Ensuring the safety and security of your home is a crucial responsibility. By understanding common risks and taking proactive measures, you can protect your most valuable assets. Here, we’ll explore various ways to identify, assess, and manage risks in and around your home so you can enjoy peace of mind.

Know your risks and responsibilities
While it's impossible to prevent every event that could affect your property, there are steps you can take to minimize the costs associated with loss or damage. Your insurance broker can help you find the right coverage to suit your needs, protecting you and your family from financial risks.

It's also important to be aware of the risks you may encounter as a homeowner or tenant. By proactively managing risks, you can:
 

• Protect people from harm.

• Mitigate risks to your property.

• Safeguard your valuables.

• Protect the environment.

• Reduce your liabilities.

• Clearly define your specific insurance needs.

Consider creating and maintaining a home inventory list of your belongings. Use our home inventory form to get started.

Property risks
You can do many things to identify and address common property risks throughout the year. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your home – both indoors and outdoors:
 

• Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Avoid storing important documents and valuables in areas that may be prone to flooding, such as your basement.

• Ensure all plumbing fixtures are in good working condition, and regularly test the plumbing shut-off valves.

• Install backflow valves on drains, toilets, and other sewer connections.

• Clean and empty the lint trap in your dryer after each use, and clean the dryer vent annually.

• Have your furnace inspected annually, and clean or replace air filters regularly.

• Install a sump pump and ensure it's working correctly; consider a backup power source in case of a power outage.

• Keep all floor drains clear of obstructions.

• Inspect your roof for any signs of water damage.

• Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of debris and direct water away from your property.

• Cut back any tree branches that are too close to your home and electrical wires.

• Ensure proper grading around your home, sloping away from the foundation.

• Secure loose patio furniture and barbecues ahead of an approaching windstorm.

• After a storm, check catch basins on the street to ensure they're not obstructed.

• If you'll be away for an extended time, ask someone to check your home daily or every few days, depending on your insurance policy's conditions.

Personal liability risks
Did you know you could be liable if someone is injured on your property? Whether you own or rent your home, you can be held personally responsible for any bodily injury or property damage unintentionally caused to others. It’s important to take steps to prevent or reduce the risk of potential injuries on your property.

Prevent slips, trips, and falls
As a homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining the safety of stairs, walkways, and driveways. If you don’t keep your property free from hazards, you could be liable for any slips, trips, or falls that occur.

Before hosting an event or having visitors, be sure to address these common home hazards:
 

1. Steps, slopes, and gaps. Repair any sudden changes in elevation, surface cracks, or gaps on your property. If you’re a tenant, notify the property owner. Condo owners should report issues like uneven sidewalks to their condo administration.
2. Slippery surfaces. Use non-slip floor coverings over slippery surfaces such as wet or tiled floors.
3. Stair handrails. Repair or replace any loose or missing stair handrails.
4. Debris. Clear any debris from walking paths, such as slippery, wet leaves.
5. Lighting. Ensure that all areas are adequately lit.

Understanding your liquor liability as a host
Whether you're a homeowner, condo owner, or tenant, you may be held responsible for your guests' actions – even after they leave – if you serve them alcohol or cannabis.

Here are five tips to help keep everyone safe:
 

1. Ask who the designated driver is when guests arrive.
2. Ensure there are plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options available.
3. Stop serving alcohol or cannabis several hours before you expect guests to leave, and start serving coffee, tea, or water.
4. Keep cash on hand for taxis, and consider having an extra bedroom ready for any last-minute overnight guests.
5. Keep an eye on your guests, and don't hesitate to ask for someone's keys if you're concerned about their ability to drive safely.

What to do if you experience loss or damage
Knowing how to respond to loss or damage and how to make a home insurance claim can help you stay calm during stressful situations.
 

• Make sure to document any loss or damage to your property thoroughly.
• If you have questions about your coverage or need to make a claim, contact your insurance representative. They’re there to assist you and provide guidance throughout the process.

If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-494-0090 to review your existing home insurance policy. If you're not insured with OTIP and are shopping for home insurance, call us at 1-888-892-4935 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!