5 Alarm Systems That Can Lower Your Insurance Costs

Your home, it’s your safe place. Whenever leaving for work, school, or a vacation, you want to be able to know that your home, family, pets, and all other important possessions are safe from danger or any type of harm. You have the proper personal insurance in place to make sure you’re covered in the event that your life is interrupted by an unforeseen incident. Home insurance is mandatory when buying a home or signing a lease but what if you’re put in the face of a dangerous situation when you’re actually home? How do you receive warning or foresight while a fire is in its infancy stages, carbon monoxide fills the house or a burglar attempts to enter your home? Well, fortunately trying to prevent those incidents from happening is not as hard as you think with the proper technology and devices available in today’s marketplace. Here’s a list of five alarms that every household should be equipped with as the ultimate defenses in staying safe! Smoke Alarms Why is it important to have a smoke alarm? Fires should never be taken lightly! They can spread very quickly and the aftermath can often be devastating. Statistics have shown that most fatalities from fires are due to smoke inhalation. The government of Ontario takes the subject of fire and fire prevention very seriously. So much so that since March 1, 2006 the law in Ontario requires all homes to have a working smoke detector on every storey and outside all sleeping areas of your home whether owner occupied or rented. Disregarding compliance with the Fire Code could result in a fine of up to $50,000 dollars for individuals or $100,000 for corporations. If your smoke alarm is battery operated it’s recommended that you change the battery at least once a year. Through an annual test make sure that your smoke alarm beeps or sounds by manually activating the device by hand. These are just a few fire prevention steps that can one can take. Carbon Monoxide Detector Why do I need a carbon monoxide detector? Common household fuel burning devices can omit carbon monoxide in the air that if not noticed can lead to poisoning. The Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services of Ontario provides detailed information regarding common Carbon Monoxide alarm questions. Examples of devices that can produce carbon monoxide ranges from a home furnace, space heater, kitchen stove, gas or charcoal barbeque etc. If you haven’t done so, like smoke alarms, CO alarms are also mandatory and should be installed in your home or apartment. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors A combination smoke detector is a 2 in 1 device that features both protection for smoke & carbon monoxide. You actually have the benefit of both the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector all wrapped into one device. Home Security System Installing a home alarm system can offer an enormous amount of comfort and peace of mind. Having a professional company monitoring your home can help protect your family in many different ways. Shielding your family against intruders and burglars, keeping your valuables and other belongings where they belong and lowering your home owner insurance premiums are just a few of the benefits of a home security alarm system. Car Alarm If you have a vehicle, you most likely take preventative measures and maintenance to prolong the life span and safety of your car, like an oil change, changing your tires seasonally, ensuring the proper tire pressure and so forth. One safety measure that is often over looked is installing a car alarm system. It can play a large role in decreasing your car insurance policy cost. We know protecting your home and assets are important to you and it’s also important to us. If you would like to revisit your home or auto insurance be sure to reach out to one of our many qualified advisors and we would be happy to sit down and review your coverage or plan. Count on ONA to keep your possessions secure today!