With the temperature dropping, our thoughts turn to preparing our cottages for the cold and snow to come. For some, this means closing up the cottage until the spring. For others, it is a time to prepare for life on the lake during the winter. Regardless, we all do our best to prepare our properties to withstand the toughest weather Canada can throw at us. Some property owners have opted to give their waterfront structures a helping hand, through the installation of bubblers.

What Are Bubblers?

For those who are unfamiliar, ‘bubblers’ are a type of de-icing system, intended to prevent the build-up of ice at or around waterfront structures like docks and boathouses. There are several different types of systems, but generally these devices use air or propellers to create zones of agitated and warmer water to prevent ice from forming. Protecting our cottage properties is understandable and an increasing number of cottagers in Ontario are turning to these devices as part of their winter preparation.

However, if you are a regular bubbler user, or if you are considering installing one at your property, it is important to plan carefully and be sure that you are not contributing to a significant hazard on the lake.

Creating a Hole in the Water

Bubblers are often turned on and left largely unattended by property owners throughout the winter. Without careful planning, management and consideration of the nature of your waterfront area, your bubbler can de-ice a significantly larger portion of the water than is necessary to protect your property. This is especially true in shallow or sheltered areas, or when several bubblers are active near one-another, with multiple property owners inadvertently creating a massive hole in the ice, hundreds of feet in size. These holes in the ice can pose a serious safety risk to winter users of our lakes, especially at night or during storms with poor visibility.

Legal Implications

Section 263 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada is very clear that those who make or cause to be made an opening in ice are under a legal duty to guard the opening in a manner adequate to prevent persons from falling in by accident, and adequate to warn them that the opening exists. If you fail to perform these duties, the Code states that you may be found guilty of serious offences, up to and including manslaughter.

Risk Management Considerations

If you chose to operate a bubbler to protect your property, please make sure you are taking all steps possible to ensure the safety of all lake users and consider taking these risk management steps:

• Place and angle your devices with care to keep the impacted area as localized as possible;
• Talk to your neighbours to avoid doubling up in an area. It is possible that one bubbler will do the trick.
• Equip your system with a thermostat or timer control. Running 24/7 creates oversized openings.
• Place clear signs near the bubbling area, visible from all directions noting “Danger Open Water”.
• Run an amber light to mark the hazard at night and during storms. Do not use a red light, as this can be mistaken for the brake lights of a snomobile and draw people towards the risk, rather than turn them away.
• Monitor your property. If you cannot be present, have someone check regularly to ensure the system is operating, the effected area is appropriate in size, and that the warning lights and markers remain in place.
• Where possible, a knowledgeable and experienced contractor should be used to configure the system.

Summer or winter, safety on the water is a top priority!

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Eavestroughs and WaterFlow
Over the winter, debris such as leaves and other natural matter can build up, blocking the eavestroughs and inhibiting the flow of water away from your cottage– this may cause water to enter your cottage if not dealt with. Clear any obstructions from the gutter, and if you are able to do so safely, from the entire roof as well. Soil erosion may also have occurred over the off-season. Take a walk around your property to ensure that there are no new pathways for water to flow towards your cottage and that no water is pooling near the foundation or supports.

Natural Debris and Pests
The cold season will have likely left branches, leaves and other debris scattered around your property; this should be cleared away when reopening your cottage. After a particularly stormy winter, you may return to your cottage to find trees that have fallen or appear to be susceptible to falling. If this is the case it may be wise to have an arborist visit your property to inspect and advise you on how to safely remove the tree. Small animals and insects may have taken refuge inside your home while you were away–keep an eye out for signs of unwelcome guests such as droppings, evidence of chewing, or burrows that lead underneath your house. If you continue to observe these signs and common solutions such as traps and pesticides have not yielded any results, call call a local exterminator for professional assistance.

Septic Systems
Though a septic system presents a minimal risk of backing up into your cottage when compared to a municipal system, it is still important to have your system inspected and pumped every 2-3 years. This regular maintenance of your septic systems prevents potential damage to your property and is also critical to reducing the chance of polluting the local ecosystems and impacting the quality of your lake water. For more information on septic systems, visit FOCA’s website.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves
May long weekends in Ontario don’t always feel like summer, and we might have to make use of our woodstove or fireplace to get us through the first few weekends at the cottage. Before you ignite any sparks, ensure that your home is equipped with a full fire extinguisher and fire handing tools, such as pokers and fireproof gloves. Check the stovepipe for any damage such as rust or shifting. Remove all coverings from your stove/ fireplace and check the chimney and flue for blockages. Lighting a small test fire will reveal any additional obstructions in the chimney. Remember that even at the cottage, regular chimney cleanings are a critical safety measure. Visit our Woodstove Safety post to learn more.

Boats
Spring boating requires extra caution as certain hazards, such as floating debris in the water or even ice, if the weather is still on the colder side, may be unexpected obstacles in your path. Be wary of these before you take your boat out, especially if it is relatively early in the season. Perform an inspection on your tanks and fuel lines, and ensure that your craft is supplied with all the necessary safety equipment (see the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide, page 16). Finally, make sure that you have a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card on your person or in the boat every time you use it.

The Drive
As you prepare for your first weekend away at the cottage, remember that a higher level of patience may be required for the trek. The excitement of ‘getting away’ for the long weekend is often challenged by the considerable traffic jams as thousands of people head to and from their holiday destinations. Plan for longer travel times, pack the car with your belongings beforehand and avoid overloading. Ensure that any roof or trunk racks, as well as the items attached to them, are properly secured. If you are towing a trailer, be aware of your blind spots and test its lights before you leave. Always drive as safely and distraction-free as possible and avoid texting while behind the wheel. On arrival, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy your piece of paradise!

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Whether used year-round or exclusively in the warmer seasons, the start of fall and the onset of cooler temperatures means that cottagers everywhere will begin their preparations for winter!  As we get started on these necessary chores to prepare our cottage before the snow flies, the following are a few important tasks that should be included on the ‘to do’ list to help reduce the chance of damage to your property!

Heating

As the temperatures start to drop, be sure to carefully check your heating system before activating it, especially if it has not been used this year. To avoid an unexpected fire, baseboard heaters in particular should be clear from furniture, window coverings and other items that might have collected nearby over the summer. If you are going to make use of a small plug-in space heater, first check your electrical system to be sure it can handle the draw.  Then, be very careful with its placement, and while it is on, never leave it unattended.

Woodstoves and fireplaces are beautiful ways of warming your cottage during the colder weather. Again, if you haven’t used either since last winter or early spring, take a moment to check the unit/fireplace and make sure it is clean and ready for use. Inspect the chimney stack for damage or loosening of any support straps and/or buildup of creosote, check your fire extinguishers, clear any ashes and remove any flammables from the surrounding area. Click here for more tips on the safe use of your woodstove or fireplace!

Water

If your cottage is used only in the warmer seasons, and you turn off all power and board it up for the winter, then much of your activities on closing weekend will be all about your water system! The water pump should be shut off and all plumbing systems and appliances should be drained completely of their water. By draining your system and all connected appliances, freezing damage is avoided and the process of turning the water on next spring is much easier (and dryer!).

For year-round cottagers, it is important that your water lines be protected from the elements and that your cottage maintains a minimum level of heat throughout the winter to prevent freezing temperatures inside. No two insurance policies are alike, but many Insurers still include a ‘freezing exclusion’.  We recommend that you confirm with your own insurance provider/agent/broker what exclusions exist on your own policy. Typically, if the temperature in your cottage falls below the level which would be sufficient to maintain reasonable heat, some policies will not respond to claims arising from the resultant freezing of the water pipes.  An unexpected power failure or furnace breakdown during your absence might cause considerable water damage, which may not be insured.  Some Insurers remove the ‘freezing’ exclusion if you install a monitored low-temperature alarm, and others if the owner takes ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure that the heating is operating properly while away from the property or coordinate regular visits by a reliable person. Regardless, year-round cottagers should speak with their broker/agent to review this exclusion as it relates to their policy.

Roofs

Eaves troughs and roofs should be cleared to allow for easy drainage of water and winter debris away from the roof and away from the cottage footings or foundations. While checking the roof before leaving, ensure that there are no areas at obvious risk of ice damming and that large overhanging branches are removed. Consideration should be given to hiring a contractor to clear snow off the roof throughout the winter, as heavy snow does put extensive strain on the roof and some insurance policies may not respond to collapse due to weight of snow or ice. Again, please review with your broker to be certain that your policy includes this important coverage.

Whether closing up for the season, or simply preparing for the cold, we wish all cottagers a fantastic Canadian winter ahead!

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This year, visitors to our booth will be invited to ‘Spin to Win’! Drop by our booth, spin the wheel, answer a simple quiz question about cottage life, and be entered into a draw to win a $250 gift card to Canadian Tire!

We will be at Booth #1278 in Hall 2 (near the food area!) and hope if you find yourself at the show, you will drop by and say hello!

For details about the show, tickets, and how to get there: CLICK HERE

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Resultant damage caused by the freezing of any plumbing, heating, air conditioning systems or other household appliance in your home or cottage can cause serious havoc to you and your family, and often a significant financial impact if it is not insured. It is important therefore to understand that there are steps that should be taken to minimize the potential for loss. While we are all able to prepare for scheduled departures from our home, an unanticipated power outage or equipment failure during our absence will leave the home vulnerable to unexpected freezing temperatures. To prevent water damage resulting from freezing temperatures, if you are considering a trip during the winter months where the home will be unoccupied, we recommend you either:

• Ensure your plumbing system is shut off and the water is drained from all appliances; or
• Arrange for someone to enter and check your home every day while you are away to ensure heat is maintained and no issues are apparent.
• If you have a centrally monitored alarm system for fire/burglary, we also encourage you to consider adding a low temperature alarm sensor as part of the monitored service.

While this is a generalization of an exclusion common across most Insurers, it not identical to every property owner. Be sure to speak with us if you have any questions about this exclusion or the specific coverages of your policy.

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In addition to providing you with peace of mind, knowing that the safety of your home is being monitored 24 hours a day, the installation of a centrally monitored alarm system for burglary and/or fire can open up further discounting opportunities with respect to your home insurance premium. The improved security offered by such systems can help reduce your annual premium by making your property more secure and mitigating certain losses such as theft, burglary, and fire damage.

A point to consider: If your home is currently equipped with a monitored alarm system or you are looking to install one, many insurers are offering improved coverages for your home and personal possessions if a monitored temperature alarm is also in place.

As always, please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions with respect to how the installation of an approved centrally monitored burglary, fire, and/or temperature alarm will affect your home insurance.

We here at Cade know how important your home is to you. By making sure your home is safe, sound, and secure, we can work together to get you the most effective rate for your home insurance.

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In an attempt to promote safe boating and as a benefit to members, Associations across the province have become increasingly involved in the marking of rocks and shoals in their areas. As with many other “Good Samaritan” activities, rock and shoal marking can unfortunately expose an Association and its members to the risk of being named in a legal action, alleging negligence.

According to Transport Canada, “in Canada, persons, organizations, corporations or other groups may place “private buoys” on the water to inform other mariners. When you place a private buoy, you are responsible for following Canada’s Private Buoy Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act.” An Owner’s Guide to Private Buoys is available on their website for your review and sharing. The document further confirms that “in the event of an accident, private buoy owners may also be found liable for any damages resulting from negligent operation and/or maintenance of the private buoy.”

In order to minimize and mitigate the risks associated with your Association’s rock & shoal marking, it is recommended that Associations take the following into consideration:

1. Ensure that the Insurer of the Association is aware of the activity. There is typically a small additional premium for such an exposure. It is, however, critical that the Insurer be aware that this activity is within your scope of operations.
2. Notify all members or property owners of buoy placement and removal dates.
3. Use the Transport Canada documentation to ensure the buoy used is approved, or refer to FOCA for additional information.
4. Disclaimers should be distributed where possible, such as in your newsletter. Such notices should point out that although an effort is being made to mark specific lake or waterway hazards, your Association is not responsible for ensuring all hazards are marked or continue to be marked. Be clear with the membership about the locations being marked and when they are being marked.
5. Ensure your members and property owners understand that, ultimately, every individual operator of a watercraft is responsible for safe boating, including the avoidance of hazards.
6. Ensure that any device used to secure the buoy anchor, chains, or ropes are safely secured during the offseason to prevent causing an additional hazard. These devices should not be made of material that may cause injury to surface users, such as ATV and snow machines or their passengers.
7. If your Association decides to stop marking a rock or shoal, or get out of the activity altogether, make sure you give your membership and property owners sufficient notice of your plans. The longer that the Association marks the rocks and shoals, the more precedent has been set, and the more notice and communication you should provide to community members.

If this marking is carried out by an individual and not on behalf of an Association, their homeowners liability policy could provide liability protection. However, it is important that these individuals confirm their coverage with their own Insurer or Insurance Broker.

The FOCA Association Insurance program offers coverage for Rock & Shoal marking, as well as many other activities usual to the operation of lake, land, and road organizations! For more information and to request a quote, visit www.cadeinsurance.com/foca, or call us at 1-844-CADE-1ST.

The post Rock & Shoal Marking – Insurance & Risk Management appeared first on Cade Associates Insurance Brokers Limited.

For your reference, we’ve compiled a list of some watercraft safety tips so that you and your family can be sure to have a fun and safe time on the water this summer!

• Pack the Right Gear:
  Always be sure to have the proper equipment on board your boat prior to leaving the dock in order to be prepared for any emergencies that might occur. At a minimum, all pleasure crafts should be equipped with a first-aid kit, a bailer or bilge pump, a pea-less whistle, a magnetic compass, paddles, a watertight flashlight, a buoyant heaving line that measures at least 15 metres, and one lifejacket or Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each person on board.
• Be Weather-wise:
  Make sure you check local weather conditions and forecasts prior to departure. If you notice the signs of bad weather approaching, it’s best to play it safe and make for shore.
• Common Sense is a Boater’s Best Friend:
  One of the most important aspects of boating safety is also one of the easiest! Use your common sense and be sure to operate your craft at safe speeds at all times, especially in crowded areas or when participating in water sports. Watch for and be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids – they are there to ensure boating safety for everyone on the water.
• Alcohol and Boating do not mix:
  Just like driving under the influence, operating your watercraft under the influence of alcohol is an offense under the Criminal Code of Canada. Enjoy that boating while you’re out on the water but save your drink for when you’re safely on the dock.
• PFDs are a Life Saver:
  Before leaving the shore, be sure to fit each member of your onboard team with an appropriately sized Personal Floatation Device. They aren’t called lifejackets for nothing! They are the best way to be sure that you and your crew remain safe while out on the lake this summer.
• Don’t forget your Pleasure Craft Operator Card!
  Make sure your PCOC is on board with you when you are operating your watercraft – it’s the law.

For further information regarding boating safety and pleasure craft operating requirements, please visit the following link for Transportation Canada’s Safe Boating Guide:

https://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/marinesafety/TP-511e.pdf

Whether you’re new to boating or have been zipping around your lake for years, it is always a good idea to review boating safety rules at the beginning of the season in order to be sure that you and your friends and family are prepared for a safe summer on the water.

Stay safe, boaters!

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In these few weeks before the May long weekend, plans for opening the cottage are getting underway.  As with every year, that first weekend of work up North can be a chilly one and most of us will be looking forward to getting a fire going.  Before that can happen however, it is important to make sure that your woodstove is in safe, working order and that you and your family are familiar with woodstove safety.

For your reference, we here at Cade have put together a list of some helpful information with respect to your woodstove so that you can be sure that you and your family have a safe and warm summer!

• Have your chimney cleaned at least once a year.  Depending on how frequently you use your woodstove (for example, are you using it just on chilly nights at your seasonal cottage or is it being used year-round), it might be a good idea to consider having your chimney cleaned twice a year.

• If you’ve just purchased your cottage property and do not know when the woodstove was last cleaned, be sure to have a professional come and inspect the chimney before you begin to use it.

• Before starting up that inaugural fire, inspect the woodstove’s chimney stack for damage.   Harsh winters such as this past one can affect the stability of the chimney which can lead to an unsafe woodstove.  Take the time to closely inspect the support straps in order to confirm that the chimney is straight and obstacle-free.  Replace any damaged materials and check the cap and screen to ensure that no critters decided to make your chimney their winter home.

• Keep a fully charged Class A fire extinguisher on hand and be sure to test all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the cottage.

• Go over fire safety rules with your family.  Make sure everyone knows where the fire extinguisher is and what to do in case of an uncontrolled fire.

• Use properly dried hardwoods such as maple, beech, ash, hickory, or oak as the fuel for your woodstove’s fire.

• Do not use gasoline, charcoal starter fluid, or other flammable liquids to start your fire.

• Don’t let ashes build up in your woodstove.  A large buildup of ashes can eventually block the air intake from the draft registers and reduce the efficiency of your woodstove.

• For the extra ashes, have a metal container nearby and let them cool completely before disposing of them.

• Store wood and other flammable objects safely away from your wood-burning appliance in order to reduce the risk of fire.

Even if you take all of the above precautions, over time, burning wood leads to the buildup of Creosote.  Creosote can take the form of a sticky liquid, a flaky, black deposit, or a hard tar-like substance.  It is a highly combustible and unsafe material which, if left untended, can lead to a chimney fire.  The only line of defense against this byproduct is regular woodstove maintenance and cleaning.

By ensuring that you have your wood burning stove inspected by a WETT certified professional, you will gain piece of mind knowing that your woodstove is in optimal working order, is in good structural condition, and that it is burning in a way that complies with WETT standards and therefore does not compromise your and your family’s health and safety.

To all of you heading up North in the coming weeks, we here at Cade want to wish you a productive and pain free opening weekend.

Here’s to evenings around a safe and warm crackling fire!

The post Staying Safe & Warm: Tips and Information for Woodstove Safety appeared first on Cade Associates Insurance Brokers Limited.

Along with the desire for hot cups of tea, warm blankets, and pumpkin pie comes the necessary steps of closing down your summer retreat for the winter.

In order to lessen some of the stress, we have created this brief To Do list for that last weekend trek up North this year:

• Shut off the water supply and drain the pipes – Drain all of the pipes, bail out any reservoirs (i.e. any water left in the toilet bowl), and allow the taps to ‘breathe’ by leaving them open over the winter.
• Unplug all electrical appliances and devices – In order to avoid any power surges and unwanted electricity bills, remove all plugs from their outlets.
• Turn off all heating sources – If the primary heat at your cottage is supplied by baseboard electric heaters or central heating, turn the devices or thermostats off or down to their lowest possible setting.
• Clean out any woodburning units – Remove all ash and any unburned pieces of wood from the unit.  Additionally, close the damper flue in order to keep the weather (and critters) out of your cottage.
• Make sure the kitchen is squeaky clean and left without a spec of food – In order to avoid visits from any four-legged friends, be sure to leave the kitchen clean and to remove any food.  If you are to leave any dry goods up at the cottage, make sure to seal them in an airtight glass or metal container.  Plastic is not as effective as small critters can often chew through.
• If you are able, remove any valuable items – It is a sad but true fact that thieves sometimes take advantage of the uninhabited nature of a closed cottage.  If you have storage room at your home, consider removing TVs, stereos, or other valuable items from the cottage.  If any high value items are permanently stored at the cottage, make sure to leave the windows covered so that no one is able to see in.
• Move outdoor items inside for the winter months – Canoes, barbecues, and patio furniture should be moved into a storage shed or, if space permits, into the cottage itself in order to avoid weather damage and/or theft
• Take photos of the cottage – Consider taking photos of the cottage as well as any additional structures for reference in case anything is to happen over the winter months.
• Complete any minor repairs to the cottage and detached structures – By doing this prior to the deep freeze of winter and eventual spring thaw, you will mitigate further damage.
• Cover any openings to the cottage – In order to prevent raccoons and other fury tenants from making your cottage their winter home, consider installing a cover over your chimney and any other openings such as the dryer flue that might serve as a pathway into your cottage.
• Consider hiring a local snow removal company – In order to avoid excess accumulation of snow and ice on your cottage roof over the winter months, arrange to have a local snow removal company come at least once in order to remove some of the heavy buildup of snow.
• If you do hire a local snow removal company, consider having them maintain the drive and walkways – In order to maintain easy access to the cottage, consider having snow removed from the drive and walkways.  By keeping the paths of access clear, the cottage will be easier to get to in case of an emergency.
• Ask a friend or neighbour who lives near the cottage or hire someone to check on the cottage property – If you are unable to make the trip up north over the winter months, consider having someone check on the cottage periodically in order to ensure that all is in order.  If something unfortunate has happened, from a fire, to a break-in, to a roof cave-in, the sooner you are made aware and can deal with the issue, the better.

We here at Cade wish all those with plans to close up their cottage in the coming weeks the best of luck.

Stay safe and enjoy the fall colours!

The post Simple Steps to Prepare your Cottage for Winter appeared first on Cade Associates Insurance Brokers Limited.