 |
 |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| Insurance Spot |
| Blue Sky Financial Group is an Ontario Insurance Brokerage providing auto,home, business, travel & life insurance, as well as financial services such as RRSP's, Mutual Funds, GIC's, Savings accounts and more. On this blog, we will provide readers with informative insurance tips, news, links and articles. |
| Language: English |
| RSS Feeds for this Blog |
|
Statistics |
| Unique Visitors: 27 |
| Total Unique Visitors: 19316 |
| Visitors Out: 459 |
| Total Visitors Out: 459 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| Insurance Bureau of Canada offers free home-inventory software |
| 2008-06-03 08:09:33 |
TORONTO, May 27- What's the make and model of your television? When did you buy it? How much did it cost?Most people couldn't answer these questions easily. However, those who keep a home inventory could. In fact, 93% of Canadians surveyed agreed that having an up-to-date inventory of their possessions is a good idea. Unfortunately, only 35% actually say they have one.One way you can better prepare for an emergency is to take the time now to make a record of your possessions -- and minimize the worry later. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) wants all Canadians to have a complete inventory of their possessions, and is encouraging consumers to visit http://www.ibc.ca/ to download, free of charge, Know Your Stuff home inven...
|
| |
|
| Ontario Auto Insurance Rate Increase in 2008 Q1 |
| 2008-05-12 11:52:23 |
From Canadian Underwriter Ontario Insurance">auto insurance rates are on the rise, according to data posted by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), the regulator of the province's insurers.Rate applications approved for 2008 Q1 averaged +1.05%, based on the entire market, FSCO noted in an online bulletin. Rate changes approved in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were -10.60%, -2.43%, -1.27% and +0.55%, respectively, for the entire market.In 2008 Q1, for the 43.37% of the market that had rate changes approved, the average rate change was +2.42%, when weighted by market share. Among the companies in Ontario with a market share of 1% or greater, here are the approved rate changes shown...
|
| |
|
| New Crash Tests for Mid-Size Cars |
| 2008-05-01 11:26:48 |
IIHS: New crash tests of midsize cars: protection in side impacts improves, but most cars tested still afford marginal or poor protection in rear crashes ARLINGTON, VA - Occupant protection in side impacts of midsize cars is improving as automakers introduce safer designs and add side airbags as standard equipment. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently completed front, side, and rear tests of seven 2008 model midsize cars, both moderately priced and luxury: Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Infiniti G35, Kia Optima, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, and Saturn Aura. All earn the highest rating of good for occupant protection in frontal crashes. All but the Kia Optima earn the top rating of good for side crash protection (Malibu's rating applies ...
|
| |
|
| Seat Belt Safety |
| 2008-04-29 13:39:47 |
One person, one seat beltEffective December 1, 2006, in Ontario, every person travelling in a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt or use a child safety seat. The penalty for seat belt infractions is a fine between $60 and $500. Convicted offenders will receive two demerit points.Drivers are responsible for ensuring that passengers under 16 years of age are using the seat belt or an appropriate child car seat properPolice officers may request that passengers who appear to be at least 16 years of age provide their name, address and date of birth. These passengers may face a fine for not using or wearing a seat belt properly.There are limited exemptions from wearing seat belts.Fact...Wearing your seat belt properly will dramatically increase your chance of surv...
|
| |
|
| Flow-Through Investments |
| 2008-04-28 11:26:43 |
To encourage investment in more speculative, resource-based ventures, the Federal and Provincial Governments of Canada have created Flow-Through Investments
Who should invest in Flow-Through Shares?
Typically, Investors in the top marginal tax bracket would receive the most benefit from a flow-through investment. However, most investors, regardless of their income level, would likely receive some benefit from investing in flow-through shares.
Investors should also be comfortable with risk and volatility in the value of their investment. Due to the highly speculative nature of resource exploration, the value of the investment could vary widely.
What am I investing in?
An investment in a Flow-Through Share is required to be used for the exploration and / or development towards production and must be kept separate from general operating funds. After the tax deductions are made, capital gains are possible. Some shares even allow for conversion into other investments.
What are th...
|
| |
|
| Life Insurance Solutions for Small Business Owners ---- Part III |
| 2008-04-24 13:55:42 |
Insurance">Life Insurance Solutions for Business">Small Business Owners- Part III from ManulifeExecutive Compensation Small business owners often offer supplementary benefitpackages to attract executives. These packages offer awide assortment of benefits, which may include lifeinsurance protection. The life insurance protection ensures that if the executivedies, his or her dependants receive money that can be usedto cover funeral expenses, education costs, reduce debt and provide future income. The policy may be purchased by the business/employer, or it may be owned and funded jointly by the employer and the executive. ...
|
| |
|
| Life Insurance Solutions for Small Business Owners |
| 2008-04-22 15:54:32 |
Insurance">Life Insurance Solutions for Business">Small Business Owners - Part II from ManulifeBuy-sell FundingA key component of an integrated financial plan is planning for business succession. The business interest often accounts for a substantial portion of the wealth the business owner has accumulated. Ensuring that a plan is in place for the eventual transfer of the business interest will help the owner realize full value for the business interest and it will also help the business and the remaining owners survive the transition. This is particularly true if one of the owners dies prematurely. Changes in ownershi...
|
| |
|
| Retirement and Long Term Care |
| 2008-04-18 17:01:35 |
From Manulife Have you considered long term care in your retirement planning? Like many Canadians, probably not, but you might want to think again. The following questions and answers may assist you in understanding the need for long term acre planning.Q: I’m a boomer. How will my care needs in older age be different from my parents’?A: The makeup of boomers’ families is unique to any previous generation. We have fewer kids, experience more divorce, and our adult children migrate more frequently from city to city. This means we can’t rely on family as primary caregivers to the same degree our parents have. Life expectancy is also increasing, so if you’re lucky enough to live to age 85, there’s a strong likelihood you will require long term ...
|
| |
|
| Phising: A new form of identity theft |
| 2008-04-17 14:09:54 |
from Public Safety Canada The term phishing refers to luring techniques used by identity thieves to fish for personal information in a pond of unsuspecting Internet users. Their objective is to take this information and use it for criminal purposes such as identity theft and fraud. Phishing is a general term for the creation and use by criminals of emails and websites -designed to look like they come from well-known, legitimate and trusted businesses, financial institutions and government agencies- in an attempt to gather personal, financial and sensitive information. These criminals deceive Internet users into disclosing their bank and financial account information or other personal data s...
|
| |
|
| Tips for Preventing Identity Theft |
| 2008-04-16 12:01:56 |
You can take measures to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. The following list outlines some things you can do to make yourself a harder target: Use a shredderCarry only one credit card and guard your credit card receiptsCheck for the VeriSign or the lock at hte bottom right corner of your Web browser window.Carry minimal personal information. Memorize yoru passwords and PINs and never carry them with you.Don't leave mail in the box overnight and don't mail your bills from unprotected curbside mailboxes or personal mailboxes. You don't want them falling into the wrong hands.Pay attention to billing cycles. If you don't receive your bills on time, follow up with your creditors; an identity thi...
|
| |
|
| Shopping for a Safer Car in 2008 - Part II |
| 2008-04-15 10:46:01 |
CHOOSING A CRASH WORTHY DESIGNThe main aspects of design that determine vehicle crashworthiness are structure and restraints. A good STRUCTURAL DESIGN means a strong occupant compartment (safety cage), crumple zones to absorb the force of a serious crash, and side structure that can manage the force of a striking vehicle or struck object.Until recently RESTRAINT SYSTEMS typically included a basic lap/shoulder belt and frontal airbags. But now restraints are becoming more sophisticated. Crash-activated tensioners canreduce safety belt slack. Force limiters can reduce the chance of a rib injury from the belt itself. Advanced frontal airbags have inflation characteristics geared to specific crash circumstances,and other airbags are protecting people’s heads and chests in side impacts. Even ...
|
| |
|
| Shopping for a Safer Car in 2008 |
| 2008-04-11 12:52:29 |
Part 1from the Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyCRASH AVOIDANCEAll vehicles have basic features to reduce crash likelihood — lights so other motorists can see you, brakes to stop when needed, etc. Now innovative technologies are being added to helpavoid crashes. These include features to alert you if you stray from your travel lane orwarn if you’re about to back into something. Most of these new features haven’t been scientifically evaluated. We don’t know yet if they reduce crashes, though some of them show promise. One that already is proving effective is ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. You’ll findit by a variety of tradenames (StabiliTrak, Stability Assist, etc.), but the systems are basically the same. They’re extensions of antilock brake technology that help drivers mai...
|
| |
|
| Accident Forgiveness Coverage |
| 2008-04-10 14:39:55 |
What is accident forgiveness coverage?If you are involved in an at-fault accident, accident forgiveness protects your driving record from falling to the bottom of the insurance rating system. For example, if your insurer uses the common 6-star rating system and you have an at-fault accident, your 6 star rating might drop down to a 0-star designation. If you were previously a 6-star driver this means your rates will significantly increase. However, with accident forgiveness your star rating will not fall as much, if at all. By protecting your standing on the star rating system, accident forgiveness results in a break on your auto insurance premium that you would otherwise have to pay if it did not exist. Who can get ...
|
| |
|
| Tax Free Savings Accounts |
| 2008-04-09 11:35:17 |
A new tax-savings vehicle for individuals was announced in the recent 2008 federal budget. Called the Tax-Free Savings Account, it will enable investors to contribute up to $5,000 a year. It was billed by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in his budget speech as the "single most important personal savings vehicle" since the introduction of the RRSP. Investors in these accounts will receive no tax deduction when they contribute. But they won't be taxed on amounts withdrawn either. What makes the account particularly attractive is that any capital gains, dividends, interest and other income are free of tax when held in the plan, and not taxable at the time of withdrawal either. By comparison, RRSP contributions are tax deductible, while also allowing income ea...
|
| |
|
| Carrying a Heavy Load or Towing a Trailer |
| 2008-04-08 12:51:21 |
A growing number of Canadians take trailer vacations. Others haul a boat or extra load to their destination. Yet others simply pack a lot of items for a few weeks away from home. Driving a heavily loaded car or towing a trailer means you need more space to stop or pass. Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. Keep your distance - at least three seconds for each six metres (20 ft.) of vehicle length. A car six metres long pulling a six metre trailer should have at least six seconds following distance in ideal conditions. For conditions that are less than ideal, increase the following distance. If cars cut in front of you, drop back to keep your separation.Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly e...
|
| |
|
| Safety & Tips for Personal Watercrafts |
| 2008-04-07 12:08:46 |
The law states that a PWC is a pleasure craft. This means that a person using one has to follow the laws and rules that apply to other types of pleasure craft with motors.To enjoy safe PWC use, bring along the right gear and basic safety equipment. As well, be sure to know and follow the safety rules when you are out on the water!BE PREPAREDSafety equipment you must have on boardEvery time you go out on the water, make sure the following items are on board and are in good condition:Always wear your lifejacket or personal flotation device when on the water. It could save your life.The law states that you must have a lifejacket or PFD that fits each person on your PWC or any person you are towing. If you don’t, you could be fined $200 on the spot. Choose a Canadian-approved lifejacket or P...
|
| |
|
| Commercial General Liability Insurance |
| 2008-04-05 12:36:29 |
Commercial general liability insurance, or CGL, is coverage that will protect your business in the event that you are sued. It is used to cover claims against your business for injury or property damage. Without a commercial general liability insurance policy, you may be leaving yourself and your company vulnerable to lawsuits that could have a devastating impact on your business. The possibility of being sued is prevelent. For this reason that commercial general liability insurance is extremely important to business owners.What is coveredThere are four main types of coverage included in the standard Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy: Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Liability, Me...
|
| |
|
| Recreational Vehicle (RV) Safety |
| 2008-04-04 12:37:22 |
In order to stay safe on the road make sure to take precautions before you even begin your trip.Remember your size Many road mishaps occur because of an RV's additional size and weight. For instance, operators sometimes accidentally drive under an overpass without enough clearance because they forget about the additional height. Know your RV's height and keep it handy. Also know the clearances of the bridges and tunnels along your route - especially on back roads. A road atlas specifically for RVers or semi drivers can help. A GPS navigation system can also be very helpful.Maintenance is vitalAn RV that is mechanically sound will be less apt to break down. Be thorough with your maintenance. Make a pre-trip checklist and do an inspection whenever you get behind the wheel.Review these safet...
|
| |
|
| Vehicle Theft and Identity Fraud |
| 2008-04-03 14:03:52 |
Here are some tips to prevent Identity and Car Theft.Keep your vehicle permit and insurance certificate in a secure place on your person so you can provide this information, if requested, to law enforcement.Avoid putting it into an open purse or large pocket where it may be easily stolen or fall out.When at home and not operating your vehicle, carry your vehicle permit and insurance certificate in a secure place.Never leave your vehicle permit and insurance certificate carelessly lying around, especially if you employ outside help or where thieves or strangers looking into your house can easily see it. Placing it in the glovebox of your vehicle is not particularly secure either, in case ...
|
| |
|
| Time to take out that Motorcycle |
| 2008-04-02 10:49:16 |
It's almost time to start preparing for motorcycle season.To get your bike ready for that first day of riding, follow these tips and remember to refer to your owner's manual for specific maintenance instructions:Remove your bike from storage.Remove the cover and any blocks that were used to keep your bike in place during winter storage. Also remove any plugs or covers from the exhaust pipes. Wash away any wax you may have applied to protect the frame, rims and chain. Change the engine oil and spark plugs. In addition to regular scheduled oil changes, many bike manufacturers recommend that you change the engine oil and filter prior to storage and in the spring. During storage, the oil can separate, causing a condensation buildup that may harm your engi...
|
| |
|
| Safe Driving - It's Your Call |
| 2008-04-01 13:51:38 |
Many of the 15 million wireless phones in Canada are used in motor vehicles. With a cell phone in the car you can call for help or report a dangerous situation; Canadians use wireless phones to call 9-1-1 over six million times annually. If you drive with a cell phone, avoid unnecessary calls and always make the driving task your top priority. Here are a few basic safety tips from the Canada Safety Council: Keep Your Hands on the Wheel.Buckle your seat-belt and place all ten fingers on the steering wheel. Wrap them firmly around it, positioned at "10 and 2 o'clock" and keep them there while you drive. Keep Your Eyes on the Road. Learn how to operate your phone without looking at it. Memorize the location of all the controls, so you can press the buttons ...
|
| |
|
| Pension Income Splitting |
| 2008-03-30 12:54:40 |
Beginning with 2007 income tax returns, Canadian residents will generally be able to allocate up to one-half of their income that qualifies for the existing pension income tax credit to their resident spouse (or common-law partner) for income tax purposes.The amount allocated is deducted in determining the net income of the person who actually received the pension income, and it is included in computing the net income of the spouse or common-law partner. Pension splitting affects the calculation of income and tax payable for both persons, so they must both agree to the allocation in their tax returns for the year in question.Splitting eligible pension income does not have any effect on how or to whom the pension income ...
|
| |
|
| Tax Refund Strategies |
| 2008-03-28 12:30:06 |
What should you do with your tax refund?How you invest in RRSPs, especially what you do with your income tax refund is an often-overlooked practice that has a huge impact on the size of your retirement funds. In this section, we identify five RRSP refund strategies, each producing different levels of retirement income.To illustrate, let’s say that you have $1,000 to invest and are in a 50% tax bracket.Strategy # 1: Spend your refund Unfortunately, the most common RRSP refund strategy is to spend it. If our primary goal is to produce never-ending retirement income, we must recognize that if the refund is spent, it produces absolutely no retirement benefit. The $500 tax deduction that Melissa receives for contribu...
|
| |
|
| Builders Risk Insurance |
| 2008-03-27 13:58:55 |
Building a new home this year? Adding an addition or significantly remodelling your current home?You will of course want to find a qualified and competent builder but you will also want to purchase Builders Risk Insurance. Your regular home insurance may not provide the required coverage. Contact your insurance broker before commencing the construction to verify what type of insurance you’ll need.Builders Risk insurance is sometimes referred to as "Course of Construction" insurance. It covers a building during the construction stage and normally includes coverage for all materials entering into the project.It must be purchased immediately upon start up (breaking ground) of the project and is in force until substantial completion for the full amount of...
|
| |
|
| Why should I have Tenants Insurance? |
| 2008-03-26 09:15:07 |
There are several reasons that a tenant should carry tenants insurance. One of the most important is that as a tenant you are liable – yes, legally responsible – for any harm you cause to any part of your building and to others who live or visit there. If your faulty toaster oven starts a fire that damages not only your apartment, but also the entire complex, you may have to pay out a lot of money.You could even find yourself in trouble if your party guests get out of hand and cause damage.If you don’t have insurance and your actions (for example, leaving the bathtub running) caused damage to your, or your neighbours, apartment or the apartment building itself, you would be held financially responsible for the co...
|
| |
|
| Regular Home Maintenance is Key |
| 2008-03-25 12:53:00 |
Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices is the best way to protect your investment in your home. Whether you take care of a few tasks at a time or several all at once, it is important to get into the habit of doing them.Establish a routine for yourself and you will find the work is easy to accomplish and not very time consuming. A regular schedule of seasonal maintenance can put a stop to the most common — and costly — problems, before they occur. If necessary, use a camera to take pictures of anything you might want to share with an expert for advice or to monitor or remind you of a situation later. By following the information noted here, you will learn about protecting your investment and how to help ke...
|
| |
|
| The Basics of Ontario Automobile Insurance |
| 2008-03-24 14:26:01 |
What's in a Basic Automobile Insurance Policy?
If you own a vehicle in Ontario, you are required to, at the very least, purchase the following automobile insurance coverage:
Third-Party Liability Coverage:
This section of your automobile insurance policy protects you if someone else is killed or injured, or their property is damaged. It will pay for claims as a result of lawsuits against you up to the limit of your coverage, and will pay the costs of settling the claims. By law you must carry a minimum of $200,000 in Third-Party Liability coverage.
Statutory Accident Benefits Coverage:
This section of your automobile insurance policy provides you with benefits if you are injured in an automobile accident, regardless of who caused the accident including supplementary medical, rehabilitation, attendant care, caregiver, non-earner and income replacement benefits.
Direct Compensation - Property Damage (DC-PD) Coverage:
This section of your automobile insurance policy c...
|
| |
|
| Check your credit report for signs of Identity Theft |
| 2008-03-21 17:10:54 |
March is Fraud Awareness Month: FCAC advises consumers to check their credit report for signs of identity theftFraud can cost you both time and money. During Fraud Awareness Month — the month of March — the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is advising consumers to order a copy of their credit report from Canada's credit-reporting agencies to check whether they have fallen victim to identity theft. "Identity theft can happen to any of us," said FCAC Commissioner Ursula Menke. "One of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud is to check your credit card and bank statements c...
|
| |
|
| Protecting Your Nest Egg |
| 2008-03-20 13:19:57 |
As you approach retirement, protecting what you’ve built up becomes very important. A Financial Advisor can help you reduce risk, while ensuring you will have enough to live your desired retirement lifestyle. Some of the key strategies your Financial Advisor might recommend include: Reducing risk and enhancing return potential via diversification strategies . Some Strategies might include diversification by geographic areas and sectors.Balancing your asset mix between growth and safety (Stocks versus Term Deposits)If you’ve maximized your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) your Financial advisor may suggest tax-effective ways to save beyond your RSP. While the tax advantages offered by your RSP are hard to beat, there are some tax-effective ways you can save, either in addition t...
|
| |
|
| Drinking and driving on the rise in Canada |
| 2008-03-19 14:18:09 |
A new poll by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) reveals that progress in reducing Canada’s drinking and driving problem has halted.“We’re no longer seeing a pattern of declines in drinking and driving behaviour,” says Ward Vanlaar, a research scientist for TIRF. “This is very similar to what’s occurring in other countries.” Indicators the poll used to gauge progress showed little change. However, an indicator for the percentage of Canadians who drove over the legal limit climbed to 8.2 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent in 2004. Vanlaar suspects several factors are responsible for the halted progress, but he pinpoints repeat drinking drivers as a major contributor.“Repeat drinking drivers were resp...
|
| |
|
| Term Life Insurance versus Bank Mortgage Insurance |
| 2008-03-18 12:23:08 |
Whether you're buying a home for the first time, or refinancing an existing mortgage, someone has probably suggested you purchase mortgage life insurance. But don't rush into buying a policy until you've looked at all the possibilities. You could end up saving money and getting added life insurance coverage at the same time by purchasing a term life insurance policy instead.What is mortgage life insurance?Mortgage life insurance, also known as mortgage insurance or creditor insurance, is offered by most banks and lending institutions. It is a life insurance policy that pays the balance of your mortgage to the lending institution if a person list...
|
| |
|
| Remove Snow and Ice Safely from your Roof |
| 2008-03-17 13:32:44 |
Roof structures may collapse due to snow or ice, particularly if the load is unevenly distributed on the roof. Heavy snow and ice loads accumulate easily between, for instance, adjacent ridge or arch roofs and on flat roofs. Snow and ice loadAlthough snow and ice loads are typically largest in March, they may accumulate at any time during winter, depending on weather conditions.Check the roofs While a visual examination reveals endangered roofs, a dented roof structure implies an imminent danger. Warehouses, sheds and light-structure roofs especially should be inspected on a regular basis, and snow load must be removed if necessary. How to remove snow from the roof If it is possible to remove the snow with a snow rake instead of getting on the roof, please d...
|
| |
|
| Beware of home insurance exclusions |
| 2008-03-16 17:44:16 |
BEWARE OF EXCLUSIONS:WHAT YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICY DOESN'T COVERDon't wait until disaster strikes to find out what your homeowners insurance policy does not cover. Take the time now to familiarize yourself with the exclusions outlined in your policy. If you come across something you don't understand, ask your insurance representative for more information.Exclusions are specific hazards or situations for which your insurance company will not provide coverage.Common exclusionsBelow are some of the potential causes of loss (also known as "perils") for which most insurance companies will not provide coverage:Damage caused by wear and tear, rust, corrosion or gradual deterioration. Water damage caused by flood, underground water or water that enters ...
|
| |
|
| New Crash Tests for SUV's |
| 2008-03-14 12:45:38 |
from the Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyNEW CRASH TESTS OF SUVs: NISSAN MURANO IS TOP SAFETY PICK;3 SUVs ARE MARGINAL OR POOR FOR PROTECTION IN SIDE CRASHESARLINGTON, VA — The best overall performer in front, side, and rear tests of nine 4-door midsize SUV models is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano, which earns the TOP SAFETY PICK award. The tests were recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler 4-door, and Kia Sorento, all 2008 models, are the worst performers in the side test. The Liberty, also sold as the Dodge Nitro, and Wrangler earn the second lowest rating of marginal for protection in side crashes. The Sorento earns the lowest rating of poor. The Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 as well as the Mitsubishi Endeavor earn good ratings ...
|
| |
|
| Check Your Blind Spot and Leave Yourself Some Room |
| 2008-03-13 12:59:03 |
A few driving tips from the Ministry of Transportation of OntarioAlways Check Your Blind Spot When driving, keep your eyes constantly moving, scanning the road ahead and to the side. Check your mirrors every five seconds or so. When using mirrors there is an area on each side of your vehicle where you cannot see. You may not see people or vehicles when they are in these spots. Make sure you see other drivers and they can see you by doing the following:keep a clear view when driving. Do not put anything in your windows that will block your view.the windows should not be coated with any material that keeps you from seeing out in any direction. Neither should the windshield or front door windows be coated to keep someone from ...
|
| |
|
| Frozen or Burst Pipes |
| 2008-03-12 11:40:17 |
The cold weather can cause your pipes to burst or freeze.Billons of dollars have been paid out by insurance companies for water damage resulting from burst pipes.Here are a few suggestions if your pipes should freeze:Turn off the main stop tap – usually under the kitchen sinkor near to where the main water supply enters your homeDrain all cold taps throughout your homeKeep the house warmIf you know where the pipe is frozen, place a hot waterbottle on it or fan heaterCall a plumber What if a pipe bursts? Turn off the main stop cock – this will stop any more watercoming into the house and hopefully reduce the pressure ofthe leakOpen all cold water taps to drain the system – DO NOTOPEN HOT WATER TAPS as the hot water cylinder couldcollapse if the pipes feeding it are frozenGet buckets ...
|
| |
|
| Insurance Coverage & Older Homes |
| 2008-03-11 14:16:32 |
from the Financial Services Commission of OntarioINSURANCE COVERAGE ISSUES AFFECTING OLDER HOMES Did you know that... If your home is over 30 years old, your insurance company may require you to upgrade the plumbing, electrical and/or heating systems in your home prior to providing you with or renewing your homeowners insurance policy. Buying an older home If you are looking to purchase an older home that has galvanized steel plumbing, 60-amp electrical service, knob and tube electrical wiring, a wood-burning stove or a fuel oil tank, make sure to factor the cost of necessary upgrades into your offering price! Your insurance representative will be able to advise you on what upgrades may need to be completed prior to o...
|
| |
|
| Kids on the Farm - Safety tips |
| 2008-03-10 13:47:55 |
Farm and ranch worksites present lethal hazards to young children. According to data from the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program (CAISP), from 1990 to 2000 there were 109 fatal agricultural injuries to young children (aged 1 to 6 years) in Canada. Over 84 percent of the children were related to the farm owner/operators. Of those killed, 79 percent were boys.Across Canada, three causes of injury accounted for almost 79 percent of the fatal agricultural injuries to children: bystander runovers, extra rider events, and drownings. Bystander runovers and extra rider events are usually fatal. When small children clash with powerful machinery, their injuries are so severe that there is negligible chance of survival, even if immediate medical care is ...
|
| |
|
| Ontario Automobile Policy - Newly Acquired Vehicles |
| 2008-03-08 17:21:06 |
How much time do you have to let your insurance company know that you have purchased a new vehicle?If you have an existing Ontario Automobile insurance policy in force, newly acquired automobiles are automatically covered on your policy for a limited amount time. Below is a portion of the OAP1 wording regarding this section of the Ontario automobile policy.From the OAP 1 (Ontario Automobile Policy) '2.2.1 Newly Acquired AutomobilesA newly acquired automobile is an automobile or trailer that you acquire as owner and that is not covered under any other policy. It can be either a replacement or an additional automobile. The replacement automobile will have the same coverage as the described automobile it replaces. We will cover an additional automobile as lon...
|
| |
|
| Fire Prevention & Safety Tips for the Kitchen |
| 2008-03-07 14:02:16 |
Follow these tips for safety in the kitchen If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food, you should turn off the burner/stove.Never cook when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.When you cook, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves. Loose-fitting clothing is more likely to catch fire from a stove burner.If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food check it regularly, and stay in the home.When young children are present use the back burners. Keep a 36" "safety zone" around the stove for children.Spilled food and grease from burners, stove tops and oven should be cleaned up to prevent a fire.If a small grease fire starts in a pan smother the flames by carefully throwing a DAMP dishcloth over the pan (make sure you are wearing an oven mitt). Once it's smothered, turn off the burner. Watch this video for a great demonstration!
When heating food in the microwave use only microwave-safe containers o...
|
| |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
| |
|
 |
