6 Safety Tips for Installing Christmas Lights

6 Safety Tips for Installing Christmas Lights

by | Nov 26, 2014 | Research Centre

Just about everyone loves the look of Christmas lights. Installing them, on the other hand, is not always as simple as it looks.

The frustration that comes with a tangled web of lights, extension cords and outlets can cause some homeowners to resort to unsafe practices in an effort to just “get the lights on”.

However, as many fire departments and power companies can attest, what seems like an innocent bundle of wires and lights can be a serious fire hazard as well as an unnecessary stress on your home’s electrical system.

TO ENSURE YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE:

  • Plug your lights into a surge protector to prevent power overload.
  • Check the amp rating on your extension cord to make sure it can handle the appliance you plug into it. If the extension cord has a lower amp rating than the appliance, it will overheat.
  • Do not cluster Christmas lights in bunches. Doing so creates excessive heat that can melt wire coating and expose live wires. Frayed wires that come into contact with a metal ornament or hook are a shock hazard.
  • Inspect your cords and plugs for damage and replace as needed.
  • If you are installing Christmas lights outside, make sure you use outdoor Christmas lights. The package will tell you if the lights are okay for use indoors, outdoors, or both.
  • When you leave or go to bed, turn off your Christmas lights.
Flood or Sewer Back-Up?

Flood or Sewer Back-Up?

by | Sep 28, 2014 | Research Centre

A FLOOD CAN BE CAUSED BY SPRING RUN-OFF, MELTING SNOW, AN OVER-FLOWING RIVER, LAKE OR STREAM, OR EVEN A SWIMMING POOL.  EXCESSIVE GROUNDWATER BUILD-UP THAT ENTERS YOUR HOME VIA LEAKS OR SEEPAGE IS ALSO CONSIDERED FLOODING. WHETHER AIDED BY WIND OR AN ACT OF GOD, DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME CAUSED BY A FLOOD IS NOT COVERED.

Most homeowners’ policies will cover other types of water damage provided the cause is “sudden and accidental” and is not caused by freezing. This could include the sudden failure of a heating or air conditioning system, an overflowing washing machine, a blocked toilet, accidental sprinkler going off or a burst water pipe.

The key words are ‘sudden‘ and ‘accidental‘ water entering the home through leaks, cracks and seepage are considered to be the responsibility of the owner and should be prevented through routine home maintenance.

Sewer back-ups occur when massive volumes of water overload a drainage system. Once the wastewater rises above your basement drains, a back-flow into your home results. Sewer back-ups can introduce black mould, harmful bacteria and sewage waste into your home, creating health risks and extensive damage.

Depending on where your home is located, sewer back-up insurance may be available to help cover losses or damage caused by water that has accidentally escaped from a sewer, drain, storm drain, sump, septic tank, eaves trough or downspout. Call us to find out more.

5 STEPS TO PREVENT OR LIMIT WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME

1. If your area is susceptible to sewer back-up, make sure your home has a back-flow valve and plugs for drains, toilets and other sewer connectors installed.

2. If you don’t have a sump pump, install one. If you do have a sump pump, test it to make sure it is working.

3. Store items in plastic containers or on shelving at least 12″ off the basement floor.

4. Keep eavestroughs and downspouts clear of debris and make sure water flow is directed away from the foundation.

5. Finally, as simple as it sounds, make sure your lot is properly graded to direct run-off away from the foundation and entrance ways.

 

10 Questions Homebuyers Should Ask Before Buying a Home

10 Questions Homebuyers Should Ask Before Buying a Home

by | Aug 30, 2014 | Research Centre

Protect Yourself And Your Family With Home Insurance

Buying a home is often the purchase of a lifetime. Our friends at Chubb Insurance have put together a checklist to help you ask the right questions before starting a new life in a new home.

1. Is the property properly graded?

Ground that does not allow water to drain away from the foundation during a heavy rain storm or after a big snowstorm may result in the water seeping down along the foundation and ultimately into the basement.

Also, if the property is lower than the neighbour’s, be sure any water runoff from surrounding properties is diverted away from the foundation. A properly working exterior drain system is important for all properties where the ground slopes toward the foundation.

2. Is the basement dry?

Check the basement area for dryness. Stains on walls are one indicator, but the existence of a sump pump is a sign that ground water is a possibility. Ask if the pump is in working order or require a demonstration by having water poured into the pit to ensure the pump is functional.

3. Are the gutters and downspouts clear of debris?

If the home is in a wooded area, gutters can become clogged with fallen leaves and debris. This may cause rainwater to spill over, which results in water entering the home either through the roof or basement. It may also damage exterior wood siding.

Check to see that gutters and downspouts are clear, especially in the fall.

4. Are there stains on the ceiling, walls and floors?

Water stains on ceilings, floors or walls are a clear sign of water problems. Look specifically in corners on the upper floors for signs of roof leaks.

Ceiling damage on the lower level is a sign of plumbing or fixture leaks on upper levels. Water stains can easily be covered with paint, so bring a bright flashlight with you and shine it on walls, floors and ceilings to look for signs of imperfections and staining.

Click here to view all 10 tips.

Make a Home or Business Inventory. Before It’s Too Late.

Make a Home or Business Inventory. Before It’s Too Late.

by | Aug 30, 2014 | Research Centre

WHEN IT COMES TO INSURANCE, THERE ARE MANY DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE NOT OFTEN THOUGHT OF UNTIL YOU ARE FACED WITH A CRISIS SITUATION, AT WHICH POINT IT IS OFTEN TOO LATE.

One such detail is that you are required to provide a schedule of contents lost or damaged as part of a claim.

  • This schedule requires information such as:
  • A description of the item(s);
  • Date purchased and where the item(s) were purchased;
  • Purchase price;
  • Current replacement cost;

On the surface, this seems like a pretty straightforward and simple task, but disasters always have a tendency to strike when least expected. Imagine coming back from vacation to your home or business and finding nothing but a pile of burnt rubble. Once the initial steps in the claim process have been taken care of, you will now be required to provide a list of items lost in the claim.

Where do you begin and how are you going to ensure that you are fully indemnified for your loss? Will you remember every single item that was inside your home or business?

Not likely.

A great preventative measure to help ensure an accurate and prompt claim settlement is to complete a home or business inventory ….. now. Before it’s too late!

Although initially an inventory does require some work, it is an invaluable tool in the event of a crisis.

In addition to ensuring that all contents can be listed and included in a claim, an inventory will ensure that you are carrying an appropriate amount of coverage on your personal property or business contents.

SOME QUICK TIPS WITH RESPECT TO INVENTORIES:

  • To save time, use digital photos or video if available. Something is better than nothing.
  • Make sure you update the inventory from time to time, perhaps at renewal time. A 5 year old inventory is not likely to be accurate.
  • Keep a duplicate copy offsite. As your broker, we’d be happy to help you by keeping a copy of your inventory in your file.

Don’t risk financial loss or down time.  Complete an inventory for peace of mind.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, contact us, and we will e-mail you a copy of an easy-to-follow inventory checklist.

Benefits of Reviewing Your Property Policy

Benefits of Reviewing Your Property Policy

by | Aug 30, 2014 | Research Centre

Did you know that a simple review of your policy can save you money?

Time and time again you will have received your renewal and seen the rates increase, but your pay may not have. This can be tough and we understand, as we are insurance consumers as well as advisers for you.

What you should ask yourself is, “Am I getting all I can from my insurance company?”

You may be thinking that call to your broker may cost you more rather than save you money. Some areas in which you may be able to take advantage of discounts could include the following:

  • Upgrades to your roof, plumbing, wiring and heating
  • Being mortgage free
  • Installing an alarm system
  • Being a non-smoker
  • Installation of a sump pump
  • Installation of a back-water valve (See video)

While many homeowners, condominium owners and secondary homeowner policies provide you with guaranteed replacement cost, there is the possibility that the guaranteed replacement cost endorsement could be null and void if you have not recently completed an updated rebuilding evaluation.

Over the years the calculation tools used to determine the rebuilding cost of your dwelling have been refined. This enables insurance companies to properly insure your residence in case of a loss and to make sure you get back all that you are entitled to.

Be sure to call your broker for more details on how the guaranteed replacement cost endorsement applies.

There are always pros and cons in making the decision to take a look at how much you should be insured for. Ask yourself, “How important is it to me to have peace of mind knowing I am “insured to value” in the event of a loss?”

​There are even some companies that provide discounts when completing a new evaluation of your home.

This is also a good time to see what other coverages are offered by your insurance company. So take a deep breath, pick up the phone and you never know how much you can save unless you call us.