Heading to the cottage this weekend?

IBC and the FOCA partner up to offer Top 10 Tips

TORONTO, May 12, 2015 /CNW/ - As we head into the long weekend, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations (FOCA) have partnered to provide tips to Ontario cottage-goers for not only a fun long weekend but a safe one as well.

"Many people put a lot of time and effort into making their cottages cozy and fun for the whole family. It is also important to make safety a priority at your cottage," said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "In advance of this long weekend, take some time to review each tip on the list below."

There are approximately 250,000 families with cottages across the beautiful province of Ontario, and each one will host friends and relatives over the coming season.

"People who live and play in rural waterfront Ontario are a self-reliant bunch," noted Terry Rees, Executive Director, FOCA. "We know that we need to look out for our own safety, starting this May long weekend, but all year long as well."

Top 10 Tips for Cottage Safety from IBC and FOCA:

1. Check your car's lights, signals, tire pressure and fluids before the trip to the cottage.
2. Check your first-aid kit and replace any missing supplies.
3. Check and maintain cottage smoke detectors and CO detectors.
4. Check the condition of boat(s), including fuel lines and tanks. Check that all required safety equipment is on board and in good repair.
5. Remove dry leaves and debris from the cottage roof and/or eavestroughs to reduce fire risk.
6. Prepare for extreme weather events – create a family emergency preparedness plan for the cottage.
7. Assemble a disaster safety kit for your cottage and car.
8. Talk to your neighbours – plan ahead for emergencies by identifying vulnerable people and potential community volunteers.
9. Talk to your insurance representative to review your cottage, car and boat coverage.
10. Pass along these tips to friends, family and neighbours.

"Start off the cottage season right by following these tips. And carry on with the habit of checking them throughout the year, to help ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable cottage experience," added Rees.

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.

About FOCA
FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations, with the mission to protect thriving and sustainable waterfronts across Ontario. FOCA envisions a healthy future for waterfront living, and believes everyone has a role to play in securing that future.

For over 50 years, FOCA has been the voice of Ontario's waterways. FOCA is a not-for-profit membership organization representing over 500 volunteer lake associations and 50,000 waterfront property-owning families. Find out more about FOCA's history and current programs here: http://foca.on.ca/about/our-work/.

Visit FOCA online at http://foca.on.ca. Get on the FOCA Elert list for regular e-updates about cottage-country issues, and like FOCA on Facebook. Join us today to become part of the solution for the future of waterfront Ontario! Media enquiries: [email protected] or call 705-749-3622.

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 and FOCA Top 10: Tips for Cottage Safety (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150512_C8945_PHOTO_EN_16545.jpg

To schedule an interview, please contact: Celyeste Power, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, 647-384-9872, [email protected]