Loss prevention tips for all your home matters.

Did You Know?

According to Public Safety Canada, floods are one of the most common disasters in Canada. Even small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Plus, it only takes a few centimetre or two of water to cause major damage to your home.

When A Flood Watch Is Issued:

• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

When A Flood Warning Is Issued:

• Gather emergency supplies and fill bathtubs with clean water.
• Tune your radio to weather updates, disaster directions and signals.
• If you must evacuate, take only essential items with you.
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.

After A Flood:

• Throw away food that is not safe to eat and use bottled water until the local authorities have determined that tap water is safe to drink and to use for cooking.
• Stay away from damaged buildings and structures.
• Do not touch fallen power lines.
• Do not turn on your power until a qualified electrician has determined that it is safe to do so.
• Wear protective clothing when handling hazardous materials or cleaning up mould.
• Clean up flood damage promptly.

Safety First

Prepare a family disaster plan by doing the following:

• Keep insurance policies and other valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Identify where you could go if you were told to evacuate. Choose several places, such as a friend’s home in another town, a motel or a shelter.
• Keep written instructions for how and when to turn off electricity, gas and water if the authorities advise you to do so.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Bill and Martha’s living room are the photographs: London. Paris. Bangkok. Hong Kong. And countless others. According to Bill, there is one picture for every city the couple has ever visited. Based on the sheer number of photographs, it’s safe to say that Bill and Martha love to travel.

On a recent trip to Japan, these experienced world travellers got more adventure than they bargained for. While attempting to position himself for the “perfect” photograph, Bill lost his footing and suffered a severe leg injury.

Bill was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. During his recovery, the couple racked up huge medical bills and incurred a host of unexpected travel expenses.

Thankfully, the couple had invested in travel insurance prior to the trip. The policy ended up saving them thousands of dollars in hospital, evacuation and medical expenses.

Travellers often overlook travel insurance when booking their trips, thinking they are already covered by their provincial medical insurance. However, for most provincial plans, injuries or illnesses suffered while outside the province are not fully covered. It’s important to check your plan details before you travel.

For situations in which you are not covered, travel insurance can help fill the gap.

In addition to medical coverage, travel insurance can cover you for loss of baggage, pre-trip cancellation, trip interruption, dental work, acts of terrorism or cancellation for any reason. Travel insurance is often sold in a package deal, giving you the biggest bang for your buck, and the peace of mind that if the worst should happen, you will be covered.

Call Ing & McKee Insurance Ltd before your next trip to ask how travel insurance can keep you and your loved ones safe.