowners and renters who have been claims-free for a specific number of years, (usually 3 ), set out by their insurer
First-time Homeowner Discount – for homeowners who have never owned their own home before; applies to the first year’s premium only
Mature Discount – for homeowners and renters over a certain age, which qualifies them for a lower rate; age of maturity varies by insurer
Multi-policy Discount – for homeowners and renters who carry their home and car insurance with the same company
Mortgage-free Discount- for homeowners who have paid off their mortgage
New Home Discount – for homeowners who build or purchase a new home; the percentage of savings may decrease as the home gets older until it no longer qualifies as newer
Outside Combination Furnace Discount - for homeowners to qualify, the unit must remove the need for an interior forced air heating system as backup; use of a certified woodstove as supplemental is still permitted
Non-smokers Discount – for homeowners or renters where the entire household is non-smoking
Renewal Discount – for homeowners and renters who keep their property insurance with the same company for a set number of years
Standby Generator Discount – for homeowners who have a generator that can easily be connected to applicable electrical systems, (ie: hard wired); the generator must always remain on premises
W.H. Williamson & Co. Limited
