Lakeshore Advance, 2013-05-15, Page 2222 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Study finds Canadians are not ready for emergencies
NewsCanada
(NC) --According to a survey from
Allstate Insurance Company of Can-
ada, almost half (42 per cent) of Cana-
dians say they are not prepared for a
catastrophe, even though 86 per cent of
those surveyed say they understand
the importance of preparation.
"Even the safest Canadian commu-
nities are at risk of severe weather like
heavy winds and thunderstorms that
can cause power outages and water
damage, especially in the spring," says
Rich Zamperin, vice-president of
claims at Allstate Canada. 'Ihe resulting
damage to a home can be devastating.
Zamperin says there are many ways
homeowners can be proactive against
severe weather. "Emergency prepared-
ness goes beyond stocking the emer-
gency kit. Advance preparation can
help protect your family and reduce
damage to your home and property,"
he says.
'1'o help fortify your home before
severe weather hits, take a look at these
valuable ideas from allstate.ca:
• Disconnect the downspout, add a
backflow valve -- '1'o help prevent
wastewater from backing up into the
home during a heavy rainstorm, cut the
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p wheel control.
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reGEQUIPMENT
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Tel: 519-236-4934
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downspout 23 cm from the sewer connection, cap
the sewer standpipe and connect a spout exten-
sion to run water away from the house. Also,
install a backflow valve where the sewer exits the
home to protect it from water backup.
• Backup electricity — If you live in an area
prone to power outages, invest in a home genera-
tor. A back-up generator can only be connected
through an approved transfer panel switch
installed by an electrician. Keep an extra cell
000
phone charged as well.
• Reinforce and protect the roof — Strengthen
the exterior of a home by installing shingles that
are rated high for wind impact and resistance.
Check that EIVAC units, skylights and pipes are
secured tightly and won't blow off. Replace an
untreated wood shake roof with fire resilient
materials like metal, tile, asphalt and treated
shakes.
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Optlmlze your air
condltloning system
NewsCanada
(NC)—Switching your thermostat from
"heat" to "cool" is usually a sign that
summer is fast approaching and it is time
to start thinking about your central air
conditioning system. According to a
recent national survey from the Heating,
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Insti-
tute (1-IRAI), only 16 per cent of Canadians
bother to make sure their air conditioner
is working at optimal capacity. While a
yearly check-up is best left to a qualified
contractor, there are some things home-
owners can do to avoid an ill -tithed
malfunction of their central air condition-
ing system, as follows:
• (:lean or replace the furnace filter. The
air conditioner needs the furnace to circu-
late the air and a dirty filter circulates dust
and other particles throughout the hoose,
cutting down on a furnace's efficiency.
• 'Che thermostat should he set below
the room temperature and not set for
cooling below 20 degrees Celsius which
can cause a multitude of problems with
your air --conditioner, including freezing
01). Ideally, set the thermostat to 25.5 (:
when at hone; 29 (: when away.
• 'Turn the humidifier off during the
summer cooling season. Leaving the
humidifier on will only increase the
cooling Toad and force the air conditioner
to work harder.
• (:lose your drapes or shades on sunny
days and ensure all windows in the house
are closed.
• Close off vents in any unused rooms.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate the air.
• Book a qualified professional to snake
sure your air conditioning system is
operating safely and efficiently. This is
done by calling I IRA( toll-free at 1-877-
467-4724. More information is also
available online at www.hrai.ca.
Some government agencies and utilities
offer incentives and rebates for home-
owners to maintain or replace their air
conditioning units. information on these
programs can be found online at www.
hral.ca/rebatesincentives.
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