Home Safety TIPS

Home Alone While You're Away?
During these summer months many of us go off to the cottage or the shore leaving the family home alone. A three-week holiday may be well deserved, but a vacant house is an invitation to disaster. There are some simple precautions to take so that coming home to an empty house doesn't take on a whole new meaning. Short of installing an expensive alarm system, here are some ideas you might find useful before you leave your abode alone...[ read more ]

Smoke Detector Controversy
In January 2000, a Canadian public affairs television program, W-Five, reported that the most common smoke detectors on the market do not detect smouldering fires and companies that sell them failed to inform the public of the device's limitations. A few weeks later, independent testing was conducted which disputed the program's claims. The result is consumers who are concerned about the safety of their families and the accuracy of both reports. [ read more ]

What You Need to Know about Smoke Detectors
Everyone dreads the idea of a fire destroying his or her home. It's hard to imagine the treasured possessions accumulated over a lifetime turned to ashes and charred remains. Even more difficult is coping with the irreplaceable loss of loved ones. Fortunately, much of this could be prevented. The number of reported fires in houses with smoke alarms is 10 times less than in those without alarms...[ read more ]

Post Burglary - What to do in the Event of a Robbery
Nothing is worse than coming home to find your house has been ransacked, your belongings smashed and strewn across the floor, your television, computer and other valuables gone. In the wake of this property destruction there is also a personal toll: gone is your sense of security replaced by a sense of violation...[ read more ]

Burglary Prevention
Odds are that some day your home will be broken into. In fact, over 450,000 Canadian households were burglarized in 1998. The best way to minimise your risk of becoming a victim is to become aware of what burglars look for. By eliminating any vulnerable points of entry and taking some security measures, you can reduce your chances of becoming a crime statistic. [ read more ]

Lighting up the Holidays
What is odourless, tasteless, invisible, should never be touched, and travels at the speed of light-409,200 km per second? It's electricity and this holiday season it is setting neighbourhoods ablaze. Glittering lights bedeck houses, Santas wave and Rudolphs blink from the lawns. Christmas is the time to warm the chilly nights with the glow of the holidays. For some of us, it's also the season to indulge that kid inside-the one who wants the biggest brightest display. If your electric company likes you, ensure that your insurance company does too...[ read more ]

Seasonal Safety: Have a Safe Christmas!
Of course you stopped believing in Santa Claus when you saw your parents slipping the presents under the tree. So who is the lumbering guy in a big suit and tall boots who's climbed out of something that looks like a shiny red sleigh? And why is he standing in your living room without presents? In fact, he's aiming a stream of water at what used to be a green, glittering fire hazard...[ read more ]

7 Ways to Make Your Home More Secure
According to Statistics Canada, there were 969,630 incidents of break and enter and theft in 2001. Of that number, 21,135 cases involved theft over $5,000. People lose more than possessions in a property crime: they lose peace of mind. What can you do to keep from becoming a victim? Police officers from across Canada agree that there are several things that you can do to help minimize your risk to burglary...[ read more ]

HomeSafety for Senior Citizens
As the Canadian population ages, many elderly individuals are faced with the decision whether to stay in their homes or move into facilities that provideextended care. Counselors suggest that moving should be considered when seniorsexperience difficulty caring for themselves and experience a feeling of isolationabout their situation. The reality is that many seniors do not want to leavethe security of their own homes. Fortunately, there are viable options thatsupport a safer home environment and in turn a more independent lifestyle...[ read more ]

EarthquakeSafety
Learn tips on how to stay safe after an earthquake...[ read more ]

HomeSecurity and Your Safety
Home invasions, break ins and theft are becoming daily occurrences. Accordingto Statistics Canada, there were 969,630 incidents of break and enter andtheft in 2001. These types of crime not only rob us of possessions they alsoundermine our sense of wellbeing. What can we do as homeowners to protectourselves and our investments? [read more ]

ProtectYour Home From Thieves
Door and window locks in most homes today might keep out someone who just rattles the knob, but they won't stop a determined or professional burglar. In more than 40% of residential burglaries, the thieves entered through an unlocked door or window...[ read more ]

Fireplace Safety
There is a certain old world charm to a wood-burning fireplace; for centuries they have provided essential warmth, their hearths evoke images of hearty meals; simmering logs flicker with a mesmerizing display of colours. One of the nicest things about leaving behind summer's warm evenings is the opportunity to use a fireplace. Before you settle into cozy evenings in front of the fire, take a moment to review some important precautions...[ read more ]

Child-proofingYour Home
What is childhood without the ability to explore and turn imagination loose on everyday household items? A cardboard box can become a spaceship or a fort. An attic becomes a Spanish galleon loaded with treasure. Kitchen dishes are ferried away for use in dinner parties serving invisible royalty. It is natural for children to explore their world with all their senses. However, this can mean they also venture into dangerous situations in the home...[ read more ]

Your Home in Winter
Winter poses many unique challenges to homeowners - snow, cold temperatures and indoor hazards. Knowing the following basics can keep you and your home safe... [ read more ]

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