ag_secure_home_watch

#CNOY22.

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:59:28 GMT

Coldest night of the year...

Every year, AG Secure HomeWatch and AG Secure Property Management are proud to be part of a solution and participate in various ways to support and give back to our comm unities. This year our two teams helped fundraise and they walked the Coldest Night Of The Year #CNOY22, in support of these two local charities: the Orangeville Food Bank and Youth Haven Canada in Barrie.

The Orangeville Food Bank, founded in 1992 help provide a dignified experience to individuals having to chose between the cost of rent, utilities or food. They support 700 local residents in need and 36% of those are children. With the support of the community and donations, the Orangeville Food Bank raised $99,588.

Youth Haven is a non-profit organization that began in 1987. They provide emergency and transitional shelter services for youth experiencing homelessness and at-risk youth between the ages of 16-24. Youth Haven also provides outreach services and programs to youth in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, southern Georgian Bay and south Simcoe. With the support of the community and donations, Youth Haven Barrie raised $67,297

We’re thrilled to be able to give back to our communities. Thank you everyone for your support!

#communitysupport #foodbank #thankyou #homelessyouth #bethedifference

Lonely Homes series-From Paradise To Catastrophe

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Tue, 18 May 2021 14:47:54 GMT

Here's another video in our Lonely Homes series....

Here's Denise's story from our Lonely Homes series.

Denise returned from paradise to a catastrophe at home. This familiar story is one of many and a good reason to hire an insured and qualified home watch company to watch after your biggest investment.

Let us know if you have a story you’d like to share. You can send us an email at info@agsecurehomewatch.ca or give us a call 1-249-888-9061.

Are you stressed and worried about your home while you're away?

Do you need someone to check on your home?

AG SECURE HOMEWATCH provides services for travel, transition and medical emergencies.

�� Home watch is a visual inspection of a home or property looking for obvious issues.

WHAT WE CHECK FOR:

•Breaking and entering & vandalism

•Storm damage, burst pipes, mold & water damage

•HVAC malfunction, pest and vermin

•Failures of electrical appliances, refrigerator, freezer, humidifier, sump pump

•Locks on windows and doors

•Mail collection

•Garage and vehicles on site.

ABOUT AG SECURE HOMEWATCH INC :

✨Vetted and accredited by the National Home Watch Association

✨Insured & bonded

✨Certified home watch professionals

✨Yearly criminal back ground checks

��We provide PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU'RE AWAY to the regions of Barrie, Caledon, Orangeville, Orillia and surrounding areas

��Email us: info@agsecurehomewatch.ca

�� 249-888-9061

Community Chat - Learn about our services!

Sun, 09 May 2021 17:50:27 GMT

Our very own Certified Home Watch Professional Carolle Hilton joined Heather Hanson on her Community Chat to talk more about our services.

LONELY HOMES- A Tale of a Cottager's Safety & Security Nightmare

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 15:54:41 GMT

This is the first in a series of videos that we're doing to highlight what can go wrong if you don't have a professional home watch company looking after your vacant home...

Jason’s story is one of a cottager’s nightmare. Imagine finding out you had strangers living in your home away from home! Find out in this video what sign to look for, the risks involved and what you can do about it. (Please forgive the technical audio lag at the beginning due to wifi connectivity).

We'd like to thank Jason, a resident of Orangeville that gracefully accepted our invitation as a guest to share his story with us.

Let us know if you have a story you’d like to share. You can send us an email at info@agsecurehomewatch.ca or give us a call 1-249-888-9061.

Why do Professional Home Watch Companies Charge More Money?

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 19:46:13 GMT

Good article here on why HomeWatch companies charge what they charge, and why it's better to have an insured, professional company checking on your home while you are away....

This article was written by Jack Luber, founder and executive director of the National Home Watch Association.

https://www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org/why-do-professional-home-watch-companies-charge-more-money-2/

Winter lockdown poses unique challenges to commercial property owners

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:52:49 GMT

Some of the challenges involved in having a commercial property unoccupied at this time of year...really great article here....

https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/ca/news/commercial-liability/winter-lockdown-poses-unique-challenges-to-commercial-property-owners-246266.aspx?utm_source=GA&utm_medium=20210211&utm_campaign=IBCW-Newsletter-20210211&utm_content=35CB6EBA-DE7E-4B0B-88E3-76B286D7DCB6&tu=35CB6EBA-DE7E-4B0B-88E3-76B286D7DCB6

Importance of Appraisals

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:57:13 GMT

Creating your home inventory...

If you ever have to do an insurance claim, could you easily provide a list of your valuables?

Now is an excellent time while we are all at home, to create our home inventory!

You should create a list of all your valuables, including but not limited to tools, jewelry, and electronics. Record the model numbers, serial numbers, take pictures of select items, and get appraisals done on those expensive items. For reputable appraisal companies, check first with your insurance company as they may have some that they can recommend.

Keep the inventory list and any appraisals handy and in a safe spot.

Should anything happen that necessitates a claim, having the right documentation and pictures will save a lot of stress, a lot of questions, and ensure peace of mind through a difficult time.

What type of homes are thieves likely to target?

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:48:23 GMT

In this short interview you will watch Constable Iryna Nebogatova talk about the most likely targeted homes.

When no one is available to check regularly on a vacant or unoccupied home, a Home Watch Professional can help.

With our scheduled home watch inspections, we will help our clients meet their home insurance policy requirements of having their vacant or unoccupied home(s) and cottage checked regularly.

Home watch is a visual inspection, looking for obvious issues. Our inspections are performed using a checklist specific to the clients home and property. High on our priority of checks for vacant or unoccupied homes are signs of breaking and entering, vandalism, theft, power outages, floods and storm damage.

We can help you maintain the property by-law requirements set forth by your town or city.

Our concierge services include but are not limited to; providing an itemized inventory, arranging for cleaning, lawn and yard maintenance and a key delivery service.

AG Secure Home Watch Inc. is accredited by the National Home Watch Association..we are fully insured and bonded, with yearly criminal back ground checks performed for all of our staff.

Your Certified Home Watch Professionals, Carolle Hilton and Sophie Silverman would love to hear from you. We are proud to serve the communities of Barrie, Caledon, Orangeville, Orillia, New Tecumseth and surrounding areas. Give us a call to book an appointment. 1-249-888-9061

Canadian Snowbirds and Travel During COVID-19

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:54:07 GMT

Well, 2020 has been unusual, to say the least....

For many Canadian snowbirds, it is customary to escape the harsh winters and travel south for up to six months of the year.

Some people rent when they reach their destination, but many own homes that remain unoccupied during their absence.

Well, 2020 has been unusual, to say the least. At the beginning of March of this year, due to the pandemic, the Canadian government asked that all Canadians return home. The border with the U.S. closed on March 20, preventing U.S. and Canadian citizens from crossing the border for non-essential travel, both by land and air.

Currently, the government still recommends that Canadians avoid non-essential travel abroad.

Even though the travel industry suffered the most from this pandemic, I did meet a few snowbirds that will not let COVID-19 stop them from flying south and enjoying the sun.

Out of curiosity, I asked Ontario residents in the regions of Caledon, Orangeville, Newmarket, and Shelburne if they would be willing to travel out of country this winter. Out of 688 people, 47 answered yes, 34 are undecided, and the final 607 answered no.

On the other hand, I was surprised when a colleague of mine told me that most of her regular Toronto-based clients have already gone south for the winter!

After further research, I have found out that many Canadians are still unaware that the U.S. border is open for travel by air. For the Canadian snowbird still wanting to travel south this winter, air travel is currently the best way to go. There are only a few exemptions for those wanting to drive across the border, which includes essential travel.

The Airline Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees has been lobbying the Federal Government for rapid testing in our Canadian airports. To have all our Canadian airports participate would mean safer travel for our snowbirds and travelers alike. For the time being, rapid COVID testing is available for arriving international travelers at certain Canadian airports, and for the rest, a 14-day quarantine is still mandatory. There is still good news for vacationers going south: Since many Caribbean destinations and other countries rely strongly on the travel industry for their economy, they have added safety precautions with additional COVID-19 testing on arrival to ensure everyone’s safety.

Recently in the news, the government of Canada announced that the first COVID-19 vaccine could be delivered across the country as early as the end of December and administered by January. That is exciting news for all our snowbirds and travellers!

To many snowbirds, going south is the equivalent to sunshine, vitamin D, and health. They would rather be safe and in the warmth of the sun, than to endure the harsh Canadian winter.

No matter where you decide to travel, either north to your winter chalet or south to a warm, sunny destination, always ensure your home is safe. Hire a professional Home Watch company accredited by the National Home Watch Association so you can have peace of mind while you are away!

Thanks for reading, and safe travels!

Sophie Silverman

Community safety interview-part 4

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 21:36:48 GMT

In this video you will find out how and where to report a crime...

Constable Nebogatova will tell you where you can find, or start a neighbourhood watch program in your area.

To report a crime follow the the 5 W’s.:

1) What crime(s) occurred and how did it happen?

2) When did it happen?

3) Who committed the crime?

4) Why was it committed?

5) Where did it happen?

Find an insured and accredited home watch professional to perform visual inspections at your home and property while you are away.

To find one near you, visit the National Home Watch Association: NationalHomeWatchAssociation.org

Community Safety Interview Part 3: Car Theft & Carjacking

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 23:44:44 GMT

This is the third part of our interview with Constable Iryna Nebogatova

Here’s what you should know about car thefts and carjackings. Constable Iryna Nebogatova explains what happens during relay car thefts, how you can protect your property and what you should do during a carjacking.

Don’t miss out on this great advice from our Community Safety Officer.

Recovery of stolen goods, and some great tips!

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 14:38:27 GMT

This is the second part of our interview with Constable Iryna Nebogatova

Some tips to make your home less of a target for thieves include:

-making your home look occupied

-have flyers and newspapers collected

-install sensors for lights, and have them on at rotating times of the day

-lock your doors

-invest in an alarm system

-have security cameras

-don’t advertise your whereabouts

-keep your social media accounts private

-Keep your car keys away from the door in a protective pouch or box

-keep cash and jewellery out of the bedroom,

-get a home watch professional to check on your home

Enjoy the video!

Watch to find out some great tips on how to keep your property and home safe.

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 21:09:12 GMT

Welcome to part 1 of our interview!
Certified Home Watch Professionals, Carolle Hilton and Sophie Silverman of AG Secure HomeWatch interview Constable Iryna Nebogatova, Media Relations and Community Safety Officer of Caledon OPP detachment about the crime statistics in the Caledon area, security, hackers and more.

The Value of Accreditation

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:24:10 GMT

Watch this video to learn what an accreditation by the National Home Watch Association means, and why it's so important.
As a member, AG Secure HomeWatch Inc has undergone a strict vetting process. To be accredited by the NHWA is to provide you with the gold standard of service in the home watch industry.

When no one is available to check regularly on a vacant or unoccupied home, a Home Watch Professional can help.

With our scheduled home watch inspections, we will help the client meet their home insurance policy requirements of having their vacant or unoccupied home(s) and cottage checked regularly. Home watch is a visual inspection, looking for obvious issues. Our inspections are performed using a checklist specific to the clients home and property.

High on our priority of checks for vacant or unoccupied homes are breaking and entering, vandalism, theft, power outages, floods and storm damage. We can help you maintain the property by-law requirements set forth by your town or city. Our concierge services include but are not limited to; providing an itemized inventory, arranging for cleaning, lawn and yard maintenance and a key delivery service.

AG Secure Home Watch Inc. is accredited by the National Home Watch Association, we are fully insured and bonded, with yearly criminal back ground checks performed for staff. Your Certified Home Watch Professionals, Carolle Hilton and Sophie Silverman would love to hear from you. We are proud to serve the communities of Barrie, Caledon, Orangeville, Newmarket and surrounding areas. Give us a call to book an appointment. 1-249-888-9061

Pool Safety While Away

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 13:59:03 GMT

Take precautions ensure pool safety before you travel.

In Canada, it is the law to have a fence around your pool to prevent accidental drownings. If you are going away, make sure your pool and hot tub covers are on. Some covers come with built in locks to keep them secure.

Every year there are a number of accidental drownings in Canada. Most of these accidents are preventable - lack of PFD, swimming inexperience, and alcohol play a great part in these drownings. Young children should be supervised closely around pools and gates as they can be curious and able to climb fences or the side of the pool.

If you’re going away for some time make sure your fence, pool and hot tub are secure, preventing intruders from having a swim or falling in. Walk around your property and remove chairs, storage boxes, or anything else that can be used by someone to climb the fence.

Remember to service your pool prior to leaving..adjusting chemical levels and setting the timer on your pump.

If you are taking an extended vacation, it may be a good idea to also have a pool company maintain the pool while you are away.

Get your Home Watch Professional to inspect your pool and hot tub areas during their scheduled visits.

Critters and Pests

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:34:03 GMT

It’s no fun having critters and rodents take residence inside your home. Not only is it a nuisance but it can cause major structural damage, become a fire hazard and a health hazard.

What you can do:

Take the time to walk around the perimeter of your house and inspect any weaknesses where rodents and pests can come in.

Inspect your foundation for cracks, holes and gaps. Check around venting pipes and wires too.

Inspect your windows , doors and the caulking surrounding them. Don’t forget to look at the soffit and facia for holes where squirrels, raccoons, birds and insects can take residence. If you do find gaps where critters can get in make sure they are out before sealing the area again.

A pest control company can help you remove these critters in a humane manner . They are experts at pest removal and are familiar with their life cycles. They can recommend how and when the best time to get them out.

Some Common Pests:

Squirrels

Squirrels are prolific breeders reaching adult age at 9 months. They will typically have 2 litters a year, one in late winter and one midsummer. Squirrels can burrow in your attic, chew on wires and invite other pest such as ants. A small problem can become a big one very quickly.

Raccoons

A raccoon is very adaptable to it’s surroundings and won’t hesitate to build a den in an attic. Their mating season is between January to March and the babies are weaned around four and a half months later. If you suspect a raccoon taking residence in your home be very careful and do not approach it. A mother raccoon is very protective of her young and will attack any predators that approach.

Mice

Mice can be a major nuisance. They can live up to 2 years and have over 60 babies in one year.

Mice will cause damage by chewing wires which will leave your home susceptible to a fire hazard. They are disease spreaders that can leave a mess in your cupboard and pantry. An older home with a wood structure will most likely have had experience with mice intrusions. Mice traps are not a permanent solution. Inspect the outside of your home to find out where they come in and seal those small holes or gaps.

Ants

Insects such as termites and carpenter ants can create major structural damage if not taken care of in a timely manner. A parent colony of the carpenter ant can have many satellite colonies. Ants are attracted to high moisture areas, if you have ants in your home you may have an indoor humidity issue. If you have stacked or rotting wood wood near your house, you may have a colony of ants living there. Ants can get into a house in many ways. Inspect your windows, cracks in your foundation, gaps around duct work and wires, trim branches that reach the house, inspect your wood structures attached to the house and the firewood brought in. Signs that carpenter ants have moved in are small piles of sawdust near burrows and night time rustling sound in the walls. For a permanent solution, the nest has to be located and destroyed. If it’s a satellite colony, it is best to also destroy the parent colony as well.

Your Insurance Policy:

Damage caused by rodents and pests is not normally covered by a standard home insurance policy. Ignoring signs of infestation could be deemed as neglect of proper home maintenance by insurers and the owner would have to take responsibility for the costs incurred.

If you suspect any sort of infestation, it is important to act fast to avoid major and costly repairs. Contact an expert to have the pests removed safely and humanely.

Going Away?

If your home is vacant or unoccupied, a Home Watch Professional can save you a lot of time and money. They will take the time to do a walk around your home and monitor for uninvited pests and rodents.

For more information on pest control tips:

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips.html

Home Watch Professionals Helping Lawyers and Clients

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 12:53:19 GMT

Home Watch Professionals can be invaluable to clients and lawyers in Family Law, Real Estate Law, and Wills and Estate Law.

In this video Carolle Hilton, a Home Watch Professional explains how we help lawyers and their clients.

When no one is available to check regularly on a vacant or unoccupied home, a Home Watch Professional can help : With our scheduled home watch inspections, we will help the client meet their home insurance policy requirements of having their vacant or unoccupied home(s) and cottage checked regularly.

Home watch is a visual inspection, looking for obvious issues . Our inspections are performed using a checklist specific to the clients home and property. High on our priority of checks for vacant or unoccupied homes are breaking and entering, vandalism, theft, power outages, floods and storm damage.

We can help you maintain the property by-law requirements set forth by your town or city.

Our concierge services include but are not limited to; providing an itemized inventory, arranging for cleaning, lawn and yard maintenance and a key delivery service.

AG Secure Home Watch Inc. is accredited by the National Home Watch Association, we are fully insured and bonded, with yearly criminal back ground checks performed for staff.

Certified Home Watch Professionals Carolle Hilton and Sophie Silverman would love to hear from you. We are proud to serve the communities of Barrie, Caledon, Orangeville, Newmarket and surrounding areas. Give us a call to book an appointment. 1-249-888-9061

Storms don't last forever, but...

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 16:15:45 GMT

Storms and power outages…we’ve all experienced them...

Storms and power outages …we’ve all experienced them. In some instances hydro power can take several days to come back on.

In the year 1999, there was a panic that everything would shut down because computers were not programmed to go beyond that year, so generators became popular in sales in anticipation of Y2K.

Since then, a lot of people have invested in a generator which can be hooked up to their appliances, specifically fridges and freezers, minimizing food loss in the event of a power outage.

These generators can also be hooked up to other appliances, such as your furnace or electric heaters to ensure your temperature does not dip to freezing temperatures, minimizing the risk of burst pipes etc. And if the power outage occurs during the Summer, having power to your air conditioning or humidity control appliances can reduce the risk of mould.

If you’re on vacation you should have someone on standby to check on your appliances during a power outage . To keep an eye on the power outages in your area, you can download the Hydro app on your phone and register your area for updates.

A simple freezer monitor can also be an important tool all year round, it will let you know if you’ve had a significant power outage at anytime or if your refrigerator or freezer are starting to fail, letting you know when your food might be unsafe to eat.

Another area of concern during storms, is the possibility that branches and trees can fall during a wind storm causing possible damage to your home or surrounding structures. If there is structural damage to the home from a fallen tree and left unchecked it could escalate rapidly into flood damage. A simple branch or a tree left on the driveway for sometime could also be a strong indication that the owners of the property are away leaving your property vulnerable to breaking and entering.

Home insurance policies do require that an unoccupied home either has a vacancy or unoccupied clause added to the policy, or that someone performs regular interval checks on the home or property.

Each insurance providers have different frequency requirements in regards to having your home checked.

AG Secure HomeWatch will monitor our clients homes during storms and keep an eye on power outages . Finding the right Home Watch company can bring you peace of mind while you’re away.

Realtors and real estate agents, we are here to help you!

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 13:09:06 GMT

Let us help you free up some of your time so you can focus on making that sale!

As Home Watch Professionals, we can help you , the Realtor, by alleviating your work load and helping make your sale transactions run smoothly. We will make you look good by ensuring there are no issues at the property, and ensuring that the property always looks it’s best!

Your client’s home insurance policy requires that their home be monitored and checked at regular intervals when unoccupied. With long work hours and a busy work schedule, there is very little time in a Realtor’s work day to be doing interval house checks. A Home Watch Professional can take over that task and is trained to look for obvious issues in the home, such as a leaky pipe, pest infestation, unlawful B&E, storm damage and much more. There’s a light out? A smoke detector is outdated? We’ll change it for you.

We also offer Concierge services including a key holding and drop off service, arranging for lawn maintenance or snow removal, or having the house cleaned. Arranging for fresh flowers to be delivered just in time for for your showings to add that special touch. We will make your life easier, and look after any issues that arise.

When you need to be at two places at once you can count on us to lock up and secure the premises and deliver keys. The goal of real estate is sales. The more time you have on your hands, the more efficient you will be at managing your listings. Leave the minutia work to us, trust the professionals to look after your clients’ and your best interest. Let us help you make your life easier, that way you can focus on what really matters!

Your client needs someone to check according to the frequency set out in their insurance policy . You need someone to make sure the property is safe and looks it’s best! Talk to your clients, have them call their home insurance provider to find out how frequently their vacant or unoccupied home needs to be checked upon.

Arrange a meeting with us to discuss the roles and responsibility of the Home Watch Professional, and how we can help out!!

Have you tested your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors recently?

Wed, 27 May 2020 16:49:51 GMT

Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors...

According to the law in Ontario , every home must have a working smoke alarm on every storey, including the basement and in each sleeping area. Current code stipulates that all new builds require detectors in the bedrooms, and need to be fitted with strobe lighting for the hearing impaired.

Smoke alarms should be tested every month and the batteries changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Read and follow the manufacturer’s steps when installing the smoke alarms. A smoke alarm that is older than 10 years old should be replaced. There are some great detectors on the market now that offer both smoke and carbon monoxide detection and have 10-year lithium batteries.

Fines for not having the right fire detection equipment can be levied against you, not to mention the obvious safety concern, so ensure you have adequate detection equipment in your home.

Here are some pro tips:

If you’re planning to travel, test your detectors before you leave and upon your return.

Having a home watch professional do regular checks while you are away will ensure your peace of mind.

For more information on smoke alarms:

https://www.oafc.on.ca/smoke-alarms

For more information on the Ontario Building Code:

http://www.buildingcode.online/254.html

How clean is the air in your home?

Mon, 18 May 2020 13:21:00 GMT

Are you filtering the air in your home?

During this time of COVID-19 we have been spending 95% of our isolation in our homes. When we do go out, we take precautions by wearing a mask and we diligently disinfect our surfaces and common areas with wipes or sprays to keep the viruses at bay, but how clean is the air in your home?

Having consistent dirty filters in your home can leave negative effects on your health such as respiratory diseases, allergens and much more. Take for example a high performance furnace filter such as Filtrete by 3M ; they claim it captures dust, bacteria, viruses and allergens . It is important to check and change the filters more frequently in your home. If your HVAC filter gets clogged, it can cause a health hazard and a strain on the system resulting in malfunction.

If your filter is dirty it means your furnace will be working harder to generate heat and this will in turn cost you more in energy bills.

Different sizes of filters and the frequency to change them depends on the thickness of the filter, the amount of dust and the number of pets living in the house. If you have a thin filter it will need to be changed more frequently, generally between 1 to 3 months and for 5” filters you may have to change them as often as every 3 months or as little as once a year.

It’s time to change your filter if colour is looking on the grey side. It’s important to insert the filter the right way or it won’t filter effectively and will put a strain on the furnace and your hydro bill. Most filters have an arrow pointing in the direction of the air flow. Here’s what to do if you’re unsure how the air flows into your furnace. Look for the heating duct, it should be at the top of your furnace, then locate the cold air return which should be at the base of your furnace. The furnace will pull air from the cold air duct through the furnace and up in the heating duct. The arrow should point towards the furnace.

Don’t forget about the other filters in your home. You should periodically change the filter in your air purifier, clean the filters in your Air Exchanger, your dehumidifier and your vacuum.

If you plan to leave your home for a period of time remember to change or clean your filters to prevent maintenance issues while you are gone.

Have a home watch professional check on your home while you’re away, always keep spare filters on standby, and let your home watch professional know where to find them.

Why are we paying so much for home insurance?

Mon, 11 May 2020 18:12:22 GMT

In 2018, P&C insurers paid out 7.8 billion dollars for direct claims incurred.

What’s the #1 home insurance claim? By far, the largest claims are for water damage. The types of water damage claims vary from bathroom leaks, toilets, clogged shower drains, corroded and older plumbing, roof leaks and flooding.

Properties that are high-risk for flooding are assessed by flood risk management agencies such as TRCA, ICLR and NVCA. Home owners in these areas will typically pay a higher premium attached with this risk.

Other large insurance claims include severe weather storms such as hail and wind. Both can cause serious damage to your home.

Here are some preventative measures you can do to avoid costly and time consuming claims:

1. Know where your main water shut off valve is. When going away for a period of time it is recommended to shut off your main valve to prevent major disasters.

2. Check your pipes for wear or leaks. Be proactive and avoid mold, mildew and structural damage. Lack of maintenance isn’t covered in a standard home insurance policy.

3. Inspect your hot water tank regularly for rust and wear. It should be replaced every 10 years.

4. Inspect your washing machine hoses for cracks and wear.

5. Test your sump pump. Have a backup pump on standby and/or a generator.

6. Consider having basement outlets higher up on the wall. Plugs and electrical equipment should be off the floor to prevent electrocution and considerable damage during flooding. If you experience a flooded basement, do not go down there! Call a utility company, the fire department or a licensed electrician.

7. Check your roofs shingles and flashings. Make sure none are missing, broken, curled and/or damaged.

8. Ensure your property has proper grading. Your grading should be sloped a minimum of 5% away from your house.

9. Clean your gutters and downspouts. You can also extend your downspouts to redirect the rain water further from the house.

10. Prevent your outdoor taps from freezing in the winter. Disconnect your hose and drain the faucet - it will prevent a frozen pipe that can leak into the walls, floor and your foundation.

11. Minimize vegetation such as trees and shrubs near outdoor pipes. The roots can wrap around pipes and break them.

12. Install water detection devices. They detect moisture levels and slow leaks. They can be positioned near water heaters, sump pumps, dishwashers and toilets.

13. Inspect the trees on your property. Older trees can be a big hazard to structures on the property. Trim branches back regularly and have trees inspected by a professional if you suspect a disease.

If planning to be away from your property for some time, have a home watch professional check on your home . Insurance providers require homes to be regularly checked while vacant or unoccupied. Find out more information from your service provider. Homeowners may save time, money and additional insurance premiums by having a home watch company check on their home while away. Need our services? Call us. 249-888-9061

https://rates.ca/resources/most-common-insurance-claims-canada/ http://assets.ibc.ca/Documents/Facts%20Book/Facts_Book/2019/ IBC-2019-Facts.pdf

Security Service?

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 01:46:22 GMT

Is home watch the same as a security service?

In this FAQ video, Carolle Hilton, a Certified Home Watch Professional at A.G. Secure HomeWatch will explain what our role as a home watch company is when it come to security.

We have found that some home owners are afraid of vandalism and squatters especially if they are renovating an empty home.

Does A.G. Secure HomeWatch offer a security service?

Our answer to you, our clients is that we can offer random daily home watch inspections to your home and property, providing you with a customized checklist specific to your home.

In our network of trades , we have contact information for businesses that can install home security systems.

Find out how we can help you . info@agsecurehomewatch.ca

COVID-19

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 21:22:37 GMT

Essential Service Update

Dear valued customers,

A.G. Secure HomeWatch is here to help you during these difficult and unusual times. We are following all government recommendations and we will continue to be available to provide you with peace of mind.

In order to help protect your home, we are taking precautionary measures by wearing disposable shoe covers, gloves and masks at each visit. A.G. Secure HomeWatch will keep doing its part in the community to help #flattenthecurve .

What is Flattening the Curve? It is the tool used by scientist to reducing the epidemic curve to prevent the collapse of the health care system in order for the outbreak to remain manageable.

Here’s how you can help to flatten the curve in your community.

Practice good hygiene if coughing or sneezing by covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Wash your hands often for a minimum of 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face.
Disinfect surfaces including door knobs, light switches, phones and common areas.
Practice social distancing of 2 meters or more.
Stay away from vulnerable people.
If you need groceries or supplies at the store, have them delivered, shop online, ask a friend or neighbour to pick them up or go alone instead of bringing someone with you.
Avoid crowds and minimize human contact.
Self isolate for 14 days if you feel sick or have been travelling out of country.

We have gathered some COVID-19 Resources to help you manage in these difficult times. As the COVID-19 situation progresses you can visit the links below for updates.

Stay strong, Stay calm, Stay safe,

Carolle Hilton and Sophie Silverman

COVID-19 Resources

Coronavirus at a glance.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

COVID-19 Symptoms and Treatment.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html

COVID-19 Outbreak Update.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html?topic=tilelink

What is Social Distancing?

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html#social

The 5-Step guide to hand washing.

https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

How to effectively clean your phone.

https://www.cbsnews.com/.../how-to-effectively-clean.../

Be prepared by stocking up on essential but AVOID panic buying

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

COVID-19 Outbreak Update

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html?topic=tilelink

Unoccupied & Vacant Homes-How they affect your insurance premium

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:00:41 GMT

Did you know? In Ontario, residential insurance claims may be denied if your apartment, condo or house is left unattended for a period of time.

Not knowing what is going on with your home while you're away can be scary and stressful. Leaving your home vacant or unoccupied while you’re away can leave you with unwanted consequences.

Do you know the difference between unoccupied and vacant?

In this video Sophie Silverman, a Certified Home Watch Professional at A.G.Secure HomeWatch explains the difference. An unoccupied home has furniture and the utilities still hooked up in anticipation of a return.

A vacant home is empty of furniture and no utilities are hooked up.

Insurance providers offer vacant or unoccupied policies that could cost as much as 50-150% more than your regular premium. A home watch company can help to drastically lower that premium. Check with your insurance provider and find out how often your home should be checked on while you are away.

Give us a call for more info. 249-888-9061

Freezin' for a Reason

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 12:21:41 GMT

2020 Polar plunge in Barrie...

Sophie Silverman and Carolle Hilton of AG Secure HomeWatch are always looking for ways to be involved or to give back to the community. In February 2020, Sophie Silverman decided to have AG Secure HomeWatch challenge AG Secure Property Management’s Rob Silverman and Rob Hilton to a Polar Plunge to raise funds for our Special Olympics Ontario athletes. The Polar Plunge took place in Barrie Ontario March 7th, 2020. Both teams with the help of sponsorships raised $3575.00 for this cause. It was a fun filled event with a chilling dip to end the challenge! The community support has been overwhelming! We would like to thank all of our sponsors, for their generous contributions and support! You have made a difference in these athletes lives. We would like to give a shout out to Jaid at Mama’s Crafty Creations for our team shirts. Thank You All!

Come support a great cause!

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 13:11:48 GMT

Come join us in Barrie on March 7 to enjoy a cool dip in the lake and support a great cause!

Our team is taking part in the Polar Plunge in Barrie on March 7th! Please help us in raising funds for Special Olympics Ontario by sponsoring me and our team AG Secure HomeWatch at the link below. #freezinforareason

https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx…

(All donations above $10 will receive an official tax receipt from Special Olympics Ontario.)

Home watch is a visual inspection of a home or property looking for obvious issues. We check for breaking and entering, vandalism, storm damage, burst pipes, HVAC malfunction, mold & water damage, pest and vermin. We keep an eye on your electrical appliances, your refrigerator, freezer, humidifier, sump pump, locks on windows and doors, mail collection, garage and vehicles on site. Home insurance companies require your home to be checked while you're away, otherwise your insurance claims may be denied. We provide you with date stamped documents for your records and for possible insurance claims. We are insured, bonded, vetted and accredited by the National Home Watch Association. Carolle Hilton and Sophie Silverman are Certified Home Watch Professionals which ensures the very highest standards of excellence in the home watch industry. Our services extend to anyone leaving their home unattended for a period of time. You could be a snowbird, on vacation, moving, job transfer, renovating or having an extended medical stay at a hospital. Give us a call, we're here to give you peace of mind while you're away! 249-888-9061 www.agsecurehomewatch.ca info@agsecurehomewatch.ca #homewatch #homewatchservices #agsecurehomewatch #ontariohomewatch

10 Ways to Secure Your Home

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 02:15:31 GMT

Really good article on what you can do to make your home as safe as possible.

Here Are 10 Easy Ways to Secure Your Home

1. Secure the Doors

2. Lock the Windows

3. Light Up the Landscape

4. Don't Forget the Garage

5. Set Up a Security System

6. Lock Down Your Wi-Fi Network

7. Eliminate Hiding Places

8. Add Security Cameras

9. Get a Safe

10. Use Home Automation

Check out the article here....

https://www.safewise.com/blog/10-simple-ways-to-secure-your-new-home/

Ring Cameras not a security measure...

Sat, 21 Dec 2019 14:43:44 GMT

It's not so much being watched. It's that I don't really know if I'm being watched or not.....

Very scary article here, and I'm sure it's not just Ring - be careful putting too much trust into electronics to keep your home safe while you are away - check out the article below:

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/epg4xm/amazon-ring-camera-security?utm_source=vicetwitterus

#homewatch #ontariohomewatch #homewatchservices

An open door

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 12:17:09 GMT

I arrived at the property and much to my horror, found the front door ajar....

While doing a routine home watch inspection, I arrived at the property and much to my horror, found the front door ajar. I peeked inside and noted nothing seemed amiss and the house was quiet. Upon further investigation a robbery had not occurred. I immediately contacted my client to let them know this had happened. One of two things happened, either the family member who was in the day before accidentally left it unlocked or the client who has a remote door locking system trigger the door unlock from another country.

Either way, the client was not home for another 4 days and the house would have been an open target for someone, let alone the furnace would be running on overdrive to compensate for the heat loss. The client’s response to me was “I am just glad you were there.”

So am I, we would never want to see someone have a misfortune event like this happen. We truly do bring “Peace Of Mind While You’re Away”. #homewatch

Thinking of upgrading to smart locks?

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:31:10 GMT

Better know the potential risks...

Some good info here from one of the leaders in the one security industry...

https://www.geico.com/more/home/home-protection/smart-locks/

Preparing your HVAC system for your holidays

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 16:23:29 GMT

Rod from Custom Comfort in Barrie gives some amazing info!!!

Great info here on:

- what temperature you should leave your furnace set to when you go away

- how to prepare your hot water tank

- making sure your vents are clear of snow

- preparing your humidifiers, water purification systems

- so much more!!

Winter Ready

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 22:07:21 GMT

Travel tips for Canadian Snowbirds

Good video from Global News..

https://globalnews.ca/video/6183064/winter-ready-travel-tips-for-canadian-snowbirds

Home safety and electricity..Great info here!!

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 19:20:30 GMT

Even if you are not leaving for an extended vacation, some good info here to keep you and your family safe.

Learn about the danger of power surges and what you can do do avoid a fire, the dangers of old or aluminum wiring, and some great breaker maintenance tips from Aaron from AB Electric.

A quick 3 week vacation leads to...

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:41:51 GMT

Look how fast mould grows....

Great article from Global News - if they had someone checking on their place, they might have still had some damage and remediation to do, but if caught early enough, the cost would have been a lot less...

Check it out...

https://globalnews.ca/news/5971675/ndg-apartment-mould/amp/

Major disaster averted!

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 21:49:20 GMT

Carolle will show you what happens when water damage occurs.

In order to avoid costly damage due to a water tank leak, it needs to be caught quickly. If you don't have someone qualified checking your house when you are away, you could be coming back to a huge problem!!

Breaking & Entering, Vandalism, Squatters

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 12:34:56 GMT

Lots of good info here...

Sophie and Carolle are with Constable Shannon Gordanier in Community Services for the Dufferin OPP. Learn about the Dufferin Statistics for Breaking & Entering, Vandalism and Squatters. Stay tuned for a myriad of information from Constable Gordanier on how to protect your home.

Fourth video in the series on the technology that we use

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 16:53:08 GMT

What happens if the temperature in your house drops and you are away?

So many things can cause your furnace to fail...issues with the thermostat..maybe just a battery, snow blocking an exterior vent, run out of oil or propane, etc. The faster you can react to sudden heat loss in the winter, the less risk of your pipes bursting!

Interview with Carolle Hilton

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 15:44:23 GMT

Our latest video...

Check out this great interview with Carolle Hilton and learn what A.G. Secure Homewatch is all about!

In this video Carolle Hilton of A.G. Secure HomeWatch is being interviewed by Ian G. McIntosh.

She explains what home watch is, who is our biggest competitor is and what we do differently than our competitors. You can reach us at agsecurehomewatch.ca or info@agsecurehomwatch.ca

What happens if there's a leak while you're away...

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 18:34:26 GMT

Carolle explains what happens if there is a water issue at your house while you are away.

The leak detectors and instant messaging to our phones mean that we can respond quickly if there is an issue at your house, potentially saving you from extensive damage, and a costly repair bill.

Interview with Vice President of Will Marshall Insurance

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 18:47:25 GMT

Great information here....

Did you know that most insurance providers require your unoccupied home to be checked regularly? Check your policy to understand the requirements while you are away.

In this interview, Carolle and Sophie will talk with Colin Marshall of Will Marshall Insurance.

Here's Carolle on another useful tool we use to make sure your house is cared for.

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 17:55:57 GMT

Installing the Leak and Freeze Detector

Looking after your hot water tank is a must before you go away for an extended period.

Taking home alarms to the next level!

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 21:08:53 GMT

In this video Carolle will tell you how A.G Secure HomeWatch Inc. takes your home alarm to the next level.

Check out some of the devices we use in our clients homes!! We utilize technology to make sure that when your home is vacant, we are still connected to your most valuable asset.

What Not to Post on Facebook While on Vacation

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 20:06:52 GMT

Everyone likes sharing pictures while away, right? Big mistake...it's like an invitation for thieves...

Sharing your trip on a site like Facebook is fun, but you might be surprised that there is a right way and a wrong way to do it, and that if you're not careful you could come back from your vacation to find your home emptied of valuables.

https://www.lifewire.com/what-not-to-post-on-facebook-while-youre-on-vacation-2487815

Make sure your house is not an easy target...

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 16:53:15 GMT

Check out the Barrie Crime Map below...

We like to think that crimes are something that happens to other people. Did you know between August 14 and Sept 13 there were 13 Break and Enter incidents in Barrie alone? That means that there is an average of a Break and Enter every 3 days in Barrie.

If you are about to leave for a business trip or a vacation, do you have someone watching over your property while you are away? You might want to check the Barrie Police crime map, we expect you will be surprised how close to your home some of these might have happened.

The team at A.G. Secure HomeWatch Inc., helps to make sure your house is not an obvious target. If something does happen, not only would we be able to respond to it and take care of things while you are away, but by having visits documented and in place, we can help protect your insurance coverage.

Believe it or not if you are not having your home inspected routinely you may find your insurance company unwilling to cover some or all of your losses.

https://www.barriepolice.ca/barrie-crime-map

6 big home insurance misconceptions....

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:54:56 GMT

make sure you are adequately covered and have a certified company checking on your most valuable asset..

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/6-big-home-insurance-misconceptions-1.3041066?fbclid=IwAR3ujD8N90FizqXVWJEkWTe_IBGaNX2Wd2sXZNJWLFvwnaz_qkqsncqLJHc

Fire safety for an empty home

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 16:00:22 GMT

Great video from Sophie and Carolle..and a special guest!

In this interview we ask fire inspector & investigator Jeff Holmyard the cause of fires in empty homes. He also gives advice when leaving your home for an extended period of time.

Want more info on how to protect your home?

Keep an eye on this blog for upcoming informative videos. We'll be speaking with special guests, and you won't want to miss out on some free tips!!

Bye Bye Summer...

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 14:28:39 GMT

Time to start thinking about preparing for the Fall.

We hate to say it, but Summer is drawing to an end. It's time to start thinking about closing up the cottage for another season.

Let the professional, certified team at AG Secure HomeWatch keep an eye on your home away from home during the offseason.

Find out more about our services and how we can give you peace of mind while you're away by calling 249-888-9061.

Coming soon to a blog near you...

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:45:23 GMT

Another great video from Sophie and Carolle..

Want more info on how to protect your home?

Keep an eye on this blog for upcoming informative videos. We'll be speaking with special guests, and you won't want to miss out on some free tips!!

Many break and enters occur in the winter, when thieves can tell there is no one home..

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 23:07:26 GMT

Don't be a victim...take precautions when going on vacation...see the following list from safety.com of things you can do to prevent this from happening to you:

1. Lock the doors and windows

2. Clear out the mailbox

3. Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home

4. Keep the yard maintained

5. Leave a car in the driveway

6. Hide or lock up valuables

7. Don’t broadcast your plans online

8. Get your security system ready

9. Adjust the thermostat

10. Prevent water damage

What is Home Watch, and why you need this service..

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 17:34:36 GMT

Definition:

Home watch is not a house sitting service or a security service.

Home watch is a visual inspection of the property looking for obvious issues.

Watch this short informational video....

Proud Supporters of the annual Easter Seals golf tournament!!

accounting@shaneserra.com (Shane Serra) — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 17:43:42 GMT