Risk Management Archives - Cade Associates Insurance Brokers Limited

Social Host – Understanding Your Liability

Ross Fraser — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 17:40:01 +0000

With the holiday season upon us, will you be throwing a party or celebrating a special occasion? Do you plan on serving alcohol? If yes, while we wait for our invitation to arrive, let the Cade team discuss the liability exposure that comes with these events, and how to take steps to prevent an incident. Serving alcohol or facilitating its consumption beyond intoxication might result in your being held responsible in a liability claim where alcohol is a contributing factor.

What’s the Liability?

As a personal Host, you do have potential liability for bodily injury or property damage to third parties which arises out of the negligent serving or distribution of alcohol at your party, be it a small backyard BBQ setting, or a holiday gathering. The insurance provided by most home/condo/tenants insurance policies may protect you from a liability claim arising from a private social gathering in your home, but you should confirm this with your broker/agent first.

As a business or non-profit organization, it is very important that you review your insurance protection first with your broker or agent if you have any plans to host such an event. While some commercial insurance policies are able to accommodate an event involving liquor, additional information may be required to endorse the policy accordingly. In some cases, host liquor liability is expressly excluded and must be arranged by your Broker for your function.

Liability for claims arising out of social hosting can arise from many different avenues, including:

Server – Serving people past the point of intoxication;
Occupier – Whether you own the space or are temporarily renting the venue, you have responsibility for protecting the people on premises from harm;
Employer – You have a responsibility for your employees at staff functions.

Special Occasion Permit

Functions with more attendees, ticketed events, or those involving the sale of alcohol may require the purchase of a Special Occasions Permit. SOPs allow for the sale and service of alcohol on special occasions, and are required any time alcohol is offered for sale or is served anywhere other than in a licensed establishment (eg. bar or restaurant), or in a private place (eg. office or home). Special Occasion Permits are available from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (link) and are reviewed and approved based on the nature of your function.

Party Alcohol Liability Insurance

Party Alcohol Liability insurance is a low-cost policy, designed to provide protection when lawsuits are brought against individuals, organizations, or companies who host events with alcohol service. This is typically provided when you are in a situation where an SOP is required, such as weddings, stag & does, banquets, dances, socials, cocktail/Holiday parties, etc. Contact your Broker to request a quote.

Risk Management & Avoiding Issues

Here’s some advice for curtailing over-consumption of alcohol:

Be aware of the designated drivers in attendance. If other guests are unable to drive safely, the DDs may be able to help
Provide non-alcoholic drink and food options to all guests throughout the party
Implement a cut-off time for alcohol service, even at private functions. For example: stop serving alcohol some time before you expect your guests will leave. You may also serve other drinks, like coffee or tea, and encourage guests to have water.
Be prepared with excess cash to offer to pay for guests’ cab rides if necessary. You may also have extra space set up in your home to house last-minute overnight guests.
Have no reservations about asking for someone’s keys if you suspect they are too intoxicated to drive.
If alcohol service is being provided at a larger function, or one involving an SOP, ensure that servers are Smart Serve certified.
The legalization of cannabis adds an additional layer of complexity, as guests may mix intoxicants. Keep a keen eye on your attendees to watch for over-consumption.

What To Do In A Claim

In the event of a claim, here’s what to do:

Contact your representative at Cade as soon as possible.
Make a note of all the relevant details of the incident, including the date, time, witnesses’ names and contact information.
Don’t confess liability; always direct any discussions with the claimant to your insurer for further comment.

Whatever the occasion, be wary of how much your attendees are drinking. It is your responsibility to ensure your guests are having a good time in a safe manner. Take the lead on educating yourself and your team about what you’re responsible for when holding a party. Be prepared with several methods of getting your guests home safely if they are too intoxicated to drive themselves and others.

Get in touch with us today at clientservices@cadeinsurance.ca to discuss how to prepare for your next event.

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Cannabis Legalizaiton in Canada

Ross Fraser — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 08:00:07 +0000

On October 17^th, 2018 Canada became just the second country in the world to legalize the recreational use of cannabis. While the implications of this legalization will be wide-reaching and have yet to be fully realized, there are some important insurance implications that you should keep in mind.

Driving Safety

Impaired driving remains an illegal act, whether the impairment is caused by alcohol or drugs, and is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada. With the legalization of cannabis, families are encouraged to discuss the dangers of drug-impaired driving with the same seriousness as drinking and driving has been approached in the past. New legislation allows Police to use approved drug screening devices, similar to their response when dealing with a suspected drunk driver. Remember that there is a zero-tolerance policy with respect to young and novice drivers.

For Auto Insurances purposes, a conviction for drug-impaired driving is comparable to a conviction for alcohol impaired driving. Both are considered Criminal Code offences and will result in significant premium surcharging or even declination of coverage. In no uncertain terms, driving while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol is unacceptable.

At Home

The new legislation allows Canadians to legally grow up to four plants per residence. Please note that this is a per residence limit and not a per person limit. If you are considering growing plants under the new legislation, please read the rules carefully to ensure you are in compliance. From a risk management perspective, growing can involve the use of specialized lighting or other equipment and licensed electricians should be consulted or used where necessary. As with any plant, growing inside your home can attract pests, which can cause a significant nuisance or even damage to the rest of your home. Cannabis plants in your home can also represent an allurement for ‘smash and grab’ style burglaries, meaning they should be stored out of sight and in a secured location. A monitored burglary and fire alarm system should be considered.

Each Insurer has their own approach to home-based growing, and we may be in touch with any specific underwriting questions or requirements your Insurer may have.

Host Liability

With the legalization of cannabis, hosts should approach service and consumption in the same manner as alcohol. As you may already know, whether you are hosting friends in your home or a work social event, you have potential liability for bodily injury or property damage to others, arising out of the negligent serving or distribution of alcohol. Hosts have been found responsible by the courts for the actions of their guests who consumed past the point of intoxication. If alcohol or cannabis will be consumed at your event, consider asking participants if they have a designated driver, ensure non-alcoholic beverages and food options are available, have cash on hand for cabs to prevent impaired driving, and keep a watch for over consumption or signs of intoxication. Call our office if you have any questions, or if you would like a quote for separate Host Liability Coverage for your event.

Travel

Despite some states having different rules, cannabis possession is still illegal under U.S. federal law – do not attempt to enter the United States with any cannabis. While there is some allowance while flying within Canada, cannabis is not permitted aboard international flights.

Insurance policies contain exclusions that apply when Insureds engage in illegal activity, so it is up to all of us to ensure we fully understand and adhere to the new laws of the land. To help, visit the following links:

Canada’s Cannabis Act Website – canada.ca/cannabis
Ontario’s Cannabis Website – https://www.ontario.ca/page/cannabis-legalization

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Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Ross Fraser — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:36:38 +0000

While spring is a common time for many homeowners to spend some extra attention on upkeep and maintenance, autumn is just as critical a season for preparing your home to withstand the potentially harsh winter weather and temperature conditions that may await you. By making maintenance part of your annual fall routine you can identify potential problems before they arise, and help prepare your home and property for what Mother Nature has to offer. These tips are provided by Travelers Canada, the underwriter of the CottageFirst Insurance program!

Following are some home maintenance tips from our Risk Control professionals to help you prepare for the coming winter:

Have your heating system cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified technician.
Replace your furnace filter in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Insulate water pipes in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.
Check gutters for damage and confirm they’re securely attached to the house.
Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall season when leaves may collect in gutters.
Check and repair caulking around doors and windows that show signs of deterioration.
Have your chimney cleaned and maintained by a professional. If you use a wood stove, check for wear and tear, corrosion, etc. and store your wood in a dry, cool area away from the wood stove and potential sources of ignition or pests.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under and behind the dryer. Remove lint and dust that may have accumulated inside the dryer in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Check electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets.
Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Confirm that it is fully charged and ready for operation.
Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure you have a smoke detector in each bedroom or sleeping area and also, a smoke detector in the hallway outside each sleeping area. You should also make sure you have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including your basement. Test them monthly, and change the battery annually or as needed.

The steps you take during the fall can help protect your home and property from more potentially expensive damage and emergency repairs in the colder months to come.

Original Article

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Snowbirds: Winterize Your Home While You’re Away

Ross Fraser — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 11:30:18 +0000

If you are a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are several key things you can do to help protect your vacant home. Taking these steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage, heating or electrical system malfunctions and other possible threats while you are away for an extended period of time. These tips are provided by Travelers Canada, the underwriter of the CottageFirst Insurance program!

Download the Snowbird’s Checklist for Preparing Your Home

1. Make Your Home Appear as Though It Is Continuously Occupied

Forward your mail, stop newspaper delivery, and ask a friend or relative to collect flyers or other items that may be left at your door.
Arrange for someone to remove snow after storms.
Put motion-sensitive exterior lights and interior lights on timers and set them to come on at varying times to discourage prowlers.

2. Take Steps to Protect Your Home from Thieves

Confirm that your alarm systems are in working order and have been activated.
Secure external doors and windows with deadbolt locks, security-type hinges and sturdy door frames that cannot be spread apart. Install slide locks or other equivalent security locks on sliding glass doors or French doors.
Store valuables that you are not taking with you in a safe deposit box or other secure offsite location.
Do not post your vacation or travel plans on social media sites, as potential thieves can use that information to learn that your house is vacant.

3. Protect Your Pipes to Avoid Water Damage by Turning Off Your Water Supply

If a pipe bursts or leaks while you are away, it may cause significant damage. Consider completely turning off the water supply if no one will be in the home for an extended period of time. If your home is heated by an older system, consult with your heating professional.
Drain your pipes of all water by opening the faucets, and flush your toilet to clear the water from the tank and bowl, then consider pouring antifreeze in toilet tanks and bowls to prevent any remaining water from freezing and cracking.* Always use non-toxic antifreeze rated for plumbing systems.
To help confirm that the pipes have been drained, consider having a plumber blow compressed air through the pipes.

4. Keep Your Home and Plumbing Warm if Your Water Supply Stays On

If you decide against draining your water pipes, keep the furnace running to help ensure the home stays warm and the pipes do not freeze.
Set the temperature at around 13°C or higher to help keep the interior of the floor and wall cavities, where the water piping is likely located above freezing temperatures. Keeping room and cabinet doors open also helps heat to circulate and warm the areas where pipes are located.
Shut off the water to washing machines and dishwashers and drain the appliances where possible, to avoid any leaks or broken hoses while you are away.
Turn off the heat source and water supply to hot water heaters (unless you have a boiler).
Consider shutting off and draining outdoor water faucets to prevent vandalism and freezing damage.
Have a water flow sensor and low temperature sensor installed on your main water supply pipe and hooked into a constantly monitored alarm system.

5. Perform Routine Maintenance Before You Leave

Have your heating system inspected and serviced before winter. Have your fuel tanks filled before you leave, and ask someone to check on heat and fuel levels regularly while you are gone.
Be sure to maintain electrical power if required to keep the heating system running. If electrical service to the home is to remain on, consider having a licensed electrical contractor inspect your main electrical panel, wiring and outlets, if necessary. This way, they can repair or replace anything that may be defective.
Have your roof inspected before you leave and clean your gutters to help prevent ice from building up.*
Remove dead trees or large overhanging limbs that could damage your house.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances before you leave. Make sure you can retrieve messages on your home answering machine or voicemail so it does not indicate FULL or unattended when someone calls.

6. Make Your Home Unattractive to Pests

Clean your home thoroughly to help discourage new “residents” from moving in.
Clean, defrost and unplug refrigerators and freezers, wiping them dry and leaving doors propped open to prevent mildew. Also clean the oven.
Inspect your home for openings that animals could use to enter. For example, make sure your fireplace flue is closed, as bats, birds and squirrels are known to get inside this way.
Check weather-stripping, insulation and exterior doors and windows to ensure no major deficiencies are present. Water and insects can enter through these openings.
Chimneys should be inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned to ensure that they are free from obstructions such as nesting birds. Install chimney guard screen-caps to help prevent any infestation.

7. Be Ready for Emergencies

Call the non-emergency number of your local police department to see if they would like notice that the property will be vacant. If so, provide emergency notification numbers.
Install smoke detectors on at least every floor (preferably tied to a constantly monitored fire alarm system so the fire department will automatically be notified in case of alarm), and confirm that the sensors and system are tested regularly.
In higher wind-exposed or coastal areas, install storm shutters (or other mitigation measures, such as 5/8” marine plywood) to secure windows. Properly anchor personal property that will remain outdoors.
Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or relative to keep an eye on your home and be available in emergency situations. Give them access to your home and ask that they monitor heating, electrical and water systems. You may wish to hire a professional property management firm to provide this service to ensure it is completed on a regular schedule.
If the weather turns frigid, have your friend or property manager also check the roof for ice dams and inspect for leaks inside. Make sure they have your contact information and a list of local contractors they can reach if repairs or service are needed.

* Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.How-Do-I-Winterize-a-Vacant-House.10834.html

Original Article: https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/safety/snowbirds-winterize-your-vacant-home.aspx

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You’ve Been in an Accident – Now What?

Cade & Associates — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:14:13 +0000

Accidents happen suddenly. Even the best, most experienced drivers are at risk, and it’s normal to feel flustered or shocked immediately after it happens. By learning now about the best steps to take at the accident scene, you can avoid undue stress, and bring some peace of mind to an unfortunate event!

Safety First
The safety of you and your passengers is the top priority after a collision. Turn off your car and check that everyone is safe. If you feel as though anyone’s safety is at risk, or if someone has been seriously injured, call the police and emergency services right away. Then take a moment to consider your vehicle – are you in an unsafe place; is your car drivable; is anything leaking from the vehicle? If your car can be moved, drive to a place of safety out of the way of traffic.

Who to Call
Once you are in a safe place, call us at (416) 234-9980. One of our brokers will help you through the next steps. After-hours, our voicemail or www.cadeinsurance.com/claims will tell you how to get in touch with us, or your Insurer directly, or you can look at your liability cards which will have your Insurer’s 24/7 claims number.

Gathering Information
Be sure to exchange information with other drivers that are involved in the collision. You should collect their contact information, insurance information (policy number, insurer), and type of vehicle. This needs to happen no matter who is ‘at fault’. If possible, take photos of the vehicles from all angles to help with the claim process.

Collision Reporting Centre & Towing
If the police did not attend the scene of the collision, or attended, but did not make a formal report, you will need to visit a Collision Reporting Centre within 24 hours if your vehicle is safe to drive. If a police report was already created at the scene, you can take your car home or directly to a repair shop.

However, in many cases, it is not safe to drive a car that was recently in a collision. If this is the case, you should arrange for your vehicle to be towed to the Collision Reporting Centre closest to your home or to your preferred auto repair shop. We do not recommend allowing the Tow Truck Operator to choose where your vehicle will be taken. Resources such as www.accsupport.com, or www.cadeinsurance.com/claims can help you select which Collision Reporting Centre is best for you. The tow truck driver should wait at the Collision Reporting Centre while you make your report, and then take you and your vehicle to your home or your preferred repair shop.   Do not accept any supplementary services from the Tow Truck operator, such as a rental vehicle, before speaking to your broker or insurer. If you must take a rental right away, make sure it is from a large, reputable rental company (eg. Hertz, Enterprise, Discount, Budget, etc.)

Repairs
Once the claim has been reported to your Insurer, an adjuster will be assigned to your claim who will reach out to you to explain next steps about repairing your car.

Insurers often have ‘preferred shops’ which they have vetted for quality and service levels, and who are often able to work more quickly with the Insurer’s claims team. The work done by the Insurer’s preferred shops are typically guaranteed by the Insurer. However, you are completely free to choose where to send your vehicle for repairs.

Once you have chosen a repair facility, you may request they prepare an estimate for the work, but do not sign any work orders or authorize work to begin until you’ve discussed the claim with your insurer. If you are not working with a ‘preferred’ shop, your insurer may first need to send an appraiser to examine your vehicle to approve the garage’s estimate.

During the time your car is under repair, your policy may allow for a rental vehicle, which should be discussed with our office or the adjuster.

In some cases, the cost to repair might surpass the value of the vehicle. If this is the case, your insurance adjuster will contact you to discuss the details of the settlement. When considering ‘a total loss’ of a vehicle, the Insurer’s settlement will be calculated using industry standards and will include evaluation factors such as the comparison of vehicles available in the market of similar age, make, model, and use (km), and remaining salvage value.

Although we hope this is never a situation you find yourself in, remembering these key steps
can help simplify the process and avoid undue stress. The Cade Associates team is here to offer the best advice and service for you and your family, especially in tough times like these. To find out more about your coverage or the procedures you should take following a car accident, email us at clientservices@cadeinsurance.com.

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6 Tips for a Successful Cottage Opening

Ross Fraser — Fri, 12 May 2017 20:05:42 +0000

You’ve taken your bicycle out of storage. You’ve tried on your swimsuit to make sure it still fits. You’ve stocked up on the sunscreen and the bug repellent. The first long weekend of the summer is around the corner and you’re ready for the cottage– but is your cottage ready for you? Even if you were diligent about closing up shop for the winter, there are still a few key pieces of your home away from home that will need a little check up before you kick off the season.

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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Weathering a Winter Storm

Ross Fraser — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 22:30:02 +0000

What kind of Canadian winter would it be without a big snow storm! While these storms are a favourite for lovers of winter sports, they can also cause extreme disruption to travel, infrastructure, and day-to-day life. Remember that in serious emergencies, local governments expect households to be able to sustain themselves without assistance for at least 72 hours. If your local forecast has a winter storm on the horizon, take some time to consider how to best prepare. Many of the leading Canadian insurers offer suggestions about winter safety and how to avoid damage to your home and property, including the following by Travelers Canada:

Check Your Supplies

Make sure you have a snow shovel and some supplies for melting ice to keep your walkways and driveways clear and safe
Depending on how you heat your home, ensure you have a sufficient supply of heating fuel and fuel for your generator, if you have one.
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, keep a supply of dry, seasoned wood in a place well clear of the fire itself.
Have warm clothing and blankets on hand, and stock up on non-perishable food items and necessary medications to last you and your family at least three days.

Prepare for Power Outages

If you think the coming storm may cause a power outage, turn your heat up now and close off any rooms not in use.
Check pipe insulation in your home. If you lose power, run the water at a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.
Charge any battery-powered electronic and communication devices.
Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to stay aware of any change to the weather conditions.
Put your flashlights, batteries, first aid kit and other emergency supplies in a easy to find location.

Stay Warm and Safe

If you are going to rely on a fireplace or wood-burning stove, follow all regular safety precautions and visit our post about keeping your wood-burning stove and chimney in good working order.
Do not use an oven, range, or BBQ as a home heating device.
If you have a generator, only use it outside where there is sufficient ventilation.
Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work properly.
Do not let candles burn unattended, and keep them away from any combustibles. Battery-powered LED lights are a safe, energy efficient alternative to candles.
If your roof has an ice dam prevention system, turn it on before the snow falls.

Stay Inside and Safe

Drive only if you absolutely must, and be sure your car has four snow tires, adequate fuel and an emergency supply kit.
If you go outside to shovel snow, know your limits and don’t overtax yourself.
Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing layers of warm, loose fitting lightweight clothing.
Stay away from downed power lines.
Keep your pets inside or make other suitable arrangements for them.

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Rock & Shoal Marking – Insurance & Risk Management

Ross Fraser — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 15:46:53 +0000

For decades, cottagers have known the wrath of a rock or shoal lurking just below the surface of the water. Many have first-hand experience with some of these natural hazards in our lakes and waterways, with new props and patched hulls to prove it.

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:

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.
Notify all members or property owners of buoy placement and removal dates.
Use the Transport Canada documentation to ensure the buoy used is approved, or refer to FOCA for additional information.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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‘Tis the Season for Winter Tires

Mary Berg — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 17:39:04 +0000

With the festivities of Thanksgiving weekend behind us, like it or not, we are entering the season of snow, sleet, slush, and ice. Along with further preparation for the upcoming holiday season, nearing the top of your list should be a visit to your auto mechanic in order to get your winter tires installed on your car.

While all-season tires proudly proclaim their year-round nature in their name, the soft rubber compound that is specific to winter tires allows for increased contact and therefore traction on the road during the cold days of winter. This improved traction allows for better control and shortened braking distances, ultimately allowing you to practice safe driving techniques with increased ease during rough winter days.

If you are in the market for new winter tires, be sure to speak to a trusted professional in order to obtain the best tires for your vehicle and driving needs.

So pick up a set or dig yours out of storage and make an appointment at your auto mechanic before the real winter rush begins!

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Simple Steps to Prepare your Cottage for Winter

Mary Berg — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:02:41 +0000

The leaves are changing, the nights are chilled, and the mere thought of hopping in the lake sends shivers down your spine: Autumn is here.

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.