Don't let these items fall back on your to-do list

IBC Top 10: Things to do around the house as daylight saving time ends

EDMONTON, Oct. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - As most provinces in Western Canada come to the end of daylight saving time this weekend, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding people about maintenance to do around the house as we turn the clocks back.  

"IBC's top 10 list provides a comprehensive list of tasks to tackle around the home as the winter months approach," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western and Pacific Region, IBC. "Taking a few extra minutes to check these items off of your to-do list could help ensure the safety of you and your family over the coming months."

IBC's top 10 things to do as daylight saving time ends are:

1. Test and maintain your smoke detectors.
2. Check your CO detectors.
   • Be sure to have a CO detector on every floor in your home, check that each detector is in working condition (you should check once a month) and make sure detectors are CSA-approved.
3. Review your family's emergency plan.
   • Ensure that you have a plan that works and review it with family members to explain what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.
4. Update your emergency kit.
5. Check your first-aid kit and replace missing supplies.
6. Have your fuel-burning appliances inspected by a trained professional.
   • It's important to have these appliances inspected at the beginning of every heating season.
7. Check your chimney and vents.
   • Have a professional inspect these to ensure that everything is connected and in good condition and that nothing is blocked.
8. Check your car's tire pressure and fluid levels and make sure all lights and signals are working.
9. Update your home inventory.
10. Review your insurance policy.
    • If you have questions, contact your insurance representative. For further information, consumers can contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

Image with caption: "IBC Top 10: Things to do around the house as daylight saving time ends (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141030_C8870_PHOTO_EN_7318.jpg

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (daytime), 647-384-9872 (after hours), [email protected]