Ho! Ho! Home Safety Tips to Ensure a Happy Holiday

TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - With the holiday season underway, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is providing Ontarians with some important safety tips.

"During this very social time of year, it is important to make sure your home is safe for anyone who lives with or visits you. We encourage everyone to review and follow a few safety tips to help keep this season happy, healthy, merry and bright," said Kim Donaldson, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC.

IBC's top 10 Ho! Ho! Home Safety Tips are:

Keep all fresh trees and plants watered.
- This will prevent drying, which can be a fire hazard.
Test and maintain your smoke and CO detectors.
Keep your walkways and stairs clear of snow and ice.
- This will help make sure holiday visitors don't slip and fall.
Create or review your family emergency plan.
Update your emergency kit.
Check your first-aid kit and replace missing supplies.
Update your home inventory.
- This is especially important if you receive expensive gifts this holiday season.
Review your home insurance policy.
- If you have questions, contact your insurance representative. For further information, consumers can contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre.
If you go on vacation, even for a few days, leave the heat on – at an energy-saving setting – and have someone you trust check on your home while you are away.
Regularly run water through all of your plumbing fixtures.

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.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

For further information: To schedule an interview, please contact: Ariella Kimmel, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 416-550-9062 (after hours), akimmel@ibc.ca

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