Home Insurance Tips & Resources

Whether you live in a high-rise apartment/condo, detached home or basement apartment, it's important to be prepared in case of fire. Here's what you can do:

• Install a smoke detector on each floor and check the batteries twice a year. For example, New Year's Day and Canada Day.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near each exit, in the bedroom and in the kitchen.
• If you live in a high-rise, have duct tape handy to seal the doorway from smoke.
• Have your furnace inspected and cleaned every year.
• Hold a fire drill, showing everyone how to stay low and exit from the dwelling.
• Do not keep combustible materials, such as newspapers, after you have finished with them. Flammable liquids should be stored in a cool, ventilated place away from any source of heat.
• Do not use electrical appliances with frayed cords and do not overload electrical wall sockets. Avoid running electric cords under rugs. Keep heaters away from curtains and other materials.
• If you have a wood stove, have it inspected for clearances and acceptability.
• If you have a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned regularly.

The following checklist is designed to help you improve security in your home.

Around your house

Doors

• Install a wide-angle peephole.
• Entrance doors should have a solid core.
• Doors should fit tightly into doorjambs, and strike plates must be secure.
• If hinge pins are outside, they should be non-removable.
• When closed, sliding doors need a metal bar to fill the inside track.
• Locks on the inside of the door should be at least 40 inches from glass.
• Use deadbolt locks that extend at least one inch into the strike plate.
• Locks should be replaced after you take possession of your new home.

Windows

• Double hung windows should be pinned.
• Metal windows need a lock or metal bar in addition to a catch.
• Basement windows should be plexiglass or have security bars.
• Windows left open for ventilation should be secured.
• Curtains or blinds should fully cover windows.
• Air conditioners should be secured from the inside.

Exterior

• Keep shrubs cut below window level.
• Your house number should be easily visible from the street.
• Make sure front and back doorways are well lit or spot lit.
• Keep bicycles, lawn mowers, and other gear inside and out of sight.
• Join your Neighbourhood Watch and Operation Identification if available in your community. Be sure to display the decals on your front and back doors.

Garage

• Keep your garage door closed and locked when not in use.
• Remove vehicle keys and lock vehicles in the garage.
• Have a light inside the garage.

Around your apartment

• Open the lobby door only for people you know. Unknown or suspicious persons should be reported to the building superintendent.
• Use only your initials and last name to identify you on the lobby list.
• When moving in, have the superintendent change the locks.
• If you are out, arrange for deliveries to be received by the building superintendent or a neighbour.
• Check the elevator before you enter it and stay near the control panel.
• Do not go into laundry rooms alone.
• Check your car before entering it.
• Keep your car locked and remove any valuable portable items.
• Do not store valuable items in an apartment locker.

Alarms

• Alarms monitored 24 hours by a central alarm station service are recommended and may qualify for an insurance premium discount.
• Alarms should protect the full perimeter of your residence.

While on vacation

• Stop delivered items such as newspaper subscriptions.
• Store valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Use timers to automatically turn lights on and off.
• Have a neighbour or friend pick up bills and mail.
• Arrange to have snow shovelled and the grass cut.

Your personal security

• Do not open the door until you confirm the person's identity.
• If somebody asks to use your phone, have him or her wait outside with the door locked while you make the call for them.
• Do not give out personal information to telephone solicitors.
• If you arrive home and suspect a break-in, leave and call the police.
• Never indicate that you're not home on your telephone answering machine.
• If you lose your keys, change your locks.

Here's a list of resources for varied information related to Canadian insurance. Please note, we♦ are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these websites. (The following all link to 3^rd party sites)

• Insurance-Canada.ca
• Ontario Government website (Financial Services Commission of Ontario)
• Alberta Government website – Insurance information
• Insurance Bureau of Canada