Kids spend a lot of time in and around vehicles. But they may not be aware of the potential risks, from automatic windows that can pinch tiny fingers, to cars that can back over their play areas without warning. Each year, more than 9,000 children are treated in the ER for injuries that happen in and around motor vehicles. Many of these injuries are preventable and teaching safe habits can help.
In honor of Child Passenger Safety Month in September, we’ve compiled a list of safety measures to teach your children so they can be safer in and around vehicles.
Safety Tips in a Vehicle
Buckle up.
Do:
Have your child wear a seat belt for every ride.
Position it correctly. The shoulder belt should be across the middle of the chest and shoulder. The lap belt should be low and snug across the hips.
Don’t:
Place the shoulder belt under your child’s arm or behind his or her back.
Play with seatbelts. Kids can easily become entangled.
Follow height, weight, and age guidelines for car seats and boosters in your state. This will ensure that seatbelts are positioned appropriately.
Measure and weigh your kids a few times a year to determine which seat is best.
Don’t:
Let your child ride in the front seat until about age 13 when airbags will not present a danger.
Let kids lay down and sleep outside of their car or booster seats.
Practice safety around windows and doors.
Do:
Explain that windows can go up and down, and pinch anything in their way.
Teach that doors must stay closed when the vehicle is moving.
Don’t:
Let your child touch the door handles or window controls unless an adult says it’s okay.
Allow your child to stand on the armrest where controls are often located.
Let your child put their hands or head outside the window.
Let the driver focus on the road.
Do:
Encourage your child to sit quietly or find a quiet activity and enjoy the ride.
Allow your child to ask appropriate questions and make polite conversation.
Have your child ask the driver to pull over to a safe place if they need help with something (such as opening a juice box).
Don’t:
Let your child be too loud. Your child should know that a car is not the place to argue or throw a tantrum.
Encourage your child to ask the driver to look at something that’s not on the road.
Allow your child to do anything that could lead to distracted driving for the driver.
A car is not a toy.
Do:
Enforce the rule to stay safely in one’s seat when the car is moving.
Encourage your children to find places other than the inside or the outside of a car to play.
Don’t:
Let your children move around and play in a car even when it is not moving.
Allow your kids to crawl into the trunk for any reason. It is not a good hiding spot and they could get trapped.
Pro Tip: Teach older children that cars (manufactured after September 2001) have glow-in-the-dark emergency release switches inside trunks. Show them how to find and release them in case of an emergency.
Help your children to pay attention to their surroundings. Look all around, and walk carefully and slowly.
Show your children the white brake lights that indicate a car will be backing out.
Require that your kids stay close to a supervising adult.
Don’t:
Allow your children to run or play in a parking lot.
Assume that parked cars will stay parked. Tell your children that cars often move suddenly.
Driveways are dangerous.
Do:
Supervise children whenever they are playing in a driveway.
Put up cones and flags when children are playing to alert cars and prevent them from pulling into the driveway.
Designate a safe spot for children to stand when cars are pulling into or out of the driveway.
Don’t:
Leave toys, chalk, bicycles, or any items that might entice kids in a driveway. Be sure to clean up after any driveway play.
Allow your children to chase after balls or other toys that roll out of the driveway into the street.
Assume a car sees you. Tell your children that just because you see them doesn’t mean that drivers see you.
Practice roadside safety.
Do:
Teach your children the rules of the road for pedestrians.
Toddlers should never be near a road without holding an adult’s hand. Teach them the difference between roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, and driveways. (Pro Tip: Play I Spy… and make it a game.)
Preschoolers can recognize road signs by shape and color and traffic lights. Teach them the “stop, look and listen” rule, and to only cross the street with an adult.
School-age children should be supervised by an adult. Teach them safe paths to walk and safe places to cross. As they get older, let the child take the lead to walk or bike to school, but go with them until you are confident that they can do it on their own.
Think that children can accurately judge distance and speed when it comes to moving vehicles.
Forget to model the behaviors that you want your children to follow.
What Parents Can Do:
Do:
Lock your car and put the keys out of reach of children.
Create reminders so you don’t accidentally leave a young child in the car. Keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat, and place it in the front passenger seat when your child is in the car. That will be a visual reminder to check the back when you get out.
Take a 5-second walk around your car before you back it up. Look to see if there are any children playing near it. The smallest kids are sometimes not seen, and children sometimes dart behind vehicles without thinking about it.
Pro Tip: Consider getting a backup alarm that sounds when you back up to help provide a warning to kids.
Don’t:
Leave your children unattended in the car. Even if you have automatic safety systems, your child might find a way to test those. (If you see an unattended child, call 9-1-1.)
Use your cell phone while driving. Model the behavior you want to see, and talk to your kids about the dangers of distracted driving.
Finally, maintain your car and insure your vehicle for additional peace of mind. Keeping you and your family safe is a wonderful way to celebrate Child Passenger Safety Month.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
You’ve got a new addition to your family – or you’re expecting one soon. Congratulations! There is a lot to do to prepare, including getting your home ready for your new baby.
Here’s a checklist to help better prepare your home for your new little bundle of joy.
In the Bedroom
Take strings off of the bottom of sleepers (clothing) so they don’t get wrapped around baby’s toes. Check all clothing for loose buttons that could be swallowed.
Remove mobiles when the baby can sit on his or her own.
Adjust the mattress so it’s in the lowest spot when the baby can pull up to a standing position.
Store creams and smaller objects that your baby could fit in its mouth up high and out of reach.
Place a protective cover on all unused outlets.
Wind or wrap electric cords so that babies cannot pull on them, causing lamps or other appliances to fall.
Wrap or tie up drapery cords so they are out of reach. Use cordless window blinds if possible.
Make sure all heavy furniture, like drawers and desks, are anchored to the wall to prevent them from falling over.
In the Kitchen
Make sure high chairs are sturdy and tray latches are secure.
Install cabinet locks so when the baby starts exploring, little fingers won’t get into the contents.
Install appliance locks so baby can’t pull open an oven or dishwasher door.
Use a stove guard that attaches to the front and blocks knobs so that curious kids can’t turn them on.
Store cleaning products out of reach of baby. Store them safely up high or behind a secured cabinet. Similarly, keep any alcohol out of reach.
Keep all knives, cooking utensils, smaller appliances, and glassware safely stored away in cabinets or drawers.
Consider a child safety look on pantry doors to keep curious kids away from unopened groceries.
In the Bathroom
Set your water heater to 120 Fahrenheit or below to prevent burns. Or install an anti-scald device on your tub’s faucet.
Use nonslip mats for the bathtub and any tile floors or hard surfaces.
Put a rubber spout cover on the tub faucet to protect from bangs or bruises.
Replace any bathroom trashcans that do not have lids.
Make sure the toilet seat has a protective lock and that it is never left up for the baby to fall in.
Store away fragrances, razors, soaps, styling tools, makeup, etc. out of reach.
In the Laundry Room
Get a child safety lock for your washer and dryer doors so that curious toddlers cannot crawl inside. (Some newer models may include safety locks.)
Store bleach and detergent pods out of reach. While they look good enough to eat, pods can be poisonous.
Use a lock on the laundry room door to prevent curious crawlers from exploring, especially when machines are in use.
Never leave hot irons or steamers plugged in.
More Throughout the Home
Mount any heavy furniture to the wall so it doesn’t tip. If you can’t mount your television, secure it in a cabinet.
Block staircases with a hardware-mounted baby gate to ensure it stays put. Pressure-fit gates may not. Know that safety gates are designed for children ages 6-24 months.
Install window guards to prevent babies and toddlers from falling out of open windows.
Add furniture padding to pointy corners on coffee tables, kitchen counters, and other places.
Remember that toddlers will pull themselves up on furniture so ensure that it is secure.
Install pinch guards to protect little fingers from getting pinched in doors.
Cover any open outlets with child-safe covers.
Keep chargers and any other cords stored away and out of reach.
Make sure anything breakable, like decorative vases, glass photo frames, or indoor planters are placed safely out of reach.
Make sure the doors on your fireplace remain closed and that you use a protective gate to keep the baby at a far enough distance away.
As a new parent who cares about safety, you’re going to be great. Enjoy your new arrival!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When disaster strikes, you may have only minutes to gather your loved ones, your pets, and your belongings, and get on the road. Are you ready?
Whether it’s a flood, fire, or other emergency, there are times when evacuations are necessary. These are often stressful times when you need to move quickly, and might not have time to grab everything you need. Preparing for emergency evacuations ahead of time will help you and your family know exactly what to do, and what to bring with you, in times of crisis.
Here’s what you need to consider when planning to evacuate.
Learn about local disasters and policies.
The location where you live can determine the types of disasters that are most likely. Find out if your area is prone to floods, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, wildfires, landslides or winter storms. Knowing the type of disaster will help you determine how far away you may have to travel in the event of one.
Your place of work, your children’s school or daycare, and your local community probably have evacuation plans. You’ll want to find out about them, so that you can incorporate that information in your plan if it applies. Ask these places how they communicate about disaster procedures and what their policies are for emergencies and evacuations.
Pack it up.
Pack an emergency kit full of essential items and documentation your family will need that’s ready to go and keep it in a place where you can grab it easily. Make sure it’s one you can carry or transport easily if you have to walk long distances or travel on public transportation in an emergency.
Pro Tip: Revisit the content of your kit every six months. That’s when food may expire and children’s clothing sizes may change.
You will need nonperishable food, bottled water, and supplies for 3 days. This includes soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and prescription medications. Make sure you include supplies for pets or infants, such as food and formula, and for any special dietary needs for members of your family. Also pack clothes and pajamas for every member of your family, as well as any bedding, pillows and sleeping bags. Finally, bring a first aid kit and all of your devices and chargers, as well as a battery-powered radio to stay on top of news and information.
Keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks at home in a safe place where you can access them in case of evacuation. Store important papers in a fireproof, waterproof container that may be grabbed in case of an emergency. These may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, insurance policies, wills and deeds, and even treasured photos.
Plan your escape route.
Plan for the worst-case scenario. You want to make sure that every member of the family can exit your home safely in the event of an active disaster, such as a fire or earthquake.
Draw a floorplan for your home. Use a blank sheet for each floor. Mark 2 escape routes from each room. Hang the drawing at eye level in each child’s room. Make sure children understand the drawings. Do a room tour and point out the exits. Practice using them. Talk about when your children might have to use them.
Plan for which adults are bringing which items packed in the previous section. Dividing the responsibilities will help you get out more quickly.
Know where to go.
Know your options about where you can evacuate. You may choose to evacuate to a shelter in your town, to a local hotel or motel, or to family or friends in another town, away from the danger. It also may depend on the type of disaster. You may not be able to stay local in a widespread flood but might be able to shelter in a hurricane. Download the FEMA App to locate emergency shelters in your area.
If you choose the local shelter, find out the rules. You want to make sure that they can accommodate your family. You’ll also have to make separate arrangements for pets. (See the pet section below.)
Choose destinations in different directions in case the emergency is in one part of town. Have the addresses and phone numbers handy for easy access.
Map it out.
Keep a full tank of gas if evacuation seems necessary. Gas stations may have long lines or not be able to pump during a power outage.
Be familiar with alternate routes in case you cannot take the route you know. Be alert for road hazards, washed-out bridges, and downed power lines. Avoid driving in flooded areas.
Bring a physical map in case you don’t have access to a GPS or if satellites go down or your devices run out of power.
Plan for pets.
You want to protect your pets during a disaster. That means you will need to find them a safe place to shelter, whether it’s with you at a pet-friendly location or at an animal boarding facility. Know that facility’s evacuation plan if they may be in the region.
Pack pet food, leashes, litter boxes, crates, beds, toys, and any other supplies needed by your pet. Bring a copy of updated veterinary records.
Make sure your pet is microchipped and has a proper ID on his or her collar if applicable. Bring a photo of you and your pet together, which can help if for any reason your pet gets separated from you.
Stay in touch.
Establish a place to meet near your home in case you get separated. Choose a place immediately outside (such as the driveway), a little bit further (such as the stop sign at the end of the street), and a location even further (such as the neighborhood grocery store).
Choose an out-of-state contact that you all can call if needed. Update that person when you are evacuating and as you change locations.
Use the American Red Cross “Safe and Well” website to let family and friends know you are safe.
Ready, set, go.
Take the 10-minute evacuation challenge. See if you can get your family and belongings in a car in just 10 minutes. Then, practice your evacuation drill regularly.
Finally, check that you have enough insurance to cover your home, car, and possessions in case they are destroyed in a natural disaster or other emergency. You’ll all have peace of mind knowing that you are fully prepared and know exactly what to do.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
You’ve got the captain’s hat. You’re bringing the cooler. But what else do you need—or want—to have fun and stay safe on the water this summer?
There are literally hundreds of great boat accessories on the market, plus lots of safety gear to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of practical and fun items you’ll want to keep on your boat this summer. Scroll down for a list of what to leave at home, too.
First the fun…
A mounted grill – Treat everyone to a BBQ out on the open water. You can find boat grills in gas, charcoal, and electric. Just make sure to wait to grill until the boat has stopped, and don’t leave it unattended.
An inflatable boat slide – Everyone loves a boat slide! Choose one that inflates quickly, stores compactly, and holds adults as well as children. Durability is a plus.
Tow tubes – Give your passengers a ride on the waves using a tow tube. These fun accessories come in different shapes and sizes and accommodate a range of ages. Make sure you check the maximum weight and rider limit and equip all of your riders with life jackets.
Speakers – Crank up the tunes with some great speakers that are waterproof and can stand up to the elements, including wind, sun, and the motion of your boat.
Fish finder – Take the guesswork out of fishing. Today’s fish finders feature digital screens and include systems like GPS, electronic compasses, and radar. Starting at about $100, these instruments can go into the $1,000s.
Then the practical…
10-in-1 Boat Tool – This is the “Swiss Army Knife” of boat tools with every gadget imaginable. Not only does it include a fishing line cutter, a marine gas cap key, and a safety whistle, it includes a beer and wine bottle opener.
Telescopic boat hook – Until you have one, you don’t realize how useful these are! These hooks help you retrieve items that fall in the water. They also help you more easily get hold of the dock lines attached to pilings.
Underwater LED lights – If you take your boat out at night, an underwater light can help your boat be seen in the dark. These lights can come in different colors and add a cool ambiance.
Non-tipping can cooler – The rocking motion of your boat can easily tip your drinks. Secure them, and keep them cold, in a non-tipping can cooler.
Boat fenders – These cushions absorb the impact of bumps against docks and other boats.
And the necessities…
Don’t forget to pack a boat emergency kit full of the boat safety basics:
Life jackets and throwable personal flotation devices in case someone goes overboard
Fire extinguishers (check the regulations to see how many you need for the size of your boat)
Spray sunscreen which can leave a slippery film on deck
Shoes with dark soles that leave marks
Cigarettes/cigars that can accidentally cause a fire
Perfume that attracts bees and can cause nausea in close quarters
Glass containers that could shatter
Plastic grocery bags that could fly off the boat and clog waterways
Finally, check your boat insurance. Make sure you’re fully protected from accidents, uninsured boaters, and liability claims.
Happy boating!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Dry, hot weather makes the risk of fire especially dangerous in many parts of the country. Even if you’re not in a region prone to wildfires, you could be affected. Fires can happen anywhere, and once they start, they can spread quickly, putting your property and home at risk.
Fire prevention starts in the yard, and there are some simple steps that you can take to protect your home and property.
Fire Prevention Steps to Take for Free
Remove flammable materials from your yard, especially from 5 feet around your home. These include bark mulch, dried leaves, and garden debris. Also, remove any tree branches that hang low and could fall on your house.
Keep your yard clean by regular raking. Use a steel rake to remove dead grass and leaves and place them on a tarp. Then transfer them into a leaf bag placed far from your house or put them into a fireproof composter.
Replace your plants with low flammability plants. While no plant is fireproof, there are some plants that are more difficult to ignite due to their high moisture content. These include sedum, succulents, cacti, lilac, and lavender.
Pro Tip: Highly flammable plants often have gummy sap and/or leaves that carry a strong odor when crushed. It’s probably best to avoid these types of plants.
Space your plants farther apart so it’s harder for them to ignite each other. Also, keep plants and grass watered regularly. Avoid planting anything that could catch fire and block your escape from windows or doors.
Do not store anything under your deck that can catch fire. Move any stored wood well away from your house.
Follow fire pit and barbecue safety when using those items.
Low to Moderate Cost Fire Prevention Adjustments
Remove wooden or plastic garden borders and replace them with stone or corrugated steel landscape edging. Replace mulch with gravel or seashells.
Cover your eaves or openings in the exterior walls of your home with 1/8-inch metal screens to block embers.
Install metal gutter guards to keep leaves and pine needles out of gutters. These can become dry and brittle and add fuel to a fire.
If you have a deck, install metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent dry leaves from collecting underneath.
Plant deciduous trees, such as Serviceberry trees, that don’t produce a lot of dead wood. Avoid conifers such as pine, juniper, or spruce trees.
More Costly Fire Prevention Actions
Redo your wooden deck with fire-resistant decking materials.
Add hardscaping to your property. This can create a break in vegetation that can slow down or stop the spread of a fire. Plan for paths at least 4 feet wide.
Install concrete retaining walls. These also can help slow or stop a spreading fire.
Consider fiber cement or aluminum siding which stand up to heat better than their more combustible alternatives such as vinyl. You also can add flame retardants to wood siding or surfaces.
Add steel exterior shutters to pull down over windows to keep a fire’s heat from shattering the glass. You also can install double or triple-paned windows.
Make sure that you are in the best position to protect your property and your home in case a fire does occur. Here are some ways that you can prepare.
Check your property to ensure that emergency vehicles, including firetrucks, will have easy access to your home and can get close enough to deploy their hoses.
Keep a hose available in your shed or fire extinguisher on your property away from your house in case you need it.
Make sure you have smoke detectors on every floor of your home and check them monthly.
Store extra extension cords nearby in case you need them. They may be useful to power emergency lights after dark.
Make sure you have home insurance that protects against damage caused by natural disasters such as wildfires. The right insurance provides peace of mind in the event of a fire.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
