Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc: Church Fires Devastate Canadian Communities
(firmenpresse) - TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 01/27/12 -- During the past two months, a church in Port Alberni, BC, was totally gutted by fire, another on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula burnt to the ground, and a fire at a church in Stoney Creek, Ontario, was contained before it spread to the sanctuary. In each instance, an electrical fire was deemed the likely cause.
Colin Robertson, VP Risk Control at Ecclesiastical Insurance, points out that electrical issues are among the leading causes of fires in North America and that older churches - whether they were built with wood frames or as masonry buildings with wood joisted roofs - are particularly vulnerable. "Faulty wiring, overloaded electrical circuits, and improperly grounded equipment are among the hazards that pose significant threats," he says. "Unless they are updated and regularly maintained, electrical installations in older churches can't handle today's increased demands."
In many congregations with aging facilities, the electrical systems are simply overburdened and unsafe. That's why Robertson urges faith organizations to engage the services of licensed electrical contractors. "A professional inspection of incoming service, breaker panels and fuse boards, and wiring and grounding," he emphasizes, "is a critical first step to identifying the risks and avoiding potential disasters. In addition to inspections, professional electricians should undertake electrical updates and repairs."
Ecclesiastical also advises faith customers to create a checklist and conduct regularly scheduled inspections, looking at such areas as:
In Canada, electrical safety falls under provincial/territorial jurisdiction with regulatory activity based upon nationally accepted standards.
About Ecclesiastical Insurance
Working with brokers across Canada, Ecclesiastical Insurance provides customized insurance solutions to faith communities, educational institutions, retirement facilities, unique and heritage properties, cultural institutions, registered charities and nonprofit organizations, as well as select commercial enterprises. Owned by a charitable trust, Ecclesiastical is committed to protecting those who enrich the lives of others. For more information visit .
Contacts:
For information about Ecclesiastical's specialized products
or Risk Management services, please contact:
Colin Robertson
Vice President, Risk Control
(416) 484-3984
Jacinta Whyte
General Manager and Chief Agent for Canada
(416) 484-4900
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Datum: 27.01.2012 - 12:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 108472
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TORONTO, ONTARIO
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