Stanley Mutual Member Insider News 🗞️🌹🌱

Published: Wed, 03/20/24

Spring

2024

Emerging Risks in Spring:

Navigating Potential Insurance Claims

As the winter frost begins to thaw, and nature awakens from its hibernation, spring brings a burst of life and colour to our beautiful province. With the changing season comes a set of potential risks that homeowners should be aware of to safeguard their properties. We will share some common spring-related risks to look for as the weather changes around New Brunswick.

"There is enough snow there that if it does all melt very quickly, we could certainly see some significant flooding," says Geoffrey Downy of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization. "So with that in mind, we really encourage people to prepare, that's something you have control over.

1. Flooding: Riding the Wave of Spring Showers

While April showers bring May flowers, they can also bring the risk of pooling and flooding. The combination of melting snow, heavy rains, and saturated soil can lead to overflowing rivers and flooded basements. Homeowners should ensure there is proper drainage on their properties and direct the flow of water away from their homes.

2. Storm Damage: Battling the Tempest's Wrath

After the freeze of Winter and Springs notoriously unpredictable weather patterns, your home could have taken on some unnoticed damage. High winds, hail, and lightning can cause substantial damage to roofs, windows, and siding. Regularly inspecting your property and promptly addressing any vulnerabilities can mitigate the risks. Additionally, understanding your homeowners' insurance coverage for storm-related damages is essential. Ensuring that your policy adequately covers these potential risks will provide peace of mind and financial protection when unpredictable weather strikes.

3. Increased Pest Issues: Springing into Action

Nobody wants to share their home with unwanted guests, especially when those guests are actually intruders.

Above you will find common pest for Canadians homes.

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, pests such as termites, ants, and mosquitoes become more active. Pest infestations can cause structural damage and health concerns. Homeowners should take proactive measures to prevent infestations, including proper maintenance, sealing entry points, and addressing standing water. Most insurance policies don’t cover pest-related damages, so prevention of such damage is key.

Navigating Spring's Risks with Insurance Coverage

Understanding the emerging risks of spring is the first step in preparing for a season of renewal. Regularly reviewing your insurance policies, ensures that you are adequately protected against the specific challenges that spring may present. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, you can navigate potential insurance claims with confidence, allowing you to embrace the beauty of spring without worrying about the associated risks to your home. Feel free to reach out to your dedicated Stanley Mutual representative to discuss your coverage. We're more than happy to provide clarity and address any uncertainties you may have. Your understanding and peace of mind are our top priorities.

The heart of the tropical Atlantic Ocean hit summer-like warmth in the middle of February, an ominous sign for this year’s hurricane season

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Beyond Boundaries:

Navigating the Tiny Home Revolution

If you or someone you know is thinking of building a Tiny Home, don't miss our latest blog post on our website. It's packed with valuable insight on insuring one

Read the complete article by clicking here.

NB Fun Facts

Rockwood Revelry: When Bears and Ferris Wheels Collide!

Hold onto your peacock-feathered caps because we're about to embark on a journey down memory lane, exploring the wild and wacky history of Rockwood Park!

In 1894, Rockwood Park emerged as an urban oasis. However, life in the park was no walk in the park. It faced challenges as bears terrorized visitors, and financial woes loomed.

Fast forward to November 17th, 1906 – Rockwood Park underwent a spectacular transformation into a carnival extravaganza. This included dazzling electrical lights (way ahead of its time), gramophone-record music, and a restaurant serving up ice cream, soda pop, and alcohol. All of this was curated by the charismatic Frank White, a former athlete turned candy maker and the unlikely ringmaster of the Rockwood Carnival.

The announcement didn't receive universal applause; oh no! Some individuals branded it "degenerate" and "a shame to any decent community," fearing the carnival would rain peanut shells down like confetti.

Enter a distinctly skeptical reporter from The Sun newspaper, dispatched to cover the event. He faced an attack from a "lordy peacock," was frightened by the Ferris Wheel, and got "whirled into space" on the merry-go-round (getting on as the lone adult among 50 children).

It was the first Ferris wheel Saint John had ever seen, standing 25 feet tall and featuring six cars, each of which could seat four people. Only the brave dared go on it, while most people gathered around at the bottom to watch.

The reporter begrudgingly admitted that it was “a stellar attraction.”

Five days later, the park was “formally” opened, with remarks from the Mayor, a fireworks display, and free soda pop – an eagerly sought after novelty at the time. An astonishing 12,000 of the city’s 41,000 residents visited that day.

What everyone wanted to see was the first ever “shoot-the-chutes” act, a remarkably dangerous looking giant slide that would launch a daredevil on a bicycle into Lily Lake.

Frank White had signed a 10 year lease, but his carnival didn’t last that long. It was pared down during the First World War, and never quite regained its early splendor.

The next time you stroll through, tip your hat to the spirits of the past – the bears, the "lordy peacock," and the daring reporter who survived the whirlwind of carnival magic.

Photos curtesy of the New Brunswick Museum and https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rockwood-park-history-1.3537092

Community Involvement

20K Sock Day Challenge

The Stanley Mutual Team recently joined in the 20K Sock Day Challenge donating 100 pairs of socks to help the Canadians who experience homelessness in our communities.

Colin Brewer, BBA, CIP, Business Development Leader & Tony Curtis, Account Executive donating socks at O’Hickey’s Irish Pub in Fredericton

UPDATE: The numbers are in! 20K Sock Day Challenge NB raised over 72% of all socks donated across Canada! Our amazing province was beyond dominant in showing support to this initiative and Stanley Mutual is proud to have been a part of it.

Pink Shirt Day at Stanley Mutual

Pink Shirt Day originated in the Maritimes when, in 2007, a high school student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing pink. In a heartwarming response, fellow students rallied together, donning pink attire to show their united support and send a powerful message: "Bullying has no place here!