Emergency PreparednessThunderbird Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Tick Tock Time to Change

Published October 31, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

It’s time to set our clocks back this Saturday for the end of Daylight Saving Time. The dark side of that extra hour of sleep, is an increase in accidents. ICBC statistics show a 16% increase in the average number of crashes for first two weeks after the change.

Here are ICBC’s tips to help you adjust:

it’s darker and often rainy, making visibility an issue particularly around pedestrians and cyclists – give yourself extra time so you aren’t rushing;
prepare by checking your headlights, tail lights and windshield wiper fluid and wipers as well; and,
keep your regular sleep/wake cycle. Go to bed at the same time you normally would to minimize the affect on your body’s internal clock.

Ever get the feeling your daily commute is in a high crash zone? Click on the map from ICBC to see just where the hot spots are in the region, so you can plan to avoid those high-risk zones.

Information courtesy of ICBC

Back to School for Drivers

Published September 14, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

When doing back to school planning don’t forget to think about sharpening your driving skills. On Vancouver Island an average of 6 children aged 5 – 18 are killed and 690 are injured in the 2,130 crashes that happen annually. Car crashes are the top preventable cause of death for BC children and youth.

Homework for Drivers:

Watch for school zones – on school days from 8am – 5pm the maximum speed limit there is 30km/hr
Plan for safety when dropping off – kids should exit the car on the sidewalk side only and if they have to cross the street make sure there is a light or crosswalk nearby
Be aware of school buses – vehicles on both sides of the road must stop when lights are flashing

Homework for Kids & Parents

Be aware – remove headphones and focus on the road, not electronics, when crossing the street
Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street to confirm drivers see you and only cross at marked intersections and crosswalks
Dress to be seen – bright colours are more than fashion smart, they make you visible on dark days

Click the following links for more information from ICBC on school programs and safety tips.

Renting Peace of Mind

Published September 2, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

Whether you’re generating extra income by renting a room or portion of your home – or renting in order to save up for your first home purchase – there are lots of things to think about. When doing so, don’t forget to keep in mind the role that insurance plays in keeping you protected.

As a landlord:

Inform your insurance broker in writing before your new tenant/student moves in. Failure to do so may void your home insurance policy.
Your policy only covers your property, contents and personal liability for yourself, spouse and dependents – not your tenant’s or boarder’s

As a tenant, renters insurance:

covers the replacement of your items in case of loss
covers transition costs like food, shelter, moving expenses after the insured incident
protects you and your family from lawsuits in case any damage or harm to the building, guests or other building residents is blamed on you
some landlords will request to see a copy of your insurance as part of their policy requirements

For more information on the Residential Tenancy Act click here.

Information courtesy of the Insurance Bureau of Canada

Keeping your Car Safe

Published August 5, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

You’ve locked the doors at home and turned on the alarm as you take off for a summer day trip or vacation. Next step is to put in place a few safety protocols to keep your car and your belongings you’re traveling with safe by avoiding break-ins:

remove expensive items from your car and carry them with you;
if you need to stow items in the trunk or other hidden area make sure you do so well before you reach your destination – never do so in the parking garage or lot in full view of any potential thieves;
and, park in well-lit areas, near pedestrian traffic.

Keep your vehicle safe by keeping the gadgets on the Top 10 Items on the shopping list for potential car thieves well out of sight.

Click here to review the list of the top 10 vehicles stolen in BC in 2013 according to ICBC.

Spreading Like Wildfire

Published July 5, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

Ironically, despite the saying, the one thing you don’t want spreading is an actual wildfire. Here are a few things you can do to protect our wilderness and the nearby homes:

obey all fire restrictions from campfires to outside fire pots – never leave a fire unattended inside or outdoors;
keep your yard well-mowed, clean of needles, underbrush and prune low branches to at least 2.5 metres above the ground;
woodpiles and other flammable material should be at least 10m (uphill not downhill) from your home;
ensure your family or employees know the evacuation routes, where fire extinguishers, hoses or shovels are located for minor fires;
plan ahead, in your home or office make sure in an emergency there are at least two ways out;
and, keep an inventory or video of all your belongings in a fireproof container alone with other important documents. There is always the pre-employment screening for new hires and know if they hire the right candidates.

Check your insurance policy now to ensure it adequately covers all belongings, property and buildings against fire damage. As fire insurance is readily available in B.C., provincial disaster financial assistance does not apply to fire damage. Click here for more info on wildfires and tips from Emergency Management BC on fire safety.

Shaking up BC’s Ideas on Earthquakes

Published June 6, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

Each year, more than 1,200 earthquakes are recorded in BC. Although many of those quakes are minor, BC has recently experienced quakes up to 7.7 on the Richter scale in the Haidi Gwaii region. To put that into perspective the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti measured at 7.0.

Recent studies of the Cascadia Subduction Zone (Vancouver Island to Northern California) have moved potential earthquake epicentres as much as 55km closer to Victoria and Vancouver than previous reports. Based on recent models, depending on the severity and location of a major earthquake, insured losses could be as high as $100 billion dollars with 20% of those losses centred in Seattle and Vancouver. And actual economic damage would be 4x that figure.

Earthquake insurance is just the start to putting together what to do in case an earthquake occurs. Plan to keep your family and business safe and protected. Doublecheck what your earthquake insurance does and doesn’t cover and plan accordingly. Put together an emergency kit both at home and at the office that has what you need to look after yourself and your family for at least 72 hours.

Tips on what to do

During an earthquake… drop, cover and hold on
If you are inside, stay inside. DO NOT run outside or to other rooms during shaking.
DROP down onto your hands and knees (before the earthquake knocks you down). This position protects you from falling, but allows you to still move if necessary.
COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, only then should you get down near an interior wall (or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you), and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.

For more details on both earthquakes and tsunamis, the BC Government has a user-friendly smart manual for you and your family.

On the Road Again

Published May 26, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

One of the guaranteed signs of summer is the start of Bike to Work Week. It also signals an increase in two-wheeled traffic on the roads. Over the last five years, Vancouver Island has had an average of 280 incidents involving vehicle/bike collisions. We can reduce that, but everyone needs to do their part to keep our roadways safe.

Your best bet for a safe and successful commute includes these cycling safety tips:

Drivers when turning right, shoulder check and signal well in advance. Yield to cyclists;
Drivers and passengers check for oncoming cyclists before opening car doors;
Cyclists proper safety equipment such as a good helmet, reflective gear and lights both back and front on your cycle are more than a good idea – they are legal requirements;
Cyclists choose bike lanes/paths or routes with reduced traffic when possible;
And, both cyclists and drivers should be familiar with hand signals and follow all the rules of the road.

Looking for more tips? ICBC’s Bike Smarts Guide is a great resource.

Think you’re ready? Take ICBC’s RoadSense Tips test.

Travel Insurance

Published January 10, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

Where are you off to? If it is outside the province, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance along with your passport and sunscreen.

Think you’re covered? Don’t forget to ask these key questions before you lock the door:
•   How many days out of country does your policy cover?
•   What occurs if your medical emergency happens due to a pre-existing condition?
•   Is your policy void if you do certain activities or travel to certain countries?
•   Is your entire family covered while traveling with you?
•   Are you covered for an emergency trip home?
•   What are the maximums and deductibles and the 24 hour emergency number?
•   And what documentation is required for a claim?

Enjoy your time away, we look forward to getting your postcard telling us how much fun you had.

Source: A guide to travel health insurance by the Canadian Life & Health Insurance Association Inc.

Emergency Preparedness

Published January 6, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

Listed below are some links to help guide for additional information regarding the different types of insurance and helpful tips such as protecting your home, insuring your automobile and emergency preparedness

Insurance

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness
Fire Commissioner
How to prevent fire in your home
Home Safety Kit Recommendations – CRD, Provincial and Red Cross

Emergency Management Planning in B.C.

Multi-agency hazard plans for B.C. are prepared and updated regularly by Emergency Management BC to ensure an effective strategy is in place to address many possible types of emergencies and disasters. These plans foster cooperation among multiple organizations focusing on public safety, infrastructure and property protection and managing the aftermath of events.
For more information about provincial hazard planning click here…

Emergency Preparedness for Your Family

Each year, thousands of people face emergency situations that could change their lives forever. Don’t be caught off-guard. Know the hazards in your area and take the time to assemble your family emergency kit.

During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Emergency services may not be readily available, as increasing demands are placed on responders. It may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in most critical need. As well, access to phones, gas, water, sewer and electrical services may be cut off. Learn More…

Water Damage

Published January 6, 2014 | By Thunderbird Insurance

Water damage can strike unexpectedly and often results in expensive repair bills. Current estimates indicate that the Canadian insurance industry pays $1.7 billion each year in claims due to water damage.

What can you do to protect yourself? Global warming, house on a lifebelt, rising sea levels, flooding

Going away?
If it is for more than three days, have someone check your property. In the winter, drain the plumbing or have someone check daily that the heat is still on in your home. Get someone from Magna Mechanical to help you.

Location, Location, Location
Store important documents and irreplaceable personal items away from flood-prone areas. Keep hazardous materials like paint, oil and cleaning supplies out of the basement. Have an emergency preparedness kit for each person and/or pet in your household in an easily accessible location to help you get through the first 72 hours of a disaster.

Backup Plans
Create an emergency plan for your family, including where you would go if your home was flooded.

If the area in which you live is prone to flooding or sewer backups click here for a few tips that could keep your home safer.

Courtesy of the Insurance Bureau of Canada

Don’t forget to doublecheck your homeowner’s policy. Sewer backup is not automatically covered on all policies. If you’re not sure, contact us and we’ll review and make recommendations to make sure that you’re covered.