Every year, Santa Claus waits for your letters and takes the time to read each one, but this time he also wanted to send you a little message. We hope you take the time to read it carefully.
Press release
For immediate distribution
“I’m a professional just like you!”
“Each year, I handle requests that come from all over the world. My clients are highly demanding, sometimes reluctant and sometimes even ill-informed about my services. So, each time a new request comes in, I put together a complete assessment of the client’s situation, evaluate their behaviour and sometimes suggest small actions they can perform to improve. Finally, I may agree to provide services to them under certain conditions.
Insurance brokers are in the same business as Santa Claus
“Our professions are very similar. You also listen to your clients’ needs, you establish a relationship of trust with your policyholders and, if there is some disagreement, your sense of diplomacy allows you to defuse the situation and find common ground. Though actually I outsource that last part to their parents: I don’t have a complaints department!”
Request
“Let’s trade places. Let me act as your advisor so that you really can have a happy holiday.”
In this mini-guide you will find advice and tips to prevent the most common hazards of the holiday season.
Pre-Christmas mini-guide
A gash in your hand from an oyster knife, Christmas lights that shoot off sparks, a tree that goes up in flames, a brawl at the toy store, a car that swerves out of control, a bout of food poisoning, and so much more. Christmas always brings its own dangers!
Hazard No. 1 – the Christmas tree
- If you have an artificial tree, make sure that it’s made of inflammable materials.
- Make sure the tree’s stand is solid, and check that it’s stable on a regular basis.
- If you have a real Christmas tree, water it frequently. It must not dry out because it can quickly go up in flames.
- Whether real or artificial, place your tree a good distance from any source of heat (chimney, heating system, baseboard heaters, fireplace, etc.)
TIP
To check a tree for freshness, grasp a branch with your thumb and index finger and pull it toward you. No more than 5 to 10 needles should come off a fresh tree.
Hazard No. 2 – Christmas lights and candles
- The bulbs in your Christmas lights should be CSA- or ULC- approved.
- Use lights with LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy and hardly generate any heat.
- Don’t overload your electrical outlets and use tamper-resistant receptacles.
- Above all, don’t use indoor Christmas lights outdoors!
- Unplug your Christmas lights and blow out your candles before going to bed or leaving home.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
70% of deadly fires occur at night: victims are caught unaware while they sleep.
Hazard No. 3 – Decorations
- Use plastic Christmas ornaments rather than glass, especially if you have young children.
- Don’t hang any candy decorations on your tree. Children will be tempted to grab at the tree to get the treats.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
If one of your guests is burned by a candle, candle wax or another accident and he or she is not responsible, the general liability coverage in your home insurance policy will cover the damages.
Hazard No. 4 – Mommy and Daddy’s “sleigh”
As the holidays approach, we are excited and overwhelmed, and there are always last-minute purchases.
- Arrange your packages nicely in your trunk. Remember that any object that is not tied down could turn into a projectile in a collision.
- Don’t leave your purchases in places visible to those outside your vehicle. They could draw the attention of troublemakers and you could become a victim of vandalism.
- Be careful when driving, and definitely don’t speed. Don’t miss out on the holidays because you were rushing to get to a party on time or hurrying to the store. There are no exceptions, not even if you’re trying to pick up dessert.
Ease up on the gas and drive cautiously. Better late than never, as the saying goes.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
You must plan ahead! Please call APRIL to identify your designated driver on the night of a party if that driver is different from the one listed on your insurance policy.
Would you rather have Santa Claus or the fire department come visit on Christmas Eve?