The best way to keep your home insurance in Calgary as low as possible is to remain claim-free. Along with weather, fires are one of the leading causes of homeowner insurance claims in Canada. With winter in full swing, it’s a good idea to brush up on your fireplace safety. There are more house fires in winter than any other season, and improper indoor fire-building and fire extinguishing are among the main reasons why.
Home Insurance Calgary: Fireplace Safety Tips
If you have an indoor fireplace, be sure to follow these important safety guidelines:
- Always make sure your damper is open before you build a fire, and keep it open until the ashes cool off
- Make sure a fire is completely extinguished before you go to bed
- Never stack or store wood, paper, or any other flammable materials near your fireplace
- Do not crowd your fireplace; it’s better to start small and add more wood if necessary
- Never leave children unattended near an active fire
- Do not use accelerants like gasoline or starter fluids to stoke an indoor fire
- Keep a screen in front of the fireplace
- Have your fireplace and chimney regularly cleaned by a trained professional
- Dispose of ashes by carrying them outdoors in a metal container, then scattering them
Home Insurance Calgary: Avoid the “Silent Killer”
Carbon monoxide is often called the “silent killer” because it is extremely dangerous – even deadly – and all but undetectable until it’s too late…unless you have a carbon monoxide detector. In fact, carbon monoxide detectors are every bit as important as smoke alarms, and they’ll do a lot more than keep your home insurance in Calgary affordable; they could save your life.
Be sure to check your batteries regularly, and if you’re only going to put one in your home, put it near where you sleep. That way, you can be alerted if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous during the night. Experts recommend that you place them higher up on the wall, as carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air, and therefore tends to rise. Also, avoid putting them near appliances that create carbon monoxide exhaust — this can generate false alarms.
Home Insurance Calgary: More Winter Safety Tips
There are many other winter safety tips to keep in mind, especially in regards to extension cords, space heaters, and your home’s electrical system:
- Never use an extension cord which is not specifically rated for the intended application, and do not run them beneath rugs or inside walls or ceilings
- If an electrical cord is warm to the touch, that means it’s overloaded; replace the cord with one that’s properly rated
- Watch for sparks when plugging in or unplugging an appliance; this is a sign that you may have a loose connection that could trigger an electrical fire
- If you are regularly blowing a certain fuse, have it inspected by an electrician
- Always clean your dryer’s lint trap after each use, and make sure the exhaust vent is free of all obstructions
- Never obstruct a space heater if you’re using one in any room in your home, and make sure that all combustible materials are at least 20 feet from the heat source
If you smoke, be extremely careful not to leave any active embers burning when you turn in for the night or leave the house.
Need Help with Home Insurance in Calgary?
Lane’s Insurance is a leading provider of home insurance in Calgary. Our representatives work for you, not for the insurance companies, so you can be sure you’re always getting the best possible coverage for the lowest possible rates. If you’d like a fast, free, no-obligation quote for home insurance in Calgary, or if you have any other insurance-related questions or concerns, visit Lane’s Insurance online or contact us directly.
