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

TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2015 /CNW/ -  This weekend, as daylight saving time comes to an end, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding Ontarians about maintenance to do around the house before winter sets in.  

"The beginning and end of daylight saving time are perfect opportunities to scratch some important items off of your home maintenance to-do list," said Doug DeRabbie, Director, Government Relations, Ontario, IBC. "Using IBC's top 10 list will 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 alarms
   • Clean, test and change the batteries regularly
2. Check your CO detectors
   • Be sure to have a CO detector in working condition on every floor in your home,  (you should check once a month), which is CSA-approved
3. Review your family's emergency plan
   • Ensure that you have a family emergency  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 at 1-844-2ask-IBC

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Ontario or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

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

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

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/20151030_C4886_PHOTO_EN_533350.jpg

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