A M Luken Insurance & Financial Services Inc.

12/14/2018

TOP 10 DO’S AND DON’TS WHEN TRAVELLING WITH A ROOF RACK

With the ski season in full swing and holiday travel plans on the horizon, you might be finding yourself in the market to buy a roof rack for your vehicle to help store your belongings when hitting the road for one of your excursions to help make your road trips go a little more smoothly.

It’s important to buy a roof rack that fits within the allowable dimensions of your vehicle and that is installed correctly to ensure you and your belongings, arrive at your destination intact. If you’re unsure about how to fit a roof rack correctly, ask your local dealer.

Here’s our Top 10 Tips that you need to know.

INSTRUCTIONS AREN’T JUST PACKING MATERIAL

For the most part, many of us have purchased items, assembled and installed them, all without ever once having looked at the instructions on how to properly do so… And to be fair, a lot of the time we get away with it.

However, if you’re fitting a new Roof Rack on your vehicle, it’s extremely important to fully read, and follow, the installation instructions before you remove a single bolt from of the box. This will help make sure you get the job done easier, quicker and of course, safely to make sure your roof rack lasts a long time.

Roof racks can range in size and so having a second set of hands to help you with the install is never a bad idea as well as doing so may help you prevent accidentally damaging your vehicle.

TORQUE IT

If your roof rack mentions specific torque settings for mounting bolts or otherwise, be sure to follow them exactly as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly installed roof rack will give you and your family years of trouble-free service and convenience without any issues. However, an over-torqued or under-torqued roof rack can potentially lead to damage to your vehicle.

DON’T FORGET THE L**E

If you tend to leave your roof rack on your car, remember that it will be exposed to the elements and therefore needs to be properly safeguarded against them.

The fittings in particular will corrode over time. To offset this, use a little copper grease on the mounting bolt threads to help prevent corrosion and also to help removing your roof rack a lot easier down the road.

DON'T OVERLOAD

The owner’s manual for your vehicle will contain a section with information on what the maximum weight restriction is that can be safely loaded onto your roof. Quite often, cars will have a lower weight limit than what the roof rack can bear so it’s important to check both and never exceed whichever is the lower of the two.

DON’T GO IT ALONE

Loading large or bulky items onto your roof rack by yourself can be difficult and awkward. Typically, these are the times when we end up inadvertently causing damage to our vehicles.

So rather than risk scratching or denting the finish of your vehicle by trying top load large items alone, be sure to have someone give you a hand.

DON’T FORGET YOU’RE TALLER

Your properly installed roof rack adds convenience and ease when travelling but, it’s also extremely important to remember that it also adds to the overall height of your vehicle.

Before pulling into your garage, parkade, or any other structure that has clearance restrictions, make sure to know the height of your vehicle and the cargo that may be hitching a ride on top of it so that you don’t risk ripping it all off on the way in.

KEEP IT LOCKED

Ideally, the roof rack you purchased came with security locks. If not, make sure to purchase some aftermarket ones as often, we carry items such as bikes, canoes or even personal belongings in our luggage that can be worth thousands of dollars.

It’s also good practice to keep the key for your roof rack locks on your key chain with your other keys to help make sure you don’t misplace them.

TIE IT DOWN

Larger items that exceed the length of your roof rack such as kayaks or skis need to be centred and tied down to both the front and back of your vehicle in addition to being strapped to the roof rack itself to make sure it is properly secured.

These types of items can generate massive amounts of aerodynamic lift when travelling at higher speeds which puts losing them and or the entire roof rack assembly, at risk of being ripped clean of the top of your vehicle. Even at lower speeds, if there are strong winds prevalent in the area, they may exert more force than what the roof rack is rated for leading to damage of the rack itself and potentially your vehicle as well.

WATCH YOUR SPEED

Some roof rack accessories such as roof boxes and cargo carriers will come with a manufacturer’s maximum speed rating warnings which should never be exceeded when in use. As aerodynamic drag progressively increases the faster you go, exceeding the speed rating for your accessory could place too much force and stress on it resulting in damage or loss of it.

PUT IT AWAY

Even though the vast majority of roof racks and accessories are made with lightweight materials and designed with sleek profiles, they still add weight and aerodynamic drag to your vehicle which, although a small amount, may negatively affect your fuel economy. So, if you’re not going to be using it, remove it and store it until the next time you need it.

11/30/2018

KEEPING SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON…

With the sounds of Christmas music seemingly played everywhere you go, Santa’s workshops popping up at malls all across the city, the sudden surge in famed ugly Christmas sweater sightings and the outbreak of elaborate Christmas lights and decorations rapidly bedazzling more and more homes along our streets, it’s official, the Holiday Season is once again upon us.

It’s at this time of the year that we again want to remind you all of our Holiday Season Safety Guidelines so that we can all enjoy a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Christmas Trees

If you adorn your home with an artificial tree, be sure to check the fire rating on it and make sure it is “Fire Resistant”. This doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t catch fire however, they are designed to resist burning and extinguish quickly if and when required.

If you buy a real tree, make sure it’s fresh. A fresh tree will be green with firm needles that are hard to pull off, not brittle, and the trunk will be sticky with resin. Remember to water the tree daily once you’ve brought it into your home to decorate to help keep it hydrated and last longer.

When deciding on that perfect spot for your tree, make sure to use a sturdy tree stand and select a spot that is a safe distance from heating sources such as heating vents, fireplaces and radiators and that it’s not encroaching into walking areas or blocking any doorways.

When decorating your tree, remember to move ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks toward the top of the tree to keep them away from young children.

Once the Holiday Season is over, dispose of your tree properly and promptly. Never attempt to burn it in your fireplace or wood stove to dispose of it on your own as the rapid burning and excessive heat can damage the firebox and or chimney creating a serious fire hazard. Instead, be sure to dispose of it safely according to local regulations. Many municipalities offer a curb-side pickup tree recycling program following the Holiday Season.

Christmas Lights

As we tend to reuse the same light sets year over year, always check them over to make sure they are still in good condition with no frayed or exposed wires, broken or cracked sockets or loose connections and replace any burned out or broken bulbs with those recommended by the manufacturer.

Whether preparing to hang indoor or outdoor decorative light sets, ensure you are using the right lights for the job. Light sets and other decorations are rated specifically for indoor or outdoor use and should only be used as designed and within the recommended wattage.

For getting to those hard to reach areas, use proper step ladders indoors and avoid standing on chairs or other furniture and use a proper extension ladder when hanging lights up outdoors.

Don’t overload your electrical circuits, avoid stringing together more than three standard sized sets of lights per one extension cord and use a properly rated power bar for multiple connections rather than using splitters. And never run electrical cords under carpets where they can be damaged or overheat or through or across doorways where they may be pinched or become a tripping hazard.

Plug outdoor electric lights and or decorations into circuits protected by a Ground Fault Circuit interrupter (GFCI) wherever possible for added protection.

Always make sure to turn off all your lights if they are on a switch, or unplug them if they are not, before going to bed or leaving the house even if for a short time to avoid the risk of the lights potentially shorting out and causing a fire.

Christmas Decorations

Choose tinsel, artificial icicles and other trimmings that are made from non-leaded or plastic material. Don't let children put decorations in their mouths, as some may be harmful to their health.

If you use "Angel Hair," remember it is made from spun glass and can cause irritation to your eyes and skin so always wear gloves or use non-flammable cotton as an alternative.

Spraying artificial snow can create beautiful decorative effects but can also irritate your lungs if inhaled so always be sure to open doors or windows to keep air flow moving and the area well ventilated while spraying.

Plants can spruce up your holiday decorating, but keep those that may be poisonous (including some Poinsettias) out of reach of children and or pets.

Fireplace & Candle Safety

If you need to remove embers or ashes from your fireplace, place them into metal containers secured with a lid and cover them with water.

Never dispose of wrapping paper, gift boxes, cartons, or any other type of packing materials by tossing them into your fireplace as that could inadvertently start a flash fire these items tend to ignite rapidly and burn intensely.

Be sure to remove any stockings hanging from the mantel while the fireplace is in use and always use a screen or fireplace doors in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks.

Burn only seasoned and dried wood and never leave the fire unattended or let it smolder.

Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant containers that won’t tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax.

Remember to place all lit candles a safe distance away from anything that can potentially catch fire.

Never let candles burn themselves out, especially before leaving the house or going to sleep. Extinguish them when they get to within two inches of the holder.

11/16/2018

SAFELY NAVIGATING ALBERTA’S WINTER ROADS

With impending winter road conditions already starting to creep onto our roadways, it’s imperative to remember that even with a seemingly low amount of snowfall, roads can quickly change from ideal conditions to deceptively icy and hazardous.

Take the right precautions and drive according to road conditions to help keep you, your passengers and other motorists safer on the roads.

Here are our winter driving tips to help make sure you arrive at your destination safely through the cold winter driving months.

OPTIMIZE YOUR VEHICLE
Equipping your vehicle with properly rated Winter Tires will provide you with better traction and control on snowy and icy roads. Remember to monitor and maintain their correct tire pressure for best performance and safety.
Before hitting the road, make sure that mirrors, all windows, and the top of your vehicle, are free of snow or frost and store an Emergency Pack in your vehicle containing items such as a snow brush/scraper, jumper cables, flares or reflective cones, a flashlight and warm blankets.

EASY ON THE PEDALS
Accelerating at a slower, more controlled rate will help you to maintain traction and reduce sliding. The same goes for stopping or preparing to turn, brake slowly and gently to avoid sliding or skidding. Once you have rounded the corner you can accelerate again.
Avoid making any abrupt turns or stops when driving. A sudden change of direction or braking may result in a loss of control of your vehicle. Slow down and steer gently and gradually to maintain control.

HARD BRAKE CONTROL
If your vehicle is not equipped with an abs (anti-lock braking system) and you’re finding it hard to stop or are caught in a slide, manually “pump” your brakes at a rapid rate to help slow your vehicle to a controlled stop. If your vehicle does have ABS, then there is no need to manually “pump” the brakes as the system will do that for you. Instead, just apply constant pressure on the brake and let the ABS do its job.

ADJUST YOUR SPEED
Posted speed limits are based on dry, normal road conditions and it is up to motorists to adjust their speed as per the weather and resulting road conditions. It is safer to drive below the speed limit when road conditions are less than ideal as driving too quickly is the main cause of winter collisions.

BE YOUR OWN CRUISE CONTROL
Avoid the use of cruise control when roads are snowy, icy, or wet. Road surface conditions can often quickly change from one section of the road to another. This can create a difficult situation when having to react to unexpected events which could result in a loss of control of your vehicle.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Always maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicles in front of you. As a good rule of thumb, allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance as braking takes much longer on snowy and icy roads than it does on dry pavement. This will help give you the time you need to react and stop suddenly if the situation calls for it.

STAY VISIBLE
Keep your headlights and taillights on at all times to help increase your visibility of what’s in front of you and to allow other drivers to see you more easily from behind as well. Simply relying on daytime running lights isn’t enough as they only provide visibility from the front and do not work in conjunction with tail lights which limits your exposure to other vehicles, especially in snowy and or foggy conditions.

SIGNAL EARLY
Signaling well in advance before turning will give other drivers on the road plenty of notice of your intentions and provide them an adequate amount of time to adjust their driving accordingly.

SKID CONTROL
If you get caught skidding, you need to go against your natural instincts and remember to turn into the skid and accelerate, NOT brake. In a rear wheel drive vehicle, this will transfer the vehicle’s weight from the front to the rear and can help you regain control of your vehicle. With front wheel drive vehicles, this will actually increase traction and pull the vehicle in the direction that the steering wheel is turned as you accelerate. If you brake going into a skid, you sacrifice any control you may have as the momentum from the initial direction you were travelling or the slope of the road will dictate where your vehicle ends up, not you.

ALWAYS BE AWARE
Manoeuvres are more difficult to make on snow and ice. Knowing what you are doing next will allow you sufficient time to brake and/or turn safely. Being aware of your environment and what’s happening around you and up the road is important in helping you deal with unexpected scenarios.

Send a message to learn more

10/30/2018

On the eve of one of the busiest nights on the year for children across the land, we wanted to pass on our Halloween Driving Safety Tips to make sure we all do what we can to make sure it's a great night for all our little ghosts & goblins on the hunt for candy.
Check out http://www.amluken.ca/blog for complete details.

10/19/2018

Below is our guide to winterizing and preparing your RV for storage for the winter months. Be sure to reference your Manufacturer's Owner's Manual as well for any special instructions for your particular unit or additional equipment winterization (washing machines, ice makers, etc.).

10/12/2018

SELECTING THE RIGHT WINTER TIRE…

If you’re a native Alberta resident, then you’ve likely become accustomed to our bitterly cold winter months we endure every year and the treacherous driving conditions caused from ice and snow on the roads that often accompany it.

Many Alberta drivers have trained themselves to navigate winter roads on the same tires they drove on though the preceding summer months with most buying into the popular misconception that All-Season and or All-Weather tires are optimal for year-round use.

The truth is they aren’t, and only about 45% of Alberta drivers prepare their vehicles for the upcoming winter conditions by switching to proper snow grade tires. The majority of drivers that don’t make the switch have never driven a vehicle equipped with them so they don’t realize the impact they have on improving traction and control when they’re behind the wheel.

So, with all of the different tire options available to consumers, how do you know which type is the right one for you?

We’ve broken down the options to help make your decision a little clearer;

10/05/2018

Although we're only a couple of weeks into Fall, the cold of winter has already started giving us glimpses of what's in store in the not so distant future...

Is your home ready for Winter?

For detailed information for all 20 of our Home Winterization Tips, check out the full blog at http://www.amluken.ca/blog

09/24/2018

Winter is just around the corner… is your vehicle ready for the elements?

Winter can often create unfavorable driving conditions due to the accumulation of snow and ice on the roads creating the potential for unsafe road conditions.

In addition to driving according to the road conditions, it is also important that you are proactive with your vehicles maintenance and equipment to help offset some of the inevitable encounters you may face on the roads this winter.

Winterizing your vehicle is the ideal place to begin prepping for the winter driving season. This will enable you to be prepared when faced with potential inclement weather conditions while also helping to make sure your vehicle is ready for the higher demands and stresses put on its parts that the winter cold foreseeably inflicts.

Here’s our Top List of things you should do to winterize your vehicle before the snow starts to fly;

INSTALL WINTER WIPER BLADES

Winter wiper blades are specially designed and ruggedly constructed with rubber armors that help to protect critical wiper components from ice and snow to aid with better visibility through winter driving conditions.

INSTALL WINTER TIRES

Winter tires are designed specifically to withstand the freezing and below freezing temperatures that come with the winter season.

When temperatures continuously hover around or below freezing, the rubber compounds in non-winter tires harden causing a decrease in the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires use special compounds engineered to resist hardening in cold temperatures to provide better traction on ice and snow providing you more controlled starts and stops.

KEEP YOUR WASHER FLUID TOPPED UP

You will typically use more washer fluid than normal on winter roads in an effort to keep your windshield clear. Always make sure to check that your washer fluid reservoir is topped up and consider keeping a spare jug in the trunk just in case.

EMERGENCY SAFETY KIT

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any situation so be sure to pack, and keep an Emergency Safety Kit in your vehicle at all times.

If you don’t already have one and are looking to build one but aren’t sure what it should contain, here are some ‘must haves’ to include:

• Ice Scraper with Snow Brush
• Medium sized Sandbag
• Small Shovel
• First Aid Kit
• Road Flares and or Reflective Cones
• Flashlight with Spare Batteries
• Cell Phone
• Extra Antifreeze and Washer Fluid
• Jumper Cables
• Tool Kit (with most common repair tools)
• Extra Clothing & Warm Blankets (Jacket, Toque, Mitts, Socks, Boots, etc.)
• Non-perishable Snacks & Beverages
• Pack of Waterproof Matches

SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE REGULARLY

One of the most important safety measures to undertake when winterizing your vehicle is to have it properly serviced by a certified mechanic to make sure all Belts, Hoses, Spark Plugs, Wires and Cables are in optimal working condition and that the Battery/Charging System and Antifreeze/Cooling Systems are performing the way they should.

This not only promotes a healthier vehicle, but will also help reduce the risk of your vehicle breaking down and you ending up potentially stranded in frigid temperatures for extended periods of time.

MAINTAIN PROPER TIRE PRESSURE

Maintaining the proper tire pressure is a critical safety issue. Incorrect tire pressure will compromise cornering, braking and the overall stability of your vehicle while also affecting the comfort of your ride, your fuel economy and overall tire life. It may also potentially cause tire failure which can lead to a dangerous situation.

Remember, tire pressure decreases by about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 Degree drop in outside air temperature. So if you last had your tire pressure checked in the summer and it's now winter, your tires may be underinflated by as much as 10 pounds.

KEEP YOUR FUEL TANK OVER HALF

In the colder months, keep your gas tank at least half full or more. This is important as it will not only help prevent your fuel lines from freezing up, but a running engine may be the only thing to keep you warm if you find yourself stranded until help arrives.

MAKE SURE YOUR REAR DEFROSTER IS WORKING CORRECTLY

Not being able to see out your back window limits your visibility and awareness of your surroundings which can contribute to creating unsafe driving conditions. Make sure to check your vehicles rear defroster before the cold weather hits to be sure it is functioning properly.

LET THE ENGINE WARM UP

Letting your vehicle idle for just a few minutes before you drive it in the cold gives the oil in your vehicle a chance to warm up, thin out and flow more smoothly.

Typically, letting your car idle while you brush the snow off is usually sufficient. If your car is idling higher than normal after you first start it, then wait until the idle speed drops before putting the car in gear to help save on wear and tear on your transmission.

03/23/2018

What is Overland Flooding?

Overland Flooding can occur in any region of Canada at any time of the year and happens when water flows overland and seeps into buildings through windows, doors, cracks and other openings.

Overland flooding can be caused by a number of events including the rising volume of water levels along lake and coastal shorelines or in a stream or river when the flow exceeds the capacity of the channel, heavy rainfalls especially in the spring, when the ground is still frozen or already saturated or from the rapid melting of snow and ice jams due to extreme changes in temperature.

It is one of the most frequent and costly natural threats in Canada that affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians and causes millions of dollars in damages each year.

Many Canadian homeowners, for various reasons, aren't insured for overland flooding and can be left to deal with the expensive repairs and replacement of their valuables out of their own pockets.

Thankfully, many insurance providers in Alberta now offer policies that insure homeowners against overland flooding. As overland flood insurance is becoming increasingly available, property owners should check with insurance providers to find out what flood protection is available to them.

The Government of Alberta strongly advises all property owners to purchase adequate overland flood insurance for their property, as the Disaster Recovery Program may not provide assistance for damages once insurance is considered reasonably and readily available.

03/22/2018

Are you ? Perception vs. Reality

PERCEPTION 54% of Canadians are not concerned about floods damaging their homes.
REALITY Floods cost Canadians millions of dollars per year in property damage and other losses.

PERCEPTION 40% think they’re covered by overland flood insurance, or don’t know if they are.
REALITY Overland flooding is generally not covered by standard home insurance.

PERCEPTION 60% have done nothing to protect their homes because they don’t think they’re at risk.
REALITY Floods can occur in any region of Canada, at any time of year.

Don’t wait for the water! Take steps to protect your property.
Visit Canada.ca/Flood-Ready

03/21/2018

How can you make your Home more ?

Here are 10 Tips for from https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/flood-ready/protect-property.html that the average home owner can do themselves to make their home flood ready and help prevent loss from overland flooding to help protect the inside & outside of your home and water systems...

INSIDE YOUR PROPERT

• Use water-resistant building materials for renovations below ground level.
• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
• Install flood shields or barriers for basement windows and doors. The tops of the shields should extend above ground level. Raise large appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters, and electrical panels up on wood or cement blocks above the potential water level. (If an item can’t be raised, consider anchoring it and protecting it with a floodwall or shield.)
• Anchor fuel tanks to the floor. In a flood, a fuel tank can tip over or float, causing fuel to leak and potentially catch fire. Make sure vents and fill-line openings are above flood levels. (If you use propane, contact the propane company before making any changes.)
• If a flood warning is in effect, shut off electricity to areas that are at risk of flooding.
• Move furniture, valuables, and electronics to the safest place in your property that is least likely to be affected by flooding.

OUTSIDE YOUR PROPERTY

• Make sure that your lot is properly graded. If possible, build up the ground around your property so that water can drain away from basement walls.
• Make sure downspouts extend at least 2 m (6’) from your basement wall. Water should drain away from your property and neighbouring properties.
• Check that your roof and eaves are draining properly in heavy rains.
• Check sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways to make sure they haven’t settled over time and are causing water to drain toward your property. Clear snow away from the building’s foundation. If the ground is sloped one inch per foot near the building, moving snow just three to five feet from the building will reduce problems.
• Use a rain barrel to catch water runoff.
• Consider planting a “rain garden” by using landscaping as way to catch and disperse water in the soil near your property. Use native plants and vegetation that will resist soil erosion.

WATER SYSTEMS

• Make sure your plumbing system and drains follow Code requirements.
• Install backwater valves or plugs for drains, toilets and other sewer connections.
• Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure.
• Install a water alarm to let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.