Armstrong Insurance was honored to be presented with Outstanding Corporation on National Philanthropy Day by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Golden Horseshoe Chapter. This award was sponsored by the Oakville Community Foundation
Vacations are for reducing stress, not adding to it. Unfortunately, things can happen to make any vacation a stressful experience, no matter how beautiful the locale or destination.
Some things you are not able to control, such as the weather or flight delays. Other things, such as missing documents or stolen credit cards, have the potential to interrupt your fun but do not have to end your vacation if you are prepared.
Before you pack your bags and turn on your email out-of-office message, here are six tips to make your vacation one for the books:
Now that you’re all packed and ready to go, are you ready to leave your home? Help save yourself some worry about what could be happening at home by protecting it from theft and damage while you are away. Here is a checklist we have developed to help you have a relaxing and peaceful vacation.
Make sure your vacation is relaxing and worry free by following these tips. Stay safe and have a great summer!
Have you ever asked yourself, What is a backwater valve? and Do I need one?
A mainline backwater valve is placed directly into the sewer lateral at the foot of your basement wall. The device allows sewage to flow in only one direction- out of your house. When sewage begins to move towards your basement, the valve closes. Some municipalities offer subsides to offset the cost of installing a backwater valve, as long as you follow their rules. Make sure you install the type of valve recommended by your municipality. In most cases they require the normally open (or open-point) mainline backwater valve.
Installation of the backwater valve may reduce the cost of insurance or be required as a condition of insurability. This valve is installed directly into the sanitary sewer lateral, and serves to protect all home plumbing fixtures from sewer backup.
When Installing Backwater Valves
The valve should be installed based on the manufacturer’s installation instructions, which have specifications for placement and grading. Proper placement and installation of the backwater valve is extremely important. If placed in the wrong location relative to other plumbing fixtures on the sanitary level, the valve could be bypassed and provide no protection. This can in turn lead to sewer backup pressure which can cause cracks to the basement floor and lead to flooding.
If the weeping tiles are still connected to the sanitary sewer lateral downstream if the valve, sewage could be forced back into the weeping tiles and lead to structural damage to the foundation, which can also lead to infiltration flooding.
Like other parts of your home, backwater valves require periodic maintenance to ensure proper performance. An improperly maintained valve may fail during a flood. Most mainline backwater valves come with a see-through top so you can check to see if it is clogged with debris.
The valve should be checked regularly to ensure that it will function properly when it is needed. YOU will likely need the help of a qualified plumber to carry out maintenance of the valve.
After a backwater valve has been installed do not use plumbing, such as flushing toilets, running dishwashers, washing machines, or running taps, etc. during intense rainfall. If the home plumbing is used when the backwater valve is closed, water will have no way to exit your home until the valve has reopened.
If you’re not sure if the valve is closed, check it- you should be able to see it through the clear, plastic top.
And always remember to let your insurance carrier know if you have one!
You’ve worked hard to purchase your personal property and want to make sure your family stays safe within your home. Below is a quick summary with tips and considerations for two fire prevention and protection devices to help you protect what’s most important to you.
Smoke Detectors
Here are some tips to remind you of what can and must be done to provide peace of mind and ensure you are abiding by the law.
Homeowners must install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of their home. They are best located outside sleeping areas. Landlords are responsible to ensure any rental properties they own have working and well maintained smoke alarms.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
This is another protection device you should have in your home to assist in detaining a small fire before the fire department arrives. Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe.
These are only a few ideas and suggestions. It is always a good idea to visit your local fire and rescue services website or go in person to the fire department to gain knowledge on how to protect you and your property.
The milder days of spring are a perfect time to do a thorough spring cleaning and perform home maintenance. After a long winter, it is a good idea to spend time on preventive measures to help maintain your home and property throughout the year. Tasks such as cleaning out your gutters, checking for dead trees and branches and cleaning and inspecting home mechanical systems, such as heating and air conditioning equipment, can make spring a season of safety.
Cleaning and maintenance of your home should be done inside and out. Although the tasks are different, ensuring all the elements of your home are in good working order can help keep your family safe and your maintenance expenses lower over the long run.
Our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist:
Inside Your Home
Here are a few things inside your home that should be inspected to ensure they are in good condition:
Outside Your Home
The cold winter months can do damage to your house as well. Here are a few things outside your home that should be inspected to ensure they are in good condition:
A little home maintenance in the spring can go a long way to keeping your home safe and secure throughout the rest of the year.
Wintery weather is upon us and many of you have planned vacations to sunny destinations. Many Canadians seek warmer climates in our colder months to escape Old Man Winter’s touch for a little while.
Or perhaps the first snowfall makes you yearn for a vacation in a colder climate. Skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling trips are the winter vacations of choice for some as well.
Before you venture out on vacation, be sure to contact your insurance provider to ensure your home and belongings are protected, and continue to stay that way while you are away. Each insurance company has different requirements to ensure your coverage remains in effect when you are away from home for an extended period of time, especially during the heating season.
It is always best to have a competent person checking on your home daily to make sure your heat is on, and there has been no freezing of any pipes or appliances.
Outside of what your home insurance provider requires, we have a few pointers to help keep your home safe and sound:
Whether your travel plans are to find sunnier skies, an uninterrupted golf season, extended beach time, or a day on the slopes in the brisk winter air, we know your relaxation and peace of mind will be at its peak if you take the time to ensure your property and belongings at home are well looked after.
Happy travelling!
Its Fall, Y’all…
As we welcome October, we will also welcome cooler weather, changing leaves, Thanksgiving feasts and pumpkin spice lattes….mmmm.
Fall also brings with it shorter days, falling leaves, cold rain and the sad inevitable slide into winter weather.
Here at the Insurance House, we would like to share some tips to get ourselves prepared for our friend Old Man Winter, as he approaches:
So get out there and enjoy the season’s brisk air, cozy sweaters, scarves and boots and be sure to keep your rake handy.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend and enjoy all our wonderful fall colours.
Once again Paul’s Peeps participated in the annual Walk for Georgetown Hospital. This year our team raised $6,705.00 for a great cause, Go Team!
Most tow truck operators provide a fair and valuable service to those in need, however, some operators have made side deals with repair shops or storage facilities that pay them a commission for bringing in your vehicle. Not only is this practice unethical, it can result in poor quality repairs or hefty storage, administrative and environmental charges if you decide to change shops.
If your vehicle is not drivable after being involved in an accident, have the tow truck operator take it to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC), if one is available in your area. The centre will pay the towing bill on your behalf and provide 24 hours FREE storage. Your insurance company will then authorize a damage appraisal and arrange to have your vehicle towed to a repair facility of your choice.
If a tow truck operator promises you a free courtesy car, additional bodywork at no cost, or offers to pay your deductible, you are likely being scammed. To avoid being a victim, Do Not Sign a Waiver allowing your vehicle to be towed from the Collision Reporting Centre. A reputable towing company will never ask you to sign a waiver.
If you are involved in an accident, call us as soon as possible. We’ll answer all your questions.
