Ease your headache in the
event of a claim:

Take photos of the contents of your home and store them offsite or printed on paper in a fire safe.
Keep receipts of large ticket items, and keep important papers like your insurance policy in a fire safe as well.
You can also visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s web site to download their latest Home Inventory Software!

What to Do When A Loss Occurs:

Contact the appropriate persons regarding an emergency or criminal loss (ex. Fire department or Police).
Take any reasonable measures to secure the property and prevent further loss.
Contact your broker or insurance company to report the claim as soon as possible.
Do not replace items or fix damage (except for emergency repairs) until an adjuster has been out to assess the situation. Doing so may affect the outcome of the claim.

Use all electrical and mechanical equipment as directed. When removing an electrical plug from an outlet, do not pull by the cord.
Store fuels, solvents and all other flammable materials away from sources of heat and light, and in appropriate containers.
Use fire screens around open fires, and never leave any flame unattended (including candles, fireplaces and barbecues).
Never use any fuels to accelerate a fire.
Keep all heating equipment and appliances at a distance from walls and personal belongings.
Take care when discarding cigarettes and matches. Do not smoke in bed or in the vicinity of flammables.
Adhere to the maximum wattage guidelines on lamps and light fixtures.
Clean chimneys often.
If a fire starts in an oven or microwave, close the door to starve it of oxygen.
Use a fire extinguisher, tight-fitting cover or baking soda/powder to extinguish grease fires. Do not use water - this will spread the flames.
Plan escape exits, and make sure your family and babysitters know them.
Get a permit when making any structural changes to your home.
Periodically make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.

Install a backwater valve and a sump pit drainage system. A functioning backwater valve closes when sewage backs up from the main sewer and prevents it from backing up through drains or toilets, and a sump pit system drains water collected from your weeping tiles. A permit must be obtained when installing, and a licensed plumbing contractor is recommended.
Check and maintain your backwater valve and sump pit drainage system regularly. Clear them of any debris and make sure they are working properly. Improve drainage around your house. Build up the ground around your home and extend

downspouts to allow water to flow away from your basement walls.

Clean your eavestroughs regularly. Call the City of Winnipeg regarding the Lot Grading By-law to ensure that any planned drainage improvements do not affect neighbours or grading near the property line, including sump pit drainage.

Only bring debit and credit cards you need when shopping.
Keep track of what you spend, and check bank and credit card statements regularly for discrepancies.
Protect your PIN numbers and passwords.
Review your credit report annually so that you can identify any abnormal activity. You can order a free report from Equifax or from TransUnion.
Shred statements, bills and direct mail.
Only shop on secure web sites. A secure web site is identified by a locked padlock symbol in your Internet browser.
Do not give out your personal information to anyone you do not know, especially if they have contacted you without your request. If in doubt, do not give out any information.

When going away on a trip, make sure you have arranged for regular maintenance (for example, having your mail picked up or having grass cut). Leave a light on in the home, or use a timer for inconsistency.
Keep window coverings closed when you are not at home.
Keep valuables out of sight. If possible, keep them locked in a safe or in a deposit box. Hiding valuables is not recommended – once one hidden item has been discovered, a burglar will be aware that this a method you use.
Maintain visible entry points. Prune trees and shrubbery that would otherwise allow someone to sneak about unseen.
Do not dispose of large ticket item packaging or other items of interest in a conspicuous manner.
Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior in your neighbourhood, and advise your neighbours to do the same.