Loss Prevention

As a client, your safety is important to us as well as the physical condition of the risks that we insure. Loss prevention is critical to keeping premiums low and ensuring the safety of your family and belongings. Howard Mutual takes a proactive approach to reducing loss through loss prevention programs offering preventative measures that work!

Together we can keep premiums affordable

For more information about lost prevention please contact Wendy Smith CIP @ 519.674.0304 extension 226.

Loss Prevention Tips

Smoke Alarms

There are 2 Types of Detectors:

• Ionization: responds to flaming fire
• Photoelectric-responds more quickly to smoldering fires

Tips:

• An alarm with a dead or missing battery/non-functioning circuit is worse than none at all because it gives sense of false security.
• To ensure proper operation replace batteries at least 1x per year
• Don’t use rechargeable batteries-if lose charge won’t emit warning signal.
• They are a functional device. It might look better in the corner but it won’t work effectively. Smoke rises so must attach near ceiling.
• Have at each level (basement/hallways)
• Test your alarms monthly
• Perform maintenance-cleanout alarm chamber & protective cover.
• Read manufactures instructions.
• Only use alarms tested & approved by CSA or ULC.

Candles can be Dangerous

• Alarming Study.
• 36% left unattended, abandoned, inadequately controlled
• 44% candle fires start in bedroom

Tips for Safe use:

• Keep away from flammable items
• Use sturdy holders
• Don’t place in windows where curtain/blinds can cover
• Trim wicks & extinguish when they burn inches away from holder
• Keep candles & all open flames away from flammable liquids
• Don’t use where knocked over by children/pets

Event of a Power Failure

• Do not use open flames/ charcoal grills indoor.
• Do not use gas-fuelled appliances as alternative heat sources indoors.
• If you plan to use a portable generator or connect household items to the generator, don’t hook the generator up to your homes electrical system unless you have it wired professionally.
• Be sure the generator is kept in a well ventilated area (outside all buildings)
• Don’t push a gas-powered generator anywhere in your home.
• Remember if your smoke alarms are hardwired they won’t function during a power failure. Consider installing a back-up battery powered alarm.

Cell Phones

• Can be valuable equipment when you need to call for assistance. However, they can also be a distraction if they’re used when driving & man jurisdictions have restriction on cell phone use while driving.
• Don’t use cell phone while driving. If you need too make a call pull away from traffic.

Protecting you computer equipment & data…

• Clamp or lock PCs to desk/work stations
• Backup data/program on regular basis
• Laptops are easy target for theft. Don’t leave unsecured/unattended.
• Maintain records of serial #’s for your computer equipment.

General Commercial Crime & Prevention

• Ensure all exterior doors have deadbolt locks with a min 1″ bolt into the strike plate.
• Secure exposed exterior door hinge pins to prevent their removal.
• Protect all grade floor glass through the use of bars, metal screens or burglary resistant glazing materials
• Install burglar alarm system that’s monitored offsite. Look for a system certified by ULC.
• Lock vehicles when not in use to prevent thefts and vandalism.

How to Prevent Distractions from making you another accident…

• Avoid intense, complicated or emotional conversations when driving.
• Pull over to care for children.
• Adjust your seat, climate controls & other devices before pulling out.
• Ask your passengers to help navigate/adjust controls.
• If you feel sleepy, find a safe place to pullover & rest.
• Turn off your cell or pull over in a safe place if you must take a call.
• Stop to eat or drink.
• Read maps, and check traffic and exits before you leave so you’re prepared.
• Teach teens to limit distractions while driving.
• Just Drive.

Maintaining Tire Pressure

• Keeping inflated is essential for proper performance and for the quality/safety of your vehicle. If over/under inflated can cause sudden tire inflation.
• How often: Check 1x per month & before long trip.
• Recommended Pressure: Always inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed by your vehicles manufacturer. Information found in owner’s manual/place card in vehicles.
• Try to keep to main roads.
• Take a cell phone but only use for emergency when you need help. Don’t talk and drive!

Is your Wood Stove Safe?

• Check door latches, hinges & gaskets regularly to be sure they’re tight.
• If you ever have a fire in the stove pipe or in the chimney have the system inspected by a professional before you use it again.
• Make sure you have home working smoke alarms.
• Keep fire extinguisher in easy reach of wood heat appliance.
• Child guards keep children away form hot stoves.
• Check chimney and flue pipe for creosote. Clean them regularly or certified pro annually.
• Use property seasoned wood an follow proper burning techniques to minimize creosote.
• Check the pipes for corrosion at least x per year

Preventing Fire in your Home

• Check your smoke detectors.
• Establish fire evacuation plan.
• Use your kitchen safely.
• Hide matches and lighters.
• Hide matches and lighters.
• Be careful if you smoke.
• Plan your exit.
• Get out, Stay out!

In the event of a fire:

• Don’t waste a second.
• If clothes catch fire: stop, drop, roll.
• If fire in apt building never use elevator.
• When leaving close doors/windows if possible.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

Make sure you’re using the right one. Wrong one could endanger you or make fire worse.

• Class A-Ordinary combustion (wood, paper, plastic)
• Class B-Flammable liquids (gasoline, grease, oil based paint, flammable gases)
• Class C-Electrical Equipment (Electrical wiring, household appliance)

To put Out a Fire Using an Extinguisher Follow 4 Steps:

1. Pull the pin
2. Aim downward
3. Squeeze the lever
4. Sweep from side to side, aiming toward base of fire

Child Safety Seats

Before you choose:

• weigh your child.
• measure your child’s height.
• check the label to be sure the seat will fit your childs weight and height.
• Make sure the seat fits wlel in the bak seat of your vehicle.

Choosing the right seat:

• Stage 1: Rear facing seat-use from birth to at least 1 year of age
• Stage 2: Forward facing seat- at least 1 year of age (20lbs) up to at least (40 lbs)
• Stage 3: Booster Seat- At least (40 lbs) until seat belt fits tight/ correctly
• Stage 4: Seatbelt- designed to fit adults. Must have height of at least 4′9″.