Creating a Comprehensive Emergency Contact List for Your Business
Knowing who to call when an emergency arises at your business puts you in the best position to handle the crisis in a manner that protects you, your employees, your patrons and your business. That’s why it’s smart to think through the emergency contacts that should be on your list before the crisis strikes.
Since we have assisted numerous businesses during their most critical moments, we’ve put together a list of recommended items you’ll want to include on your emergency contact list.
1. Start With the Basics: At the top of your contact list, you should have your key business information including the business name, address, location, and phone number. Emergency services will immediately ask for this information, and you don’t want you or your employees to have to search for it and delay help arriving quickly.
2. Facility Manager/Landlord: For emergencies involving your facility, like a fire or water leak, you’ll want to contact your facility manager or landlord without delay. They know your building better than anyone and may offer solutions that help prevent or minimize property damage.
3. Employee Emergency Contacts: Should a medical emergency arise involving one of your employees, you need to be able to quickly contact whomever they have identified as their emergency contact.
4. First Responders & More: This section of your list should include more than just 9-1-1. Also include the contact information for your security alarm company, poison control, and animal control.
5. Utility Companies: For emergency incidents involving burst pipes, gas leaks, or a power outage, the utility company should be one of your first calls. Be sure to include numbers for your gas, electricity and water service providers.
6. Odds & Ends: It’s also worth adding contact information for helpful services like a trusted locksmith or roadside assistance. That way if you need to have your locks replaced or help a customer or employee who is stuck in a ditch, you have those numbers at your fingertips.
Remember, quick access to these emergency contacts ensures that you will be able to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis arises. So, post these numbers where you and your employees can get to them at a moment’s notice.
Finally, as your insurance broker, we’re always here to help you navigate emergency situations, explain your coverage, and help you file a claim if necessary.
If you own a timeshare or are considering buying one, you may be wondering about the best way to protect your investment in the event something happens on the property.
First, it’s important to understand how owning a timeshare is different from owning a second home. With a timeshare, you “share” ownership with several parties. Along with your co-owners, you agree to a specific arrangement regarding when you can use the property for vacations.
How you go about protecting your shared property depends on whether the property is deeded or undeeded. If your timeshare is undeeded—meaning you did not receive a deed at the time of purchase—you don’t own actual property. In this case, it’s a good idea to call your insurance broker and simply add the address of the timeshare as an insured location on your existing homeowner’s insurance policy. That will ensure your belongings are covered while vacationing at the property.
If, however, your timeshare is deeded, you are a partial owner of the property and could be financially exposed if something happened at the property. For example, if the guest of a fellow co-owner had a slip-and-fall accident at the timeshare property and incurred costly medical bills as a result, he or she could hold all the owners liable. Even if you did not know the other timeshare co-owner or his guest, and were not present at the time of the accident, you could be held partially responsible in a lawsuit filed to collect damages for the injury.
By adding an endorsement to your primary homeowner’s coverage, you can ensure that the money you need to pay legal fees and other medical expenses (up to the limits of your policy) will be there if the court finds you partially at fault for the accident.
Keep in mind that with some insurers, you may need a separate policy to cover your deeded timeshare. Talk to your insurance broker to find out for sure and to explore all your timeshare coverage options.
As summer comes to an end, it’s important for homeowners to begin thinking about getting their house ready for the cooler temperatures that come with fall. These 10 tasks will help you make sure everything is in working order.
1.Schedule Furnace Maintenance
Don’t wait for a chilly fall night to discover your HVAC system is not operating efficiently. Schedule an appointment now with a professional for a thorough inspection of your system’s switches, burners, motor, blower, and safety controls. Also, put a new air filter on your shopping list. It’s important to change the filter every 1 to 3 months.
2.Check Your Windows & Doors
As you consider ways to keep your house warm, remember that precious heat can escape from your doors and windows if they aren’t properly sealed. Check for cracks of daylight that need caulk or weatherstripping.
3.Clean Out Your Fireplace & Chimney
Get out your flashlight and check the chimney for any blockages that may have accumulated during the warmer months. Clear away any leaves, ash debris, or even animal nests you encounter.
4.Inspect the Roof & Gutters
Well before the first snowfall hits, make sure your roof and gutters are in good condition. When you inspect your roof, look for shingles that are missing, broken, loose or beginning to curl. Replacing worn or missing shingles right away can help extend the life of your roof and prevent a small problem from becoming more serious. While you’re on the ladder, use your garden hose to flush away any debris that may be clogging your gutters and downspouts.
5.Cover Your Air Conditioner
Your A/C unit served you well all summer, but as it goes into hibernation for fall and winter, give it the protect it needs. An A/C cover provides the perfect shield against snow, hail, wind, rain, and ice. It also keeps critters from taking up residence for the winter in your unit.
It only takes a weekend or two to prep your home for cooler weather, but completing these important tasks now will help you save money on your heating bills and protect your home’s exterior from harsh weather when it arrives.
IS IT TIME FOR AN ANTI-THEFT DEVICE?
Gone In 60 Seconds…
The Statistics are staggering. A vehicle is stolen every three minutes in Canada… That’s over 170,000 vehicles each year!
Auto theft is a global problem. Organized criminals have established theft rings in major Canadian cities, stealing and smuggling vehicles into foreign markets. Car thieves know how to disable most vehicle alarm systems in a matter of minutes, and they know exactly what markets will buy the type of vehicles they steal. This has proven to be not only a problem for high-end and rare automobiles, but also for expensive contractor’s equipment.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR VEHICLES FROM SMART AND SKILL CAR THIEVES?
First, never leave your keys in the ignition. Almost 20% of all stolen cars have keys in them. Always lock your car (even in your own garage), park in well-lit and busy areas and keep your vehicle registration certificate and proof of insurance on you at all times – not in the glove box.
Some newer cars use coded keys that make it impossible for thieves to start your vehicle without the key. Known as immobilizers, these electronic devices interrupt the power to the starter, ignition and fuel pump until the correctly coded key is used. Other anti-theft measures include steering wheel locks, alarms, parts marking and vehicle tracking systems.
Tracking systems, either GPS, GPS-cellular or wireless-based systems, are becoming popular. When a vehicle is stolen, the system is activated and a monitoring centre is notified of the location of the stolen vehicle. The tracking company then dispatches their recovery team to the vehicle. GPS and GPS-cellular systems typically use satellites to alert officials to the location of the stolen vehicle. Not all systems can track vehicles underground, in parking lots, or in shipping containers. Wireless-based systems boast that their coverage is broader and their signal is stronger so they can track vehicles where others cannot.
Whatever you do to make a thief’s life harder is one step closer to preventing a loss.
IS IT A HOBBY OR HOME-BASED BUSINESS?
Has your E-Commerce hobby turned into a business? Do you run a business out of your house? Are you sure you have the right insurance coverage?
Whether you run a daycare, a computer repair business, an office from your home, or sell fresh produce at a roadside stand, you should talk to us. Your home or farm policy may not automatically cover you. A special policy, a rider to your current policy, or additional liability coverage may be required to protect your home-based business.
While a home-based business can provide freedom, wealth and personal satisfaction, it could also expose you to situations where your policy may not respond. Enjoy your hobby or home-based business, but remember to stay in touch with us to make sure your insurance coverage is always up-to-date.
The goal of the Red Light Camera Enforcement Program is to improve driver and pedestrian safety by reducing the number of right angle collisions at intersections. The Red Light Program is expected to change driver behaviour and reduce the number and severity of these collisions across York Region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is red light running?
A. It is a violation that occurs when a driver enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red.
Q. What if I am making a left turn and the light turns red when my vehicle is still in the intersection?
A. Drivers already at an intersection when the signal changes to red (when waiting to turn, for example) are not considered red light runners.
Q. Do red light cameras replace police officers at intersections?
A. No. Red light cameras do not replace police officers. The red light cameras are being used to help police efforts in discouraging motorists from running red lights. Police enforcement is a substantial component of the program.
Q. Do the cameras photograph every vehicle passing through an intersection?
A. The cameras are set to photograph vehicles that enter an intersection after the light has turned red. Vehicles that enter yellow and are within the intersection when the light changes to red, are not photographed. The program photographs vehicles that enter an intersection only after the signal has turned red.
Q. Who reviews the photographs before motorists are ticketed?
A. Trained officers review every picture to verify information and ensure that the vehicle is in violation. Tickets are mailed to vehicle owners only in cases where it is clear that the vehicle ran the red light.
Q. Who receives a ticket for running a red light detected by a camera system?
A. The registered license plate holder receives the ticket, regardless of who was driving the vehicle.
Q. What is the penalty for running a red light based on evidence obtained by a camera system?
A. As of January 1, 2010 the set fine for running a red light detected by a camera system was increased to $260 plus a $60 victim surcharge and a $5 court cost. The total payable is now $325. Demerit points are not issued with violations detected by the red light camera system.
Q.What is the penalty for running a red light if caught by a police officer?
A. The set fine for running a red light when caught by a police officer is $325. Failure to stop for a red light where a police officer issues a ticket results in three demerit points.
Q. Where do the fines go?
A. $265 goes to York Region and the Province of Ontario collects $60 as a Victim Fine Surcharge.
Q. Do red light cameras violate privacy?
A. In consultation with the Privacy Commissioner, every attempt has been made to minimize capturing members of the public in the photos. In the event that members of the public are inadvertently captured on film, it will not be possible to identity them from the photos included on the tickets.
Q. What is the cost of a red light camera?
A. A red light camera system costs approximately $100,000.
Q. Who supplies the cameras? How big are the cameras? What is their location relative to the intersection?
A. The system supplier is Traffipax. The camera is an industrial digital camera, manufactured for unattended operation in an outdoor environment. The cameras are housed in a one half metre by one half metre by one half metre enclosure. The cameras are mounted on a pole, approximately 20 metres in advance of the intersection and are mounted approximately 3.6 metres above the ground.
Q. What other countries use red light cameras?
A. Photographic detection devices are used extensively in many other countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Cameras are also used in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec.
Remembrance day is a day to acknowledge and honour the courageous service men and women that have served or presently serve our great country.
Each year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe a moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of peace and freedom.
From our team at Safeway Insurance, we wish you all a peaceful Remembrance Day.
Now that a Canada Post strike or lockout seems imminent, we’d like to assure our customers that we will do our best to ensure our service to you will continue with minimal interruption. The following FAQ should answer the most common concerns if the strike or lockout does occur.
How will I get my policy documents?
During the strike or lockout we will be sending policy documents via Email to all customers for whom we have an active email address. This would be a great time to give us a call to provide us with your updated email address. Once the strike or lockout has ended, your policy documents will be mailed out as usual.
How can I get my claims cheque?
Claims cheques will be dealt with on a case by case basis based and delivery arrangements can be made with your claim adjuster.
What options do I have to pay if I usually mail a cheque?
Payments can be made using one of the following options:
In person at our office (Cash or Cheque).
Credit card payment over the phone with your broker.
Internet/telephone banking.
If you have questions about any of the above or anything else related to this, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help.
Summer is just around the corner and before you know it, we will be celebrating the long weekend of May.
Barbecues, long rides on the motorcycle, top down driving, camping with friends and family, and weekends boating at the lake, these are just a few of the things to look forward to all winter long.
Now is a great time to talk to us at Safeway Insurance to ensure your summer toys are properly protected by insurance, at a cost you can afford.
Motorcycles
Ready to hit the road for a long ride? Any plans on attending the Friday the 13th ride to Port Dover? Remember to make sure your bike is ready for the road and you have brushed up on your safety skills. Motorcycles need the same coverage as your car, and today they have more accessories and options then ever before. With that in mind, consider purchasing physical damage coverage. Our experts can help you pick the right coverage for you, so give us a call.
RVs
Your motor home or travel trailer needs proper attention. Numerous packages are available covering you for liability, physical damage and emergency vacation expense in case the unthinkable happens. We will get you the right coverage at the right cost.
Boats
Boats and jet skis require special coverage. You have made a big investment and it is important to protect them properly. Liability coverage in case someone gets hurt, physical damage coverage for replacement costs and repairs, and additional emergency expenses – all at very affordable prices. Just call us and we can review what you have and make recommendations, as well as provide competitive prices.
Swimming Pools
Pools add additional liability hazards, and if someone is hurt while enjoying yours, you can be at an additional risk. Please make sure that we are aware if you have a pool and consider higher liability limits, in case you are sued.
Summer is more fun when you don’t have to worry, so call us now to ensure you are protected!
Nearly one in three Canadians don’t know what type of water coverage they have or need.
This means that, with water losses on the rise, many clients have been finding out—too late—that flooding is not covered by their insurance policies.
Your basic insurance policy covers only certain water damage, related to appliances or burst pipes.
Sewer backup (water that backs up into the home from the sewer line) is an optional coverage under most home insurance policies, but an exterior flood – from a storm or overflowing eaves, downspouts or drains – that flows into the house is generally not covered.
Until 2015, coverage for flood did not exist for personal insurance in Canada. Now a few insurance companies have started to offer flood coverage solutions to better protect their customers.
Contact us with any questions or to ensure you have the correct coverage to suit your needs.
