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World-leading scientist gives annual Aston University Distinguished Lecture on the wonder of smart gels

Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar delivered the 2024 Aston University Annual Distinguished Lecture He has been president of the Indian National Science Academy and director general of the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and has received multiple honours and awards He was also presented with an honorary professorship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to academia and beyond. Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar delivered Aston University’s 2024 Annual Distinguished Lecture to more than 70 invited guests on 22 April. One of the world’s renowned figures in polymer science, research leadership and intellectual property rights, Dr Mashelkar, a chemical engineer, is a global leader and inspiration in his native India and the wider international research community. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the research community, Dr Mashelkar was bestowed with an honorary professorship at the end of the lecture by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University. The title of Dr Mashelkar’s lecture was ‘Trapeze Artistry in Biomimetic Smart Gels’. ‘Smart gels’, made from synthetic polymers (types of plastics), can be developed with specific functional properties, such as reacting to changes in temperature and pH. Whilst Director at India’s National Chemical Laboratories, Dr Mashelkar led work which discovered smart gels which can mimic biological functions (biomimetic), including being self-healing, self-organising, and acting as enzymes in chemical and biological processes. Their properties can be reversibly switched on or off, or they can change volume or shape, through the use of pH or temperature, the ‘trapeze artistry’ of the title, giving them many uses. This included temperature-responsive comfortable insoles for diabetic feet, drilling fluids which can quickly, but reversibly, plug an oil well, and medical devices for the digestive system, which resist the acidic environment of the stomach to deliver drugs, but dissolve harmlessly in the alkaline environment when they leave the stomach. One of the defining factors of Dr Mashelkar’s work has been serendipity. He told the story of a smart gel that dried to become a completely different shape when dried in his laboratory’s old oven rather than the new oven. One of his research team discovered this was due to the presence of copper ions from corrosion in the oven, which changed the way the molecules arranged themselves and led to a whole new area of research on polymer self-assembly. As he said: “Eyes do not see what the mind does not know. Look at the 'failed' experiment very carefully, maybe the next big breakthrough is waiting there!” Dr Mashelkar also spoke on his life story, from a young boy in India, attending the local municipal school, to addressing thousands of the world’s best minds at places like the World Economic Forum and the World Bank. His great passion now is ‘Gandhian Engineering’ based on the principle of more performance, from fewer resources, for more people. He created the Anjani Mashelkar Award, named after his mother, for the best low-cost, high-technology innovations. Winners have included an Internet of Things-based maternal healthcare system for rural areas and a smartphone app to assess lung health. Dr Mashelkar is proud of his work on Gandhian Engineering. Speaking after the lecture he said: “Rising inequalities create social disharmony. Now, you can’t make the inequalities vanish because you can’t make poor people rich overnight. What is needed is access. Can we give access equality, despite the income inequality? And that’s the principle of Gandhian Engineering. In my lecture I showed a photograph of a poor lady in a hut with a mobile, and a rich lady from a city who also had a mobile. This is equal access. It was not possible previously when mobiles were so expensive. In India now we have good public infrastructure. Data is now Rs 4 per GB and wireless is free. Once you start giving access, there is a parity.” Professor Subic said: “It was a privilege and a pleasure to welcome such a celebrated scientist as Dr Mashelkar to give the Aston University Annual Distinguished Lecture this year. Once again, we have brought a renowned international leader to engage with our community and present some of the most exciting research going on in our world today, while also inspiring the next generation of researchers and international citizens. I am deeply honoured that Dr Mashelkar has accepted an honorary professorship from Aston University in recognition of his international standing and significant contributions to scientific research and innovation.” The distinguished lecture series was established by Professor Subic in 2023. It brings influential speakers to the University to address major scientific breakthroughs, as well as social, cultural and policy issues. The first distinguished lecture was given by Nobel Laureate Peter Agre in 2023. Speaking after the lecture, Dr Mashelkar said: “I am absolutely honoured to get this honorary professorship from Aston University. Aston University is excelling in a number of areas. In terms of its future, I consider that to be very bright for the simple reason that the University’s dynamic Vice-Chancellor is making big changes with speed and skill, with expansion, inclusion and excellence. To be honoured with an honorary professorship is one of the greatest satisfactions and fulfilments of my life.” The lecture was followed by a drinks reception to allow guests to meet Dr Mashelkar and further discuss his work. A video recording of the 2024 Annual Distinguished Lecture will be made available on the University website at a later date.

Major UK tile company joins up with Aston University to digitise for the future

Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill has been in business for over 150 years The company will work with the University through a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP) It will streamline and digitise its warehouse processes and practices as part of a long-term growth plan. The UK’s longest-operating manufacturer, supplier and importer of ceramic tiles has joined forces with Aston University in a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP). Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill, which has been in business for over 150 years, has a large and complex supply chain, both of finished tiles and of the raw materials for manufacturing. Its customers are consumers, merchants, property developers, bathroom and kitchen retailers, in addition to architectural and building communities. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. An mKTP focuses specifically on increasing effectiveness and improving results through better management practices. The company wants to fully streamline and digitise its processes and practices, including ordering, purchasing, stock and warehouse management, as well as delivery planning and sales tracking. It would also see the company’s different business divisions integrated. Developing an accurate real-time warehouse management system is a key part of the project as, currently, different production batches vary slightly in colour and size, making it crucial not to mix them when fulfilling orders. The company is working with Aston University’s Professor Ben Clegg and Dr Gajanan Panchal (academic lead and supervisor) from Aston Business School. Professor Clegg, a professor of operations management, has pioneered a successful methodology called Process Oriented Holonic Modelling (PrOH Modelling), a way of fully engaging employees in organisational change using systems modelling and storyboarding, that will be used to help Craven Dunnill’s employees to guide and implement new processes. Dr Panchal specialises in logistics and supply chain management, including warehouse management and optimisation. He uses a variety of approaches to comprehend and analyse problems with warehousing operations. Completing the team in the KTP associate position is Dr Olanrewaju Sanda, who has started analysing the issues in the warehouse including the data around inventory accuracy and stock selection. Working closely with management and the Aston University team, he will digitalise operational systems. Part of this will include building a digital dashboard to represent the factory and move it towards a ‘digital twin’. Simon Howells, CEO of Craven Dunnill, said: “Although the mKTP is for two years, we don’t see it as a finite project. It will improve our pace of change and our developmental dynamism. Our supply chains and processes are complex, and we know getting the best advice and expertise is going to be really crucial for the long-term growth of the company.” Professor Ben Clegg said: “We’ve been using the PrOH modelling approach in various forms for several research projects. The more people we can involve, the more successful the project tends to be. I think the company was interested in our unique combination of our knowledge of digital technologies, logistics and our expertise in organisational change.” Olanrewaju Sanda said: “The warehouse is the heartbeat of the company – everything flows in and out of there. If we can solve the high-level problems at the warehouse, it will trickle down to everything else and leave the company in the best possible position for the future.”

MEDIA RELEASE: Provincial oversight of the towing industry now in effect in Ontario

The Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021 (TSSEA) came into effect in Ontario yesterday, giving consumers more certainty when it comes to towing services across the province. Towing services were previously licenced at the municipal level, creating a confusing patchwork of rules and fees for consumers. Provincial oversight will help to ensure that the motoring public has a reliable, growing and reputable tow industry for years to come. “CAA has been working for over a decade with stakeholders and government officials to achieve provincial regulation of the towing industry,” said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president, CAA South Central Ontario. “These changes will make a big difference for drivers, providing more confidence and certainty regardless of when or where they require support.” CAA Members can still receive the same services they have come to know and trust. CAA towing services operate in compliance with the new rules in Ontario. “Public awareness of the rules that are now in place is going to be a critical element of successfully protecting drivers moving forward,” continued Di Felice. “CAA will be doing our part to help educate drivers across the province.” Some of the consumer protection requirements that will now be required for all towing services include: Every tow truck operator and vehicle storage operator (company owner) must have a Certificate to offer services in the province of Ontario. Every tow truck must clearly display their name and TSSEA certificate number on the truck. You have the right to see a copy of the certificate. You have the right to decide who can tow your vehicle and to what location unless otherwise directed by police. Tow truck drivers must obtain consent BEFORE they tow your vehicle. Without signed consent (permission to tow form), the tow operator cannot charge for towing services. Towing consent is not required for membership or roadside assistance-type services. You must be provided with an invoice BEFORE requesting payment and a receipt upon payment. This is not required for membership or roadside assistance-type services. Rates cannot exceed the maximum rates published by the Ministry of Transportation. Referrals to a business, facility or person can only be given if requested. Tow truck drivers and operators MUST disclose any benefit they receive for providing referrals to a person, business or facility. Multiple payment methods must be accepted (cash, cheque, credit card, debit). Towed vehicles must be transported via the most direct route. The tow operator or tow truck driver must notify the vehicle owner if taken to a different location from the one the vehicle owner specified. Customers must be allowed to retrieve personal property from towed vehicles at no charge. Storage operators must allow authorized persons access to retrieve personal items from vehicles during business hours or prearranged times. Tow operators must ensure every driver employed complies with TSSEA regulations, the Highway Traffic Act, and its regulations. Implementation of regulations will continue to roll out in the months ahead, and it is expected that the final phase of regulations will be implemented starting in July 2024.

Georgia Southern Libraries celebrates grand opening for Patent and Trademark Resource Center

Patenting an invention and trademarking a product name can be challenging, yet protecting intellectual property is vital. To that end, Georgia Southern University Libraries celebrated the grand opening of its Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) with ribbon-cutting events at the Armstrong Center in Savannah this past September. The PTRC is part of a nationwide network of 84 public, state and academic libraries designated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to support the public with trademark and patent assistance. Georgia Southern Libraries is one of two designated PTRCs in Georgia. “With the recent economic development of Hyundai’s Motor Group Metaplant America, associated suppliers and regional commerce, our PTRC cultivates a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” stated Georgia Southern’s PTRC librarian representative John Schlipp. “Innovators and creative colleagues utilizing the PTRC service at Georgia Southern University Libraries will be able to determine the potential for their patent applications and federal registration for a trademark on their inventions, products or services.” Georgia Southern’s PTRC partners with the University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) and other regional, like-minded organizations to foster innovation and creativity. Dignitaries from the USPTO, including Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director Derrick Brent, and Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero attended the ribbon-cutting in Savannah. Both events acted as workshops for inventors, entrepreneurs and business startups. The PTRC at Georgia Southern can assist patrons in conducting their own free patent and trademark searches on specialized USPTO databases. Additionally, patrons can receive one-on-one instruction on the application process, improve awareness of a product field, determine application feasibility and prepare for consulting with an attorney. Interested in learning more? Contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.

Expert explainer - Storm Daniel and the Libya flooding

Expert: Dr Kiran Tota-Maharaj Reader in Civil & Environmental Engineering (Water and Environmental Engineering) College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University 1/ Do we have any basic measures on the volume of precipitation that triggered the collapse of the two dams that flooded Derna? How much rain over what period of time? Are there adequate records to put that in historical context? Were any records broken? Storm Daniel has the characteristics of a tropical depression, approximately 170 millimetres (6.7 inches) of rainfall occurred fell in Libya. Torrential rains of between 150 - 240 mm caused flash floods in several cities, including Al-Bayda, which recorded the highest rainfall rate of 414.1 mm. 2/ Do we know anything about the dams that failed? Where they old, near the end of their expected lifespan? Were they known to be fragile in any way? To what extent, in other words, might this have been a disaster waiting to happen? Flash floods, which is considered as one of the worst weather-related natural disasters are highly unpredictable following brief spells of heavy rain. This region in Libya is subjected to flash floods, where floods from the mountains causing heavy damage to hydraulic structures and features of Dams. These floods are made up of sudden, unexpected and heavy rains or a strong surge of water, which usually hit the steep sloped mountainous catchments and have inundated many regions in Libya. The sweeping flash floods also led to the death of many residents and great losses of property. Entire neighborhoods in Derna disappeared, along with their residents swept away by water after two ageing dams collapsed making the situation catastrophic and out of control, the city of Derna is surrounded by mountains, so the flash flooding occurred quite rapidly, taking over with surface-water levels rising as high as 3 metres (10 feet). Engineers have previously issued warnings about the risks of these dams bursting and the urgent need to strengthen their defenses, which unfortunately didn’t occur. Early Warning Systems (EWS)- which are effective ways to reduce the risks of flash floods have not been properly implemented. When EWS are issued before a flash flood event, additional time is created to take action and save lives and infrastructure. The unexpected arrival of a flash flood in Libya, combination with its force, limited understanding of the risks and small space-time scales provide explicit challenges for the development and implementation of an EWS system for flash floods. 3/ There is speculation about many thousands of deaths. Is this attributable almost entirely to the failed dams? Or was there massive and deadly flooding beside that? Thousands of people’s lives have been sadly lost after the massive flood ripped through the city of Derna as a result from the heave storm conditions and excessive rainfall. There have been several areas severely affected by widespread flooding, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life. The disastrous flooding event is likely the cause of the two dams’ collapses, making thousands of residents of the valley and the city of Derna, Libya vulnerable as a result of the storm. Entire neighbourhoods of Derna by the bank of the swollen river had been ravaged and washed away. For further details or to interview Dr Tota-Maharaj, contact Nicola Jones Press and Communications Manager, Aston University, Birmingham, UK n.jones6@aston.ac.uk or Mobile: (+44)7825 342091

Aston University research to shine a light on the experience of financial uncertainty among UK households

Experts from the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing will examine the daily financial struggles of low to moderate income UK households The Real Accounts project will capture day-to-day financial fluctuations, understanding household money management strategies It is hoped the results will help inform policy and market innovation and debate. New research by the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing at Aston University will shine a light on the real day-to-day experience of financial uncertainty among UK households and help inform policy and market innovation and debate. The Real Accounts project will build an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of financial uncertainty among low to moderate income households across the country. Believed to be the first of its kind in the UK and in contrast with the snapshot data achieved by annual surveys, this long-term study will provide a fully joined-up view of household finances, capturing the day-to-day, week-to-week ups and downs, working with households to understand the situations they face and the strategies they use to manage their money. The project will be a collaboration with Nest Insight and the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health at Glasgow Caledonian University. Experts will use a research data collection app that has been custom designed by Moneyhub to capture real-time income and expenditure transaction data over six months for a sample of around 50 low to moderate income households, combined with monthly interviewing. Professor Andy Lymer, director of the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing at Aston University, said: “We are really pleased to be part of this innovative project, directly focusing on real experiences of managing financial volatility and the impact that has on broader aspects of wellbeing. Too little is currently known about the scope and scale of income and expense volatility experienced by UK households. This research is really timely given people are currently facing the very significant impact of the cost-of-living crisis and often enormous uncertainty about both their incomes and their expenditures. The outcomes of this work will generate deeper understanding of what it means to experience financial challenges in reality and over sustained periods of time. It will contribute to finding better ways to help people in their everyday lives and is a perfect fit for the focus of our Centre that seeks to deepen our understanding of what matters in creating personal financial wellbeing.” Sope Otulana, head of research at Nest Insight, said: “As the rising cost of living continues to impact households across the country, and levels of household debt climb, this research is more crucial than ever. The project aims to shine a light on exactly what it is like for households today managing volatile income and expenditure, sharing their first-hand stories. While large income and expenditure datasets track individuals and their behaviour out in the world, this research puts individuals back into the contexts where their financial lives play out, focussing on the overall household – partners, parents, siblings, friends and other social connections. It will look beyond the balance sheet to also analyse social, environmental, and health factors, as well as other dynamics that can come into play and affect household finances. The research will identify trends but also capture the variation within households, recognising that there is no ‘average’ household circumstance or experience.” Alex Christopoulos, Aviva Foundation lead and senior strategic adviser and consultant, said: “Millions in the UK are struggling and worried about money. The Real Accounts research provides us with an opportunity to understand how these households are managing to get by day-to-day; the choices they make, the strategies they take and the knock-on effects this has on other areas of their life. In uncertain times, we need to better understand how people deal with fluctuations in their incomings and outgoings – and what kinds of financial support and services might enable them to build a buffer, and a plan, to deal with today’s pressures, as well as what tomorrow may bring. The Aviva Foundation is proud to be supporting Nest Insight and its partners to deliver to the Real Accounts research.” Samantha Seaton, CEO of Moneyhub, said: “It is only when we have in-depth and holistic data on a person's or household’s finances that we can truly know and begin to understand the impact of the rising cost of living. This can only be successfully achieved by bringing all of an individual's or household’s financial data together in one place, from every-day spending to long-term projects such as buying a property and saving for retirement. At Moneyhub, we’re absolutely delighted to be providing our cutting-edge technology to enable Nest Insight and its partners to collect and analyse this crucial data. We know from our own users the pressure that the current economic situation is placing on them, with many unable to save resorting to borrowing to get by each month. Having thorough data and insight will enable any solution to be highly personalised in its approach and have a much more positive impact on those that require it most. Ultimately the more real-time financial data points, the more informed the decisions can be. It has always been our purpose at Moneyhub to improve financial wellness, and this project is just one example of how we’re using Open Finance to do exactly that.” You can find out more about the project here.

Comprehensive Sleep Wellness Center Opens on Newark Campus

More than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep-related problems. To address this growing need, ChristianaCare has opened a new comprehensive sleep wellness center in the Medical Arts Pavilion II on the ChristianaCare Newark Campus. The ChristianaCare Sleep Wellness Center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, is an outpatient program that provides expert diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. The nearly 5,000 square foot, seven-bed facility builds on the success of ChristianaCare’s previous sleep diagnostic center, now incorporating clinical care and diagnostic testing at the same site. The center is staffed by board-certified sleep medicine specialists who provide in-lab and at-home sleep testing, as well as a behavioral health specialist who offers cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. The center offers onsite and virtual appointments. “At the ChristianaCare Sleep Wellness Center, we offer the full range of sleep care services in one place, with the expertise to help people with all kinds of sleep disorders,” said Shilpa Kauta, M.D., medical director of the ChristianaCare Sleep Wellness Center. “Sleep disorders affect members of every race, socioeconomic class and age group, but despite the high prevalence of sleep disorders, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated,” she said. National surveys show that more than 60 percent of adults have never been asked about the quality of their sleep by a physician. “It’s important for people to know that if they have problems related to sleeping, they should talk to their doctor about it, or call us at the Sleep Wellness Center. Sleep disorders can affect overall health—and they are often very treatable.” The Sleep Wellness Center provides expert, multidisciplinary diagnosis and care for every kind of sleep problem, including: Obstructive sleep apnea. Restless leg syndrome. Narcolepsy. Parasomnias, such as sleepwalking. As part of the ChristianaCare team, the expert staff at the Sleep Wellness Center coordinates with disease-based programs at ChristianaCare to integrate sleep services into cardiac care, weight loss surgery and renal transplant care. They also partner with surgeons to manage hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy, a major advancement in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Patients at the Sleep Wellness Center undergo a personal sleep history, medical background and physical examination. If appropriate, a polysomnography (sleep study) may be ordered to monitor and record brain waves, heart rate, blood oxygen level, breathing and eye movements. Poor Sleep Health is a National Problem According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 70 million Americans suffering from sleep-related problems, more than 50% are likely to have a chronic disorder, such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy. People who suffer from sleep disorders are also more likely to have chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, depression, obesity and even cancer. The impact on American life and economy is enormous as sleep deprivation and untreated sleep disorders are estimated to cost over $100 billion annually in lost productivity, medical expenses, sick leave, property and environmental damage. “With information collected through testing, our sleep experts can determine the source of a sleep problem and begin a treatment plan to help patients improve their quality of life,” Kauta said. The address and phone number of the new center: ChristianaCare Sleep Wellness Center 4735 Ogletown Stanton Rd. Suite 2210 Newark, DE 19713 302-623-0610

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Insurance launches Auto Extension Insurance in Manitoba

New market expansions mean more Canadians have flexibility and choice from a trusted brand for their auto extension insurance needs. CAA Insurance is proud to announce the expansion of its Auto Extension Insurance into Manitoba and is now the underwriter for the same coverage in Saskatchewan. A top-up to the basic mandatory coverage available in the market, CAA Auto Extension Insurance allows policyholders more flexibility and choice to protect their vehicles and their family members “Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, basic coverage just isn’t enough,” says Matthew Turack, President, CAA Insurance. “That’s why we set out to develop a product that meets individual needs and the changing lifestyles of people who live on the prairies.” In Manitoba, CAA Insurance has entered the auto extension insurance market in the prairie province for the first time. The CAA Auto Extension Insurance product includes five new to-market coverages such as; Claim Forgiveness, Tire Pothole and Puncture Protection, Family Pet Protection, Emergency Expenses, and Personal Property coverage. Other available coverage includes auto loss of use, replacement cost coverage, extra liability coverage, reduced deductibles, and more. It is also the first time CAA Insurance is underwriting Auto Extension Insurance in Saskatchewan. CAA’s Auto Extension Insurance does not replace the mandatory coverage found through provincial government insurers but instead is a way for people to enhance their policy and give them more peace of mind. Policyholders may also be eligible for special discounts to save money including a CAA Member Discount, Winter Tire Discount, Multi-Vehicle Discount, and Multi-Line Discount. “As one of Canada’s most trusted brands, customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have the extra protection they need at the best possible price from a company they can trust,” says Turack.

MEDIA RELEASE: Ice dams, overland flooding and other ways your home is at risk from water this spring: CAA Manitoba

Winnipeg, MB, March 21, 2022 – A winter with heavy snowfall means Manitobans are on the lookout for spring water damage. There are countless ways water can damage your property, which can lead to hazardous mold and structural damage. Luckily, there are just as many ways to prevent it. “The highest risk homeowners face is water damage, yet many homeowners remain unprepared,” said Tim Scott, president of CAA Manitoba. “While incidents can occur unexpectedly, common causes of water damage can often be spotted and prevented in advance.” "There are a few main causes of water damage that homeowners should watch for,” continued Scott. “Thawing, heavy rain and overland flooding are common in the spring, but homeowners should also be checking their roofs, downspouts and foundations every year to avoid unexpected seeping and leaks.” While this year’s slow melt has been helpful to lower the risk of overland flooding, unfortunately, it encourages ice dams on homes. An ice dam forms when melting snow turns to ice near the edge of your roof, trapping water behind and underneath it. That water can lead to all sorts of problems, said Don Fata, owner of Pristine Roofing in Winnipeg. “We are taking hundreds of calls this season,” said Fata. “It’s very important to remove ice dams if they form on your roof. Otherwise, they can lead to damage to your shingles, your roof and inside your home.” The trapped water behind an ice dam can seep through the roof and cause serious damage to insulation, drywall and electrical systems, said Fata. Left long term, it could also damage flooring, carpets and cause cracks in walls. “Removing ice dams is best done by the experts, who can do so safely and without damaging your roof or eavestroughs,” said Fata. Some other ways to help prevent flooding or water in your home include: Installing a sump pump and backwater valve Installing water sensors Flood shields around basement windows This spring, make sure to: ❑ Inspect your roof for signs of missing shingles, cracks or other damage ❑ Inspect eavestroughs to see they are not clogged or broken ❑ Make sure downspouts are directed away from your home ❑ Check windows and doors for signs of leakage ❑ Inspect your appliances regularly ❑ Watch your water bill for sudden jumps ❑ Check your basement walls for moisture ❑ Ensure your sump pump, backup valves and shut off valves are working properly ❑ Check your foundation for cracks – when the snow melts In addition to the tools and tips above, it is important to understand what is and is not covered in your home insurance policy, follow up with your insurance provider or broker to clarify any exclusions or additions. CAA licensed Insurance Brokers provide complimentary property insurance policy reviews -- even if you’re not insured with the company. For more information, visit CAA Manitoba’s home insurance website and to get a free property insurance quote.

MEDIA RELEASE: Stay Alert Stay Safe: Daylight saving time ends soon

Winnipeg, MB, October 29, 2020 – CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is reminding all motorists and pedestrians to stay alert as we turn our clocks back this weekend. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1. The return to standard time means fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility for all road users. “Road safety and pedestrian safety are a shared responsibility. Taking precautions and being aware of other road users helps us all arrive at our destinations safely,” says Heather Mack, manager of government and community relations, CAA MB. As we are navigate our new normal, working and commuting during a pandemic, we are facing additional obstructions this year. Physical distancing means pedestrians may step out onto the road to keep their distance from others or take longer to cross  at intersections. It is important now more than ever to remind road users to follow the rules of the road, and be patient. What motorists can do to stay safe: Be alert to pedestrians stepping out onto the road. Physical distancing on sidewalks means pedestrians may step out onto the road at any given moment. Always look for pedestrians crossing the road. Be attentive while driving and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, school crossings and crossovers. Mind your blind spots. Be aware of blind spots when making turns at intersections. Stay focused and vigilant behind the wheel. Avoid distractions inside and outside of your vehicle. Slow down in school zones. Reduce your speed and obey speed limits in school zones and residential neighbourhoods. Prepare for the unexpected. Residential streets and school zones have different types of obstacles, such as children playing outdoors, riding bikes, skateboarding, etc. Be cautious and considerate. Be alert around stopped transit vehicles and be courteous to pedestrians with different mobility needs that may require more time. Use your lights. Motorists should use their full lighting system at when it gets dark and in low visibility situations. What pedestrians can do to stay safe: Be careful when physical distancing on the sidewalk. Try to avoid stepping out onto road and if you end up stepping on the road, ensure there are no vehicles in the lane. Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions and be alert while crossing the street. Follow the flow. Follow signals and cross at designated locations or crosswalks. Stop, look, and listen. Ensure all traffic has come to a complete stop before crossing the road. Keep an eye out. Make eye contact with motorists—never assume that drivers can see you or know your intentions. Be visible. Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing or accessories at night to help with visibility. CAA MB are providing FREE “Slow Down Please” lawn signs to anyone living in Winnipeg. When well-placed, these signs aim to make roads safer for children and those living in the community. Remember to check local bylaws before installing signs on private property. Anyone can pick up a maximum of two signs at any CAA Store, while quantities last.