March 2010

March 2010

Employees step up to the ‘platelet’ for Corporate Challenge

Here at MHK, we know how to give back to our community. And the best example of this is how quickly our staff volunteers to give blood every time we make the call.

Blood Donor Challenge 2010, hosted by the Edmonton and Area Corporate Challenge, is underway and MHK has set a goal of 50 donations made before the deadline of May 29th. “Considering we have just 63 employees, and each person only has two chances to donate during the challenge, we’d be thrilled to reach this goal,” says Jeff Homynyk, president and CEO of MHK Insurance.

Last year when MHK participated in its very first Corporate Challenge, the company came in third place in its Blue Division for the most donations made during the blood challenge. “This year, we’re striving to take first place,” says Homynyk. But is winning the challenge the priority for MHK? “Certainly that sense of team accomplishment would be great. But the real motivation for us comes from knowing our people most definitely saved lives by either donating themselves or encouraging their family and friends to donate. Nothing can beat that,” stresses Homynyk.

Corporate Challenge is one of the largest amateur sporting events in Canada, and promotes participation, sportsmanship, team building and fun for local businesses. Here in Edmonton, more than 170 companies participate each year, and MHK is proud to be a part of the local event both as a participant and a major sponsor.

If you would like to help MHK reach its Corporate Challenge blood donation goal for 2010, please make your appointment by calling 1–888–2-DONATE and then mark down ‘MHK Insurance’ on the registration sheet after you donate. This challenge concludes on May 29th.

March 2010

How to prevent water damage claims

You walk into your basement and discover you’re ankle deep in water from a crack in the foundation. Or maybe you head up to the second floor to do some laundry and find the water hose has come loose and is seeping down the wall into the bedrooms. What if your sewer line has backed up after the downpour that came and went last night?

These are all scenarios that have led to an increase in the number of water damage claims made by Canadian across the board over the past few years. In response, the majority of insurance companies have either already increased their home insurance premiums, or are planning to do so.

So, what can you do to reduce your risk of water damage in your home, condominium, apartment, cottage or rental property?

Let’s start with the no-cost ideas:

1. Check your roof.
a. Leaves or snow should be removed from around the eaves troughs, and snow and ice build up should be removed from across the roof surface.
b. Water from the eaves troughs should be draining away from the house.
c. Replace shingles if they are starting to curl, show any visual signs of damage or are more than 20 years old.
d. Avoid having a warm attic by properly insulating it from any built-up snow and ice on the roof.

2. Check your foundation and basement.
a. Look for cracks and deterioration in the foundation around the property. Consider having an inspection done by a professional.
b. Look for water stains on basement walls and floors.
c. Ensure there is sufficient caulking around doors, windows and wall penetrations such as plumbing and central air conditioning units.
d. Ensure the grading of the land around your property slopes away from the foundation to allow water to drain effectively away from the house and basement.

3. Check your pipes, plumbing and fixtures.
a. Ensure the seals around bathroom and kitchen fixtures are in good repair.
b. Properly insulate unfinished rooms that have exposed pipes, such as garages.
c. Be careful when hammering nails or drilling holes in walls, the ceiling or roof so as not to puncture a hidden pipe. Use nails no longer than ¾-inch if possible.
d. Know where your water shut off valves off in the event of an emergency.
e. Looks for cracks in your dishwasher hose and around other small appliances in your home.
f. If your washing machine still has rubber hoses, they should be replaced every five years.
g. Install water pans under washing machines, hot water heaters, air conditioning units and water-bearing appliances located in and above finished living areas.
h. Replace your water heater every 10 to 15 years, and ensure you check for leaks around the seams of the heater and on the surrounding floor.
i. Look at all your pipe and fixtures around the house each year for signs of rust or corrosion.
j. Keep indoor moisture low (ideally between 30 and 50% relative humidity).

4. Check your sewer pipes.
a. Look into installing a back flow valve inside the basement floor drain.
b. If you have a sump pump, clean the pit of any mud and debris to ensure it doesn’t become clogged. And service your sump pump regularly, especially if you live in a low laying area.

5. Be smart before leaving on holidays.
a. Turn off all the water at the main valve just before you leave.
b. Check all eaves troughs for debris and blockage.
c. Arrange for someone to check on your property to ensure the furnace hasn’t accidently shut off, which could cause your pipes to burst.
In addition to these no or low-cost solutions, you can also look at installing water detection devices that can be wired into a centrally monitored alarm system that sends a signal to notify you in the event of even the smallest leak. You may want to consider:

• Leak Detection Systems
• Water Flow Sensors
• Low Temperature Sensors
• Indoor Sprinkler Systems with Water Flow Alarm

To find out more about how we can do your part to safeguard your home from potential water damage, contact us at MHK Insurance at personal@mhkinsurance.com.