Latest news with #MarcTannous
CTV News
12 hours ago
- CTV News
Posting vacation info on social media opens homeowners up to break-ins
Experts are advising people to wait until they get back before posting their vacation photos to their social media accounts. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Before you post travel selfies from the beach or cottage, remember who might see them -- and use the information against you. Now that warm weather is here, many people are planning summer vacations, but experts are warning about the risks that come with posting those details on social media. Social media vacations Before you post travel selfies from the beach or cottage, remember who might see them -- and use the information against you. (Photo from video) A new survey from Allstate Canada shows some are more concerned about who knows they're on vacation, than who knows their home is unoccupied. In fact, the results show 15 per cent of respondents shared that social media is more of a priority than keeping their homes safe from break-ins. 'It's more important for them for others to know that they're on vacation than to keep their home safe,' said Marc Tannous an agency manager at Allstate Canada. 'That's really alarming to us because it should be that your priority is to keep your home safe.' 'Risky trend' Of those polled, nearly one-third (32 per cent) of Canadian social media users said they post their vacation plans before or during their trip. Calling it 'a risky trend,' Allstate warns that information is a big tipoff for would-be thieves. Tannous said their message is timely – summer months have the highest number of claims following break-ins. 'People take most vacations during those periods of time -- July and August,' he said. 'We want to avoid potential situations that could have been done differently. For example, let's say someone didn't realize that you were going to be away. They wouldn't have done a break-in in your house, thus avoiding a claim for you.' Avoid getting robbed while away Some tips on how to avoid property theft while you're on vacation. (CTV News graphics) Police agree that posting vacation details to social media while still away is not wise. 'If you're putting that on social media, it's like a big billboard, 'Please come here and rob my house,'' said Const. Michelle Simard from the OPP North East Region. Simard said taking some precautions before you leave, such as an inventory of your valuables, can help in case you are victimized. 'Your TVs, your laptops, if you take down a serial number of it with the make and the model, if it somehow does get stolen, we're able to put that down on our system,' Simard said. 'Then if it ever comes up again, we'll know that it's yours. So, take inventory of the big things.' Simard and Tannous agree that if someone wants to post vacation photos to social media, they should wait until they're home from their vacation. There would also be more pictures to choose from after the fact.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
From drips to disasters: How to flood-proof your home
2024 was the most expensive year for severe weather-related losses in Canadian history. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, flooding alone caused over $1 billion in damages. 'Of all the different risks–fire, wind, hail–the most likely threat to your home is water in your basement,' says Marc Tannous, agency manager at Allstate Canada. With flood risks increasing each year, many homeowners may not realize their current insurance coverage and preventative measures might not be enough. RELATED: As spring approaches, here are three essential steps to safeguard your basement before the next storm hits: 1. Review your Insurance Coverage Toronto saw record-breaking rainfall last summer, with 128.3 millimetres of rain on Aug. 17 alone–flooding homes across the city. 'Many homeowners assume they're covered for basement flooding, but standard policies may not include adequate water damage protection,' said Tannous. 'When severe flooding hit in August 2024, many people were underinsured because they hadn't reviewed their coverage.' Don't wait until it's too late. Review your policy, check for gaps in coverage and ensure your limits reflect the true cost of potential damages. LEARN MORE: 2. Protect your Valuables A flooded basement can mean more than just property damage–it can also lead to the loss of sentimental and expensive items. Taking simple precautions now can prevent this devastation. 'Store important items in waterproof plastic containers–this can keep them safe even if water seeps in,' said Tannous. 'Additionally, keeping belongings at least two to three feet above the ground reduces the risk of water damage.' 3. Install a Sump Pump and Backwater Valve A sump pump helps prevent basement flooding by removing excess water and directing it away from your home. Meanwhile, a backwater valve stops sewage from backing up into your basement–an expensive nightmare scenario no homeowner wants to face. According to Allstate Canada, the cost of basement water damage repairs has surged nearly 20 per cent since 2019. One major reason? Basements are no longer just storage spaces–they've become home theatres, playrooms and even gyms. Ensuring your insurance reflects the true value of your basement's use is more important than ever. Taking these steps now could save you thousands of dollars in repairs, so don't wait and protect your home now. Click here to view the video With copy edits from Fredrick Reyes, a digital journalist for The Weather Network and feature image courtesy of Getty Images.
