January 2, 2014.  Parts of Ontario continue to be without electricity. Therefore, some people may have left their home as power is being restored.  Here are some home insurance coverage reminders as well as some timely safety tips.

Homeowners insurance policies do not cover losses caused by freezing during the usual heating season in a heated portion of the home if someone has been away from their home for more than four consecutive days, UNLESS the homeowner has:

• arranged for a competent person to check the home daily;
• shut off the water supply and drained all the pipes and domestic water containers; or
• their plumbing and heating system is connected to a monitored alarm station.

If you do leave your property remember to:

• Turn off the main water valve and drain water from the pipes and flush toilets several times. Keep the basement drain clear.
• To prevent a power surge when the electricity does come back on, unplug all tools, appliances and electronic equipment and turn the thermostats down to minimum.
• Turn off all lights including Christmas lights, except one inside and one outside, until power is restored.
• Leave natural gas service on unless authorities tell you to turn it off.
• Lock your home.

Here are some other ways to keep safe, even if you do stay in your home:

• To prevent frozen pipes turn the taps on slightly so water can trickle through as pipes with running water will not freeze.  Alternatively, turn off the main water supply and open the pipes completely.
• Take extra caution when using a wood-burning fireplace.
• Use a flashlight and not candles to reduce the risk of fire.
• Do not use appliances intended for outdoor use indoors, such as camping or heating equipment and gas barbecues.
• Keep your fridge and freezer door closed as much as possible. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if not opened.
• If you see downed power lines, stay far away and report them to your local power authority.

Once power is restored:

• Do not enter a flooded basement unless it is absolutely safe to do so.
• Flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels should not be used until they have been checked by an electrician.
• Replace the furnace flue if removed, and turn off the fuel to the standby heating unit.
• Turn the thermostats up, wait a few minutes, then plug in the fridge and freezer back in. Wait 10-15 minutes before plugging other appliances back in.
• Turn on water supply.
• Check the food in your fridge and freezer for signs of spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out. Check the Food Safety website for details about specific foods