Advice and prevention

In Quebec, water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims. Here are a few tips that could save you a lot of trouble.

• Remove leaves and other debris from the gutters at least once a year (late fall).
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Examine your home’s foundation and repair any cracks in it.
• Make sure the asphalt shingles on your home’s roof are not deteriorated, worn, or corrugated.
• Consider connecting your plumbing and heating systems to a 24-hour alarm station.
• Check the condition of silicone seals in bathtubs, showers, and sinks.
• In the basement, store your items in plastic containers on high shelves.
• After a heavy rain or rapid snow melt, look for water infiltration.
• Check your sewer line valve to make sure it is working properly.

Fires are very often major incidents, so be sure to take extra precautions to avoid them:

• Make sure you have enough smoke detectors for the size of your property.
• Make sure you change the batteries in your smoke detector regularly.
• Before leaving your home, make a quick list of hazardous items such as alternative heat sources, the oven, candles, etc.
• If you light a candle, be sure to place it near the front door if you must leave soon, you’re less likely to forget it.
• In the kitchen, if certain practices are riskier, such as frying, consider moving that operation outside.
• Consider linking your fire protection system with your alarm system, so you’ll never run out of batteries and the control panel can be contacted directly.
• Make sure you leave enough clearing space for your entire electric heating system.
• Avoid using objects that produce extra heat while you sleep, such as electric blankets.
• If you have a chimney, be sure to clean it annually.
• During the summer season, make sure to respect the fire ratings for campfires and extinguish the campfire before returning indoors.

Finally, make sure you have a fire plan in case of emergency. Where does your family gather? What should you do?

Theft and break-ins are unfortunately more common than we would like to believe. Here are some tips to ensure that your property is adequately protected:

• Be sure to have your locks and keys changed when you move into a new property, you don’t know who still has a key.
• When you leave the house, make sure you lock not only your doors, but also your windows, especially those in the basement and on the first floor.
• Avoid leaving valuable possessions in plain sight.
• Get visit stickers from a security system installer, just stick them in your doors and windows.
• Get a sign indicating that you have a dog or surveillance cameras.
• Get an alarm system if you can.
• Consider surveillance cameras.
• In dark areas of your property, consider installing a motion-activated light.
• Avoid hiding a key outside, specifically under your doormat or in a flowerpot near the entrance.
• When leaving for an extended period, be sure to ask a neighbor to keep an eye out and avoid mentioning your departure on your social media, wait until you return.

Finally, in case of theft, do not hesitate to call the police.