Imagine coming home to find your basement flooded or waking up to the shrill sound of a smoke alarm. In these heart-stopping moments, you need more than an insurance policy — you need a partner who has helped you prepare for the unexpected.

At Salus Mutual, we believe home is a place to raise a family, host neighbourhood gatherings, and enjoy backyard barbecues. That's why we're sharing this practical information for property loss prevention — to help ensure you’re safe and protected.

Empowering you with the knowledge and tools you need to safeguard your property and peace of mind is something we value at Salus Mutual. So, let’s explore some practical strategies that will not only protect your home but also give you the confidence to fully enjoy it.

Your First Line of Defence

A strong defence starts with the right equipment. That's why we've made it easy for our policyholders to access crucial safety items for free or at a reduced cost. Each of our branches is stocked with a wide range of essentials, including:

• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Water sensors
• Replacement batteries 
• Surge protectors
• Fire extinguishers

A small investment in prevention today can save you from significant losses tomorrow.

The Importance of a Home Inventory

Having an updated home inventory is very helpful in the event of a loss. While it might seem daunting to create at first, it's a critical step that can make a big difference if you ever need to file a claim. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Use a spreadsheet to create an inventory of your home’s contents.
• Retain documents that prove the value of the items listed in your inventory. These can be receipts, invoices, or digital copies.
• Take a video or pictures of your home’s contents and update these regularly.
• Share a copy of everything you’ve documented, including pictures and videos, with a friend or family member not living with you.

Remember, the more detailed your inventory the smoother the claims process will be. By investing time in your home inventory now, you're ensuring that in the event of a loss you can focus on recovery.

An Extended Absence Checklist

Planning a holiday? Your home needs attention even when you're not there. If you know you’ll be gone for an extended period of time (over four days), you should turn off the water and drain the pipes, and have a competent person check your home daily to maintain coverage.

You should also consider setting timers on lights, arranging for lawn care or snow removal, and holding your mail to maintain a lived-in appearance. And don't forget to securely lock all doors and windows before leaving.

These simple steps can prevent damage, deter potential intruders, and give you peace of mind during your travels. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your property while you're away.

When the Unexpected Happens

Despite our best efforts, accidents still occur. If you have a property loss, remember these key points:

• It’s important that you make every effort to prevent further damage to your property.
• Please wait until you have been contacted by an adjuster before tearing down or initiating any repairs to your property.
• If repairs are needed immediately to prevent further loss, please take photos of the damage.
• Save receipts for materials you use. We may cover any reasonable cost associated with protecting your property if the loss is covered by your policy. 
• It's important to always keep the items that caused the damage until your claims adjuster tells you to dispose of them.
• Make a list of damaged items and the damages to your home.

We're Here for You

Life's surprises don't follow a schedule, and neither do we. At Salus Mutual, we're committed to being there when you need us most. Our dedicated Claims Team is ready to assist you through any unexpected event:

• During business hours, call your agent or visit any of our local offices for personalized support.
• Our after-hours claims emergency support team ensures you're never alone in a crisis.
• Do you prefer digital convenience? File your claim online through our Submit a Claim page anytime, and we'll respond within one business day.

At Salus Mutual, we're more than an insurance provider — we're your partner in protection. And with our strength and service backing you up, you're free to focus on what really matters — living life to the fullest!