Winter Is Coming

Are you prepared for the changing season?

It’s that time of year again when a little more care is needed to take care of your assets and prevent any possible claims. Being prepared for winter can save a lot of time, stress, and money. Is your home winterized? Does your business have contracts with snow removal companies in place? Or maybe you’re planning to skip the winter all together and travel somewhere warm - do you have a travel insurance policy in place? Please contact us to make sure you are properly insured and are aware of any exclusions. Below are some seasonal tips. For further emergency prepardness tips please see the Insurance Bureau of Canada website website.

Business Owners Homeowners Travellers Drivers

Business Owners

Extreme weather is the new normal, and business owners should be extra vigilant in preparing for unexpected and severe storms throughout the winter. Products may sell out during a weather even so shopping now for supplies will put you one step ahead.

Turn on heat around the clock to avoid burst pipes

Have sprinkler system checked to make sure properly functioning

Train staff on location and procedure for turning off water valves

Form a plan for making sure exterior vents, covers, and hydrants are free of snow pack

Review employee safety manuals for winter specific scenarios

Check insurance and license status of winter contractors

Stock up on salt, sand and anti-slip mats at entrances

If you are responsible for your own snow removal, keep a log of when snow was removed and by whom

Homeowners

There are many steps that can be taken to make sure your home is ready for our sometimes harsh prairie winters. A few simple preparations can minimize the risk of any weather related damage and leave you free to relax indoors when its too cold to be outside.

Make sure eaves troughs and downspouts are cleaned out, repaired and secure

Replace exterior caulking to keep windows weather-proof

Replace weather stripping to keep the cold outside and those utility bills down

Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls

Have the roof inspected to check for loose or damaged shingles

Turn furnace on and have it cleaned and inspected

Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys

Test carbon monoxide & smoke detectors and replace batteries if necessary

Make sure all members of the house know where the water shut-off valve is in case of emergency

If its not too late, trim grass, prune trees and wrap any vulnerable shrubs

Seal your driveway to extend its life

Store or cover your patio furniture

Turn off exterior water and drain hoses

Clean out your garage and give any snow removal equipment a tune-up

Stock up on salt, sand or ice-melt

Make sure windows are not left open for extended periods of time

Travellers

When the snow starts to fly and the temperatures drop, it isn’t long before thoughts of warmer places fill our minds. If you are planning to travel this winter we want you to make sure it’s safe to do so before you leave. Here are a few travel tips to consider before taking off:

Check the Environment of Canada website for travel advisories for your destination

Make sure you have travel medical insurance in place either through your employer or purchase a separate policy

Be aware of the weather forecast to make sure there are no weather advisories or warnings in place

Make sure somebody you know back home is aware of your travel itinerary

Check that your vaccinations are up to date

Advise your credit card company of your travels

Arrange for someone to check on your home while you are away

Winter can be sudden and unpredictable in its effects on our daily lives. If you would like to discuss the changing of the season in further detail to ensure you are ready to face it head on, please give our office a call and our brokers would be more than happy to discuss with you.

Winter Drivers

Your car needs helps getting for the winters too. When the snow starts to fly and the road conditions start to deteriorate we want to help you avoid accidents and stay as safe as possible. Here are some ways to prepare your vehicle for the winter:.

Make sure the proper road insurance coverage is in place on your winter vehicle and reduce any coverage for vehicles that hibernate until spring

Make sure the current pink cards and registration are in the vehicle

Check the tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with new winter tires

Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines and in case of roadside emergency

Leave more space between you and the vehicle in front of you in snowy or icy conditions

Stock your vehicle with winter rated windshield wiper fluid

Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your vehicle in case you become stranded. This should include:

Cell phone, portable charger, extra batteries
Blankets
Food and water
Booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter
Small shovel
Flashlight
First aid kit