Spring Forward: A time to be smart and be safe with home safety tips from IBC

VANCOUVER, March 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Most Canadians will reach for their clocks this weekend as we "spring forward" an hour for Daylight Savings Time which takes effect at 2:00 am this Sunday, March 11, 2012.

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) wants to urge Canadians to not only change their clocks this weekend, but to put home safety at top of mind. While Saskatchewan does not observe Daylight Savings Time, it is still a good time of the year to review these safety tips.

"By remembering to get into the habit of creating a safety checklist for your home twice a year as Daylight Savings Time approaches, you can help protect you and your family from potential dangers," says Lindsay Olson, Vice President, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba with IBC.

Here is a helpful safety checklist from IBC to consider:

•Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, once the batteries are replaced, test these safety devices to ensure they work properly.
•Prepare or restock an emergency supply kit for your home.
•Prepare or restock an emergency supply kit for your vehicle.
•Check home, yard and shed for hazardous materials and carefully discard any that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition.

Each year in Canada, fire leads to loss of life and property. Much of this tragedy could have been prevented by simple safety checks like ensuring your smoke detectors are working by replacing dead batteries.

"For many Canadians, their home is the biggest investment they will make. Why not also invest in the safety of your home, especially since it only takes a few dollars and a couple of minutes," says Olson.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

Helen Lialias
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 ext. 4312
[email protected]