MAX Canada is committed to the education and distribution of resources to our customers and clients.  Below are some lists, items and documents that can help you prepare for the worst, and prevent a loss from occurring. 

We also have pamphlets and checklists to help make your home safer, and explain how to file a claim should something happen. 

As always, should you have any questions, please feel free to email or call MAX Canada at 1-877-770-7729 or dmccullough@maxanada.org

Dealing with Wind Damage or storms to your Home
How to Prevent Fires in the Home
How to Prevent Water Damage to your Home
MAX Canada Claims Pamphlet
MAX Canada Home Prevention Checklist
Preventing Thefts and Break Ins on your home

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Schedule of Loss - FORM

Dealing with Wind Damage or storms to your Home    

When a storm warning is issued in your area:

• Secure any loose items or contents outside your home
• Get all contents off the ground in flood prone areas
• Move items away from windows and doors
• Make sure all emergency numbers are available and accessible
• Stay off the roads unless you need to move
• Stay indoors
• Monitor the news and weather on television or radio
• Avoid using electronics or anything plugged in
• Do not rely on credit or debit – Get Cash
• Make sure anything that needs to have its battery charged is ready to go
• Have supplies ready
• Don’t use the telephone unless you need to

The following link is a brochure provided by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which outlines additional information with regards to storms, and tips on how to help prevent them. 

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Natural_Disasters/documents/Disaster_brochure.pdf

How to Prevent Fires in the Home     

• Test Smoke alarms regularly.
• If you have a woodstove, make sure that the chimney stack and stove meets WETT specifications.  Do not use any fuel for the stove other than what its intended use is for. 
• Never leave food unattended on a stove
• Don’t allow clutter around fireplaces and other heating appliances
• Check heating appliances, like furnaces, boilers and electric heaters before the heating season starts, to ensure proper maintenance and operation
• Do not store flammable liquids or gasses in the home or in cluttered garages
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Check appliances for maintenance and frayed cords
• Don’t dispose of cigarettes or smoking devices indoors. 
• Be prepared.  Have a fire extinguisher and CO2 detectors in the home, and ready for use. 

The following link is a brochure provided by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which outlines additional information with regards to home fires, and tips on how to help prevent them. 

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Home_Insurance/documents/brochures/How_To_Prvnt_Fire_brchr_ENG.pdf

MAX Canada Fire Prevention PDF

How to Prevent Water Damage to your Home     

What to do if you have a water claim?

• Turn the water off at the main water shut-off valve to stop the flow of water if the water escape is from a water supply line or other appliance.
• Not enter a room with standing water until electricity is turned off particularly when electrical appliances are standing in the water.  
• If you can, move your contents away from the affected areas to a safe, dry location. 
• Open drawers, closet and cabinet doors to enhance drying and if feasible, open windows as well. 
• Avoid coming into contact with flood and sewage contaminated water.
• Minimize the water damage to your property by contacting MAX Canada or a qualified water damage restoration contractor directly to ensure proper emergency measures to remove standing water and commence drying of your dwelling begins within 48-hours of it happening. 
• Know that even if water evaporates unassisted, it can cause damage to ceilings, walls and contents as well as areas not immediately seen within the damaged location. 
• Know that when the water damage is caused by an insured peril, your insurance policy provides coverage for the repairs to your dwelling finishes and contents affected by the water but not for repairing or replacing the appliance or plumbing line that the water escaped from.

The following link is a brochure provided by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which outlines additional information with regards to water damage claims, and tips on how to help prevent them. 

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Home_Insurance/documents/brochures/Water_Damage_on_Rise_en_web.pdf

MAX Canada Water Damage Prevention PDF

Preventing Thefts and Break Ins on your home     

• Making sure all locks are in proper working order and the numbers of keys are accounted for.
• Check all windows are in proper working order, with no holes or area of easy access.
• If possible, have areas of entry to your home well lit.
• Document all of the contents you have in your home by using a digital camera or recorder so you’re able to recall all important items that may be missing.  Take serial numbers of electronic items as well.
• All valuables should be listed and the itemized list kept off location.  Consider a safety deposit box if available.
• A home alarm or monitoring unit can be installed to help protect you, and alert authorities if needed. 
• If leaving on a trip, advise close neighbors to check in on your home if possible, and have timers turn on lights.
• Don’t hide spare keys in or around the outside of the home. 

The following link is a brochure provided by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which outlines additional information with regards to break-ins, and tips on how to help prevent them. 

http://www.ibc.ca/en/Home_Insurance/documents/brochures/Stop_break-ins_brchr_ENG.pdf

MAX Canada Theft Prevention PDF