Reduce Your Risk: Home
We believe that there are ways to reduce your risk of loss. Below, you’ll find some suggestions on how to keep your home as safe and as secure as possible.
Being well-prepared
- Know what you own. An up-to-date inventory of your possessions will be invaluable in the event of a burglary or fire. After a loss, it can be difficult to remember the details about what’s missing and/or damaged. Keep purchase receipts for major items. You can even take photographs of important items and keep the pictures away from the premises.
- Don’t dispose of damaged goods without consulting your adjuster.
- Keep your home well-maintained. Make repairs as necessary, to minimise the possibility of a claim. Make sure your roof is in good condition and replace worn steps and handrails, etc.
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Preventing fires at home
A fire can be devastating. To minimise the risk of fire loss in your home, follow some of these simple steps:
- Maintain your smoke alarms. Test them and check the batteries regularly.
- Consider purchasing a small fire extinguisher to keep in an area where fires are most likely to start (i.e., the kitchen).
- Never leave burning candles unattended, especially in areas where there are pets or children.
- Never leave combustibles such as newspapers, cardboard and clothing on or near a heat source.
- If cooking with hot oil, use a thermostat-controlled appliance. Never leave cooking oil unattended.
- Don’t use an outdoor barbecue indoors.
- Properly dispose of smoking materials and never smoke in bed.
- Never use an appliance with a frayed plug or cord, or with exposed wiring.
- If you own a woodstove, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe usage:
a) Make sure the stove is properly vented, that the front, sides and back of the appliance are at least 48” away from combustible material, and that the top is at least 60” away from combustible material. (These clearances can be reduced, depending on the type of shielding used.) The fluepipe should be at least 18” away from the walls and ceiling.
b) Never use lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline to kindle a fire – always use paper and/or kindling.
c) Do not store dry wood near or under the stove.
d) Always put ashes in a metal container.
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Preventing break-ins and thefts
- Install a security alarm system from a specialised company that provides installation, warranty and regular inspections. Certain types of alarms could help you save on your insurance premium.
- Make sure the system has a back-up power source, in the event of power failure.
- Never hide your spare key under the doormat or in the mailbox. It’s the first place thieves will look!
- Marking your valuables is a proven theft deterrent. It is much more difficult for a thief to unload marked goods.
- Installing motion-detector lights is a good investment.
- When away from home, lock all doors and windows.
- A “Beware of Dog” sign can also deter thieves.
- If you have valuable jewellery, consider storing it in a safety deposit box.
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Protecting your home from water damage
- Shut off the water and drain the pipes before you leave your home for an extended period of time.
- Have a friend, relative or neighbour check your premises while you are away, especially during the winter.
- Never leave a tap open if the water is cut off for any reason. When it's turns back on, you’ll come home to a flood!
- Make sure your roof is in good condition. Water can easily enter your home through peeling or lifting shingles.
- Keep the area around your basement drain floor clear of objects and debris. Never cover it with carpeting.
- Make sure that hot-water tanks are in good working order. Call for service from the company if the task is under warranty or arrange for a replacement if it has reached its maximum life span.
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