IBC and FOCA Offer Cottage Weekend Safety Tips

Toronto, ON (May 14, 2015) – As we head into the summer’s first long weekend, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) have partnered to provide tips to cottage-goers in Ontario and Canada-wide for not only a fun weekend but a safe one as well.

“Many people put a lot of time and effort into making their cottages cozy and fun for the whole family. It is also important to make safety a priority at your cottage,” said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. “In advance of this long weekend, take some time to review each tip on the list below.”

There are approximately 250,000 families with cottages across the beautiful province of Ontario, and each one will host friends and relatives over the coming season.

“People who live and play in rural waterfront Ontario are a self-reliant bunch,” noted Terry Rees, Executive Director, FOCA. “We know that we need to look out for our own safety, starting this May long weekend, but all year long as well.”

IBC & FOCA’s top 10 tips for cottage safety are as follows:

  • 1. Check your car’s lights, signals, tire pressure and fluids before the trip to the cottage.
  • 2. Check your first-aid kit and replace any missing supplies.
  • 3. Check and maintain cottage smoke detectors and CO detectors.
  • 4. Check the condition of boat(s), including fuel lines and tanks. Check that all required safety equipment is on board and in good repair.
  • 5. Remove dry leaves and debris from the cottage roof and/or eavestroughs to reduce fire risk.
  • 6. Prepare for extreme weather events – create a family emergency preparedness plan for the cottage.
  • 7. Assemble a disaster safety kit for your cottage and car.
  • 8. Talk to your neighbours – plan ahead for emergencies by identifying vulnerable people and potential community volunteers.
  • 9. Talk to your insurance representative to review your cottage, car and boat coverage.
  • 10. Pass along these tips to friends, family and neighbours.

“Start off the cottage season right by following these tips. And carry on with the habit of checking them throughout the year, to help ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable cottage experience,” added Rees.

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 more information, visit www.ibc.ca.

About FOCA

FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, with the mission to protect thriving and sustainable waterfronts across Ontario. FOCA envisions a healthy future for waterfront living, and believes everyone has a role to play in securing that future.

For over 50 years, FOCA has been the voice of Ontario’s waterways. FOCA is a not-for-profit membership organization representing over 500 volunteer lake associations and 50,000 waterfront property-owning families. Find out more about FOCA’s history and current programs here: http://foca.on.ca/about/our-work/.

Visit FOCA online at foca.on.ca.

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada