Keeping things safe and sound at home is your responsibility. Knowing common risks and taking preventative action can help you protect your most valuable assets.
While you canât always protect your property from unpredictable events, you can help reduce the costs associated with loss or damage. Your insurance representative is on your side and can help provide a policy and additional optional coverages to help protect you and your family from financial risk.
Itâs important to be aware of the risks â or potential losses and other adverse events â that you may face as homeowner or tenant. When you proactively manage risk, you also help:
protect people from harm;
mitigate risk to your property;
safeguard your valuables;
protect the environment;
reduce your liabilities;
help to clearly define your specific insurance needs.
Create and maintain a home inventory list of your belongings. Use our home inventory spreadsheet to get started.
There are many things you can do to identify and act on common property risks year-round. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your home â indoors and outdoors.
install and regularly check all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
have your furnace inspected annually and clean or replace air filters regularly
clean and empty the lint filter in your clothes dryer after and before each use
keep all your floor drains clear of obstructions
install a sump pump or make sure the one you have is working properly and consider a backup power source in the event of a power outage
install backflow valves on drains, toilets and other sewer connections
help prevent frozen pipes by fitting with insulation sleeves
minimize potential basement water damage by elevating your furnace, hot water heater and electrical panel or relocate them to a higher level
don't store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects where they can be damaged
ensure all plumbing fixtures are running properly and test plumbing shut-off valves
donât furnish or keep expensive items in areas â such as your basement â that may be prone to flooding
inspect your attic for water damage or frost accumulation and check your roof for ice dams or icicles
make sure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of debris and direct water away from your building(s)
ensure there is proper grading sloping away from your home
disconnect your garden hoses before winter
trim tree branches away from your home and electrical wires
while you are away in the winter have someone check your home every day or every few days, depending upon the conditions in your policy
secure any loose patio furniture and barbeques when a windstorm is on its way
clear snow away from your house, especially pathways, basement windows, doorways, drains, gas meters and exhaust vents
check catch basins on the street to ensure they are not obstructed after a storm
Did you know you could be held liable if someone is injured on your property? Whether you own or rent your home, you can be held personally liable for bodily injury or property damage unintentionally caused to others. Itâs important to take steps to help prevent or reduce the risk of possible injury on your property.
You're responsible for keeping your property and areas such as stairs, walkways and driveways reasonably safe. You may be held liable for slips, trips and falls if you fail to keep your property free from hazards.
Before someone visits or you host an event, make sure you address these common home hazards:
Snow and ice. Use salt, shovel and/or sand to keep walking surfaces clear of ice and snow within bylaw timeframes and/or local best practices.
Steps, slopes and gaps. Fix unexpected elevation changes, surface cracks or gaps within your property line or if you are a tenant notify your property owner. Condominium owners should report issues such as uneven common sidewalks to their condominium administration.
Wet or slippery surfaces. Use non-slip floor covering over slippery surfaces such as wet or tile floors.
Handrails. Repair or replace loose and missing stair handrails.
Debris. Remove any debris â such as slippery, wet fall leaves â on walking paths.
Lighting. Ensuring all areas are adequately lit.
Whether youâre a homeowner, condo owner or tenant, you may be held responsible for your guests' actions â even after they leave â if you serve them alcohol or cannabis.
Here are 5 tips to help keep everyone safe:
Ask who the designated driver is when your guests arrive.
Ensure there are non-alcoholic beverages and food options available.
Stop serving alcohol or cannabis several hours before you think guests will leave and start serving start serving coffee, tea or water.
Have cash on hand for cabs and/or an extra bedroom made up for last-minute overnight guests.
Keep watch and don't hesitate to ask for someone's keys if you have concerns about their ability to drive.
In the event that something goes wrong, knowing how to respond and file a home insurance claim can help you stay calm in stressful situations.
Know how to document loss or damage of your property.
Call your insurance representative when you have questions about your insurance coverage or when you need to file a claim. Your insurance representative is on your side and is able to assist.
Understand what to expect from the claims process and your insurance representative.
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