ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS

Electrical Safety Tips
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Opening and Closing Your Cottage

There are a few areas you should check off every time you open and close your seasonal home. In general, it's important to look at security, your electrical system, and your water system.

Closing your seasonal home

Security
Security in the off-season can sometimes be a problem. There are a number of steps you can take to help protect your seasonal home and its contents:

* If you have any neighbours who stay there year-round, ask them to watch your home. Perhaps they could park a car in the driveway to help make the home look occupied
* If you leave the electricity on, you can use portable timers to turn lights on and off at specific times
* To enhance security around the house, install outdoor motion sensors that flood the selected area with light whenever movement is detected
* You can also choose to have outdoor lights automatically go on at night and off at dawn by installing photoelectric cells
* Consider a security system that is monitored by a reputable local security firm. A basic system offers protection against burglaries. More sophisticated systems include smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have such a system, inform your security company when you are leaving for the off-season and ensure they have your contact information
* Tightly close your fireplace damper to prevent animals from getting in through the chimney

Electrical system
Some people choose to shut off electricity to their home in the off-season by throwing the main switch at the fuse box. If you do this, be sure to turn off all major appliances, your water heater, and electrical room heaters before you turn off the main switch. This will ensure a smoother and safer start-up when you re-open your home.

If you leave your electricity on to operate security systems or lighting, you should:

* Turn off the power supply to your major appliances at your main panel
* Turn off the power supply to any space heaters. Otherwise they may turn on during cold weather

Water system
Turn off the power to your hot water tank and drain it. Here are the steps to follow:

* Remove fuses or shut off main breaker to disconnect power to your water heater
* Open hot water tap at the sink. Tap must be at a higher level than the tank
* Attach a hose to the tank's drain valve located at the bottom of the tank and direct hose towards basement drain or outdoors.Opening to drain or outdoors must be lower than drain valve to siphon out the water
* Open drain valve and drain tank completely. Once tank is completely drained, remove hose and close drain valve
* If you're closing the house for the winter, shut off the water to the house and drain the cold water from all the taps. This will prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting

Opening your seasonal home

Security

* Call your security company to let them know that you are back
* Check your home for any signs of damage or vandalism

Electrical system

* Visually inspect your hydro meter and power lines for damage. If a power line is down or damaged, stay clear and call Hydro One Networks power outage and emergency number immediately at 1-800-434-1235
* Inspect visible wiring to outdoor lighting fixtures, water pumps and other equipment. If wires are damaged, remove the fuse to that circuit or turn off the circuit breaker, and call a qualified electrician
* Check all household appliance cords. If damaged, unplug the appliance and do not use it until the cord is replaced
* If your electrical panel uses fuses, make sure they are screwed in tightly and that you have spares. Don't use fuses higher than 15 amps in normal receptacle and lighting circuits

Water system

* Make sure drain valve at bottom of water tank


More Tips for Your Home or Cottage

Whether it's a a small change of habit like switching off unnecessary lights, or a big decision like buying a new fridge, Hydro One can show you how to get the most out of every electricity dollar.

Thinking of buying new appliances or lighting? Get details on the Ontario government's extended Retail Sales Tax (RST) exemption for certain ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, light bulbs and decorative strings of lights purchased after July 19, 2007 and before August 31, 2009. The point-of-sale PST exemption for bicycles (and related safety equipment) purchased for $1,000 or less has been extended to December 31, 2010. Learn more about ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances from the Ministry of Energy.
http://www.hydroonenetworks.com/en/about/

Learn more about the PST exemption for bicycles from the Ministry of Revenue.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/notices/rst/61.html

Find out about Natural Resources Canada's ecoENERGY Retrofit program and other grant programs for Ontario homeowners.
Learn how to receive grants of up to $5,000 through the Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program.
Did you know that as much as 80% of your total household energy costs go into space and water heating? Find out where the rest of your energy dollars go.
Use our Appliance Calculator to see how much electricity your household appliances use on a typical day.
Read our household heating and cooling strategies.
http://www.hydroonenetworks.com/en/efficiency/

Switch to Cold water when washing your laundry - and save!
Switch & Save even more by using compact fluorescent light bulbs
Find out how to reduce your electricity bill by Net Metering your own renewable energy technology, such as a windmill or solar panel.

Check List For Crime Prevention

Burglary Prevention and Personal Safety

Burglars go through neighborhoods looking for uncut lawns and stuffed mailboxes. In the evening they look for darkened houses or lights that have been left on too long.



1. Don't tempt a thief

·Lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecues and bicycles should be stored out of sight.

·Always lock your garden shed and garage.

·Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

·Never leave notes on your door such as "gone shopping".



2. Get the best locks

·No lock, regardless of its quality, can be completely effective. Key-in-lock knobs provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for advice on your particular property.

·Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.

·When moving into a new home, have all locks changed



3. Outside

·Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for side and backyards.

·Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.

·Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.



4. Windows

·Pin your windows for security.

·Drill a 3/16" hole on a slightly downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame, and place a nail in the hole to secure the window.



5. Alarms

·Ensure that you are adequately alarmed to give you peace of mind. Alarms are excellent for home security. for an analysis, and installation and monitoring of your alarm requirements.



6. Mark your property

·Your chances of recovery of stolen property are increased if they are marked. Eighty percent of stolen items recovered by police cannot be identified and returned to owners. Burglars do not like property that is marked because it is hard to sell.

·Record serial numbers and descriptions of your possessions.

·Obtain an electric engraving pencil from police, and engrave your driver's license or Social Insurance Number on your possessions.

·Obtain an identifiable decal for application to your door or window which states that you participate in the police's "Operation Identification" program. This means that your items are registered with the police, and is a deterrent for would-be thieves. Call the police for more information.



7. At home

·Use a wide-angled peephole in your outside door, so you can see a person outside without being seen inside.

·Chain locks provide a false sense of security, because they are typically mounted with short screws, and also have weak chains. They are not recommended.

·Use a door wedge (found at most hardware stores) instead of a chain lock, to facilitate opening the door a few inches to speak to a stranger. This device is useful for children and women who are home alone.

·Use a smoke alarm and a CO alarm, and test them and replace batteries regularly.



8. When going on vacation

·Ensure that all points of entry are secured, particularly windows.

·Use light timers which will give your property the appearance of occupancy.

·Tell trusted neighbors how long you will be gone and who might be visiting your home during your absence.

·Leave a phone number with a relative or neighbour in case of emergency.

·Place valuable jewelery, coin collections and documents in a safety deposit box or burglary-proof safe.

·Have somebody pick up your mail and newspapers, or discontinue deliveries.

·Have someone mow your lawn or shovel your snow.

·Leave a car in your driveway. If you do not have a spare car, borrow one, or ask a neighbour to park in your driveway.

·Consider a house sitter.

·Contact your insurance company. It may provide home checks for vacationers.



9. Personal security

·Walk assertively. Street criminals often choose their victims at random, preying on people who appear easily intimidated and vulnerable. Assertive body language can help prevent assault. Look as though you may cause an uproar if bothered.

·Walk with a companion. The old "safety in numbers" cliche is as accurate as ever. When you walk with a companion, continue to be AWARE and ALERT.

·Stick to well-lit walkways. Avoid sidewalks where shrubs, alleys and dark doorways can hide attackers.

·Protect yourself in a crowd. In a crowd, wear your purse over your shoulder with the opening toward your body. If someone grabs it, let go. Put wallets in a front pants pocket or your jacket. If you feel that you are being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. Walk or run quickly to a well-lit shop or where crowds of people can help if needed. DO NOT GO HOME. You don't want to let an attacker know where you live.

·When using an elevator, be with friends or family. Stand close to the door and near the control with your back against a wall. If a situation arises press the alarm button and press as many floor buttons as possible. This will afford more opportunities for escape.

·Avoid giving out personal information on the telephone. Never say that you are alone. Discourage obscene callers by using the "no reaction" tactic and hang up immediately. If you receive another call, notify Bell Canada or your other local telephone company and report the incident to the police.



10. Apartment security

·Report suspicious persons to the building superintendent and/or police.

·When the buzzer rings, check the identity of the caller before opening the door. Refer unknown persons to the superintendent.

·Do not identify yourself as a female living alone; use only your initials on the building directory.

·Secure sliding doors on the balcony with "jimmy bars".

·Use more than one lock on the door.

·Use peepholes, door wedges and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.



11. At the cottage

·Leaving property unattended along a shoreline is inviting loss. Outboard motors, fishing tackle, and other recreational items can easily be stolen from boats, docks or cottage lawns by criminals.

·When securing the cottage for the winter, remove as many valuables as is practical. If year-round neighbors live nearby, ask them to keep an eye on your cottage for signs of suspicious activity. Visit the cottage at least once during the winter months.



12. Security at work

·Never leave handbags on desks or wallets in coat pockets in your absence. Take them with you. If a locker is provided for you at work, use it and lock it. Keep the key or combination with you or in a secure place.

·If you handle money at work, always keep it in a safe place. Don't leave petty cash in an unlocked drawer during the day. At night, put it in the safe or remove it from the building altogether.

·Be careful with keys. Don't put spares in an unlocked drawer.

·Lock windows in your absence. This is easy to forget, especially in the summertime, and a thief can come and go in a matte of minutes.

·Never assume that a stranger wandering in the building is an employee. Even a simple "can I help you" can discourage the dishonest without interfering with the legitimate visitor.

·Never leave callers alone in the office. Check by telephone to see if someone can see the caller.



13. Insurance

·Check your policy, and make sure that you are adequately covered.

·Photograph and compile a list of the contents of your home, room by room, and your valuable items, such as jewelery, silverware, figurines, paintings, electronic equipment, etc. Keep these photos and the list in a safe, fireproof place.

·Some insurance companies offer a discount if additional security measures are taken.

·Check your policy for the number of home visits required while you are on vacation.



14. Your neighborhood

·Get involved. Volunteer to help on community and neighbourhood anti-crime committees and other community improvement efforts.

·Encourage groups that you belong to (e.g. religious, civic, social) to help stop crime.

·Report crimes and suspicious activities to police. Agree to testify when necessary. Stand up for what you believe in if you want a safe community.

·Know your neighbors and agree to look out for each other.

·Set up a Neighborhood Watch or community patrol, working with police.

·Make sure your streets are well lit. Call your local government if you think your street is not well lit.

·Clean up the neighborhood. Involve everyone. Graffiti, litter, abandoned cars and run-down buildings tell criminals that you don't care about where you live or about each other. Call your local public works department and ask for help cleaning up.



Tips recommended by the Ontario Crime Control Commission

Closing Up the Cottage for the Winter


Now that the lazy days of summer are over, Canadians are getting ready to close up the cottage for the winter. Although every cottage is different and every cottage owner’s closing checklist is different, here are some basics to keep in mind.

Water Supply

If your cottage is not winterized, you can take steps to prevent your water supply line from freezing during the winter. You don't want to arrive there next spring to discover the consequences of not having drained the pipes before you close up this fall. Frozen pipes can burst, causing damage and meaning you’ll have no running water.

Pipes can be fully drained when you're closing up the cottage. The water supply line can be filled with non-toxic anti-freeze made especially for supply pipes. And pipes that are carefully wrapped at key junction points are better protected against the cold.

As part of your maintenance routine you should also check the inside of your hot water holding tank for residue that can affect water quality and get caught in the faucet screen. Also, you should have your water analyzed regularly by a lab to ensure its quality, especially if the water suddenly shows a yellow or brown tinge. A filtration system can significantly increase the purity level and lessen the wear-and-tear on your cottage water system.

This is also the ideal time to thoroughly check your plumbing and faucets after a summer's wear-and-tear.
Wildlife

Damages from small animals such as mice and squirrels are a concern to cottage owners. Avoid using poisons to keep out these critters that love to move in when you move out. You should remove all food from cottage before you close it. Bats, mice and squirrels can wiggle in through the smallest of holes. Inspect the building inside and out to make sure there are no small openings for them to enter. Place a wooden cover on the chimney to discourage birds and small animals from entering, and to stop any rain or snow. Tightly close your fireplace damper to prevent animals from getting in.

Electrical system

Some people choose to shut off electricity to their home in the off-season by throwing the main switch at the fuse box. If you do this, be sure to turn off all major appliances, your water heater, and electrical room heaters before you turn off the main switch. This will ensure a smoother and safer start-up when you re-open your home.

If you leave your electricity on to operate security systems or lighting, you should turn off the power supply to your major appliances at your main panel. Turn off the power supply to any space heaters. Otherwise they may turn on during cold weather.

To ensure the stove, fridge and other electrical equipment are not used in your absence, remove fuses and hide them in a safe place.

Visually inspect your hydro metre and power lines for damage. If a power line is down or damaged, stay clear and call your Hydro Company. Inspect visible wiring to outdoor lighting fixtures, water pumps and other equipment. If wires are damaged, remove the fuse to that circuit or turn off the circuit breaker, and call a qualified electrician.

Check all household appliance cords. If damaged, unplug the appliance and do not use it until the cord is replaced. If your electrical panel uses fuses, make sure they are screwed in tightly and that you have spares. Don't use fuses higher than 15 amps in normal receptacles and lighting circuits.

Boat Motors and other power equipment

When storing power boating motors and other power equipment do not drain gasoline from fuel tanks, instead use a fuel stabilizer (available from your dealer or auto parts store). Winterize your engine(s) away from the water. Store boat motors, lawnmowers and other items with engines in a dry, weatherproof place. Cover anything that may rust over the winter with a coat of oil.

If your cottage is in a heavy snow area, consider installing temporary supports to protect the roof from caving in. Another option is to hire a reliable local person to shovel the snow off the roof when necessary.

And remember that time spent in preventative measures now will pay significant dividends next spring when you open the cottage for next year's season.

Home Maintenance Checklist
Here's a simple bi-annual "top to bottom" checklist to keep your home in shape year-round.

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1. Roof: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
2.
Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
3. Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
4. Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned
5. Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
6. Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
7. Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
8. Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
9. Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
10. Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
11. Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if removable). Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screens up (if removable type).
12. Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.
13. Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
14. Heating System: (Fall) Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
15. Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.

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HOME OR COTTAGE SAMPLE CHECK REQUEST. PRINTABLE PDF FORM BELOW

BRUCE PENINSULA HOME & COTTAGE SECURITIES

Residents Information:

Date of Request: _______-______-________

Dates: Leave __________-________-________
Return _________-________-________

Name:___________________________________________________

First Last

Address ________________________________________________________

Street

Home:( ) __________-___________
Cell: ( )_________-____________

Emergency Contact Number: ( ) __________

Key Holder/ Contact Information: (IF US WE MUST BE NAMED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT)

Name:___________________________________________________

First Last

Address:________________________________________________

Street City

Estimated Response Time: (Day)_____________________ (Night):_______________________

Day: ( )__________-____________
Evening: ( )________-_____________

Emergency:( )________-__________

Residential Information:

Alarm:______/_______ If Yes, Company:__________________________
(_____)______-________

Yes No Name Number

Animals:_____/_____ Kind____________ Lights:______/_______/______ IF YES:

Yes No Yes No Timer

Where/When:_____________________________________________

Residential Information:

Alarm:______/_______ If Yes, Company:__________________________(_____)______-________

Yes No Name Number

Animals:_____/_____ Kind____________ Lights:______/_______/______ IF YES:

Yes No Yes No Timer

Where/When:____________________________________________

Any person(s) with Permission to be on your property in your absence:

______________________________________________________

This in no way can guarantee the safety of your property while you are away, but can assure your residence will be checked by Bruce peninsula home & cottage security when possible. If any damage or suspect activity is noted you, and/or the key holder will be notified by the Security Officer for further instructions. By signing and retuning form, you are requesting a residential check of your property. After the return date, this form will be destroyed and no information will be retained. Your signature also releases Bruce peninsula home & cottage security. from any and all liability or blame if you would suffer a loss while you are away.

Property Owner Signature:________________________ Date:_______-_______-________


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