We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The NewEmployee Spotlight is a series aiming to highlight the talented individuals that are brand new to our team. Please help us give them a warm welcome!
Today we’re spotlighting New Field Marketing Manager, Jolie Spence
Let’s get to know Jolie!
What California Casualty office do you work in?
I work remotely in the Field.
What is one interesting fact you want us to know about you?
I’m obsessed with dogs! My husband and I have the best dog, Benny.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mashed Potatoes
What do you like to do on the weekends?
Go to OrangeTheory Fitness
Hang out with my husband, friends, and family
Doing yard work
What made you want to start your new career with California Casualty?
I wanted to be in the field and not sitting at a desk all day. I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity with California Casualty.
If you want to learn more about Jolie or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with her on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
As the country takes in terrifying images of the latest wildfires scorching communities in California, Oregon and beyond, Chief Scott D. Kerwood is thinking of the firefighters out working the blaze. He knows that as weary as they may be, many are continually running on empty, worrying more about protecting others than taking care of themselves.
While the business of being a firefighter is physically demanding – even when they’re not putting out house fires or dealing with other emergencies, putting out wildfires is grueling work. And it’s made even more difficult by harsh environmental conditions that cause physiological and emotional stress. That’s why Kerwood says it’s critical for firefighters to take breaks to hydrate, rest, decontaminate their gear and take other important steps to recover. If they don’t take the time to take care of themselves during those arduous emergency situations, Kerwood warned, firefighters, risk causing injuries to themselves and to the colleagues they are supposed to protect.
“The goal is that when they are done with this job, they can go home to their family at the end of their shift — or at the end of their career,” said Kerwood, who serves on the NFPA committee that reviews the rehabilitation guidelines and requirements spelled out in standard 1584.
Given that wildland firefighters are exposed to extreme heat and toxic substances for extended periods of time may make them vulnerable to certain types of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. There are long-term performance and health benefits related to rehabilitation practices for wildland firefighters. Beyond helping to lessen the risk of serious illness, adding services provided on the scene may also help firefighters recover properly so that they’re ready for the next emergency.
Although fire professionals have been urging the rank and file first responders to use incident-based medical services, showers, decontamination stations, and other rehabilitation resources for at least a decade, the recent push to focus on wildland first responders may be in part due to what some industry experts consider troubling trends.
A recent study, for instance, suggests that drier conditions at higher elevations may explain why some wildfires have occurred in areas previously considered ‘too wet to burn.’ Ten-year data suggest that the average number of acres that burned has increased in some regions. In addition, regions are also seeing more and more residential and commercial developments built in wildlands. Because of these additions, it may be more likely that we start to see more of the 1.1 million career and volunteer firefighters in the U.S. putting out wildfires.
Hydrate, Eat, Rest, and Repeat
Firefighters who are seeking guidance or need to review rehab practices and protocols should consult NFPA standard 1584. The materials for this year’s Firefighter Safety Stand Down campaign include helpful studies and handouts on nutrition, mental health, exposure mitigation, and other issues. Kerwood said the first responders should also take the time to study their agency’s rehabilitation action plans.
“They need to be prepared to take care of their own safety, as well as that of the rest of their crew,” he said. “We should, when we check out our apparatus, for example, at the start of the shift make sure that we have all the rehab supplies we need on that truck,” including cooling towels, hydration packs, and breath analyzers that measure carbon monoxide levels in the body.
“Because existing rehabilitation protocols were largely designed for incidents in built environments that have rapid access to medical care, protective equipment and portable facilities, such as decontamination showers, firefighters deployed to wildfires shouldn’t assume that all agencies have the proper gear and supplies for those incidents,” said Nathan Trauernicht, chief of the University of California – Davis Fire Department.
“But that also doesn’t mean the first responders shouldn’t ask for what they need,” he said. “For example, if a department doesn’t have a decontamination shower on the trucks to clean equipment at the scene, firefighters should ask the agency to provide cleaning wipes.
“Still,” Trauernicht said, ”firefighters should follow the basics of rehabilitation every time they take a break. For starters, they must hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more — and if possible take electrolytes. Because they burn tons of calories, they should eat foods that help replenish them. Their rehab routine should also include oxygen, blood pressure, and heart rate checks.
Rest, of course, is a must. And if firefighters need grief counseling or other mental health services, they should ask for them.”
More Improvements Needed
According to Kerwood and Trauernicht, while it’s very important for firefighters to diligently follow wildfire rehabilitation practices, they also urge first responders to stay physically and mentally fit. Being disciplined about their exercise, water intake and nutritional habits help them lessen their risk of injury or developing serious chronic illness.
“You may be off duty and not planning on engaging in your regular work activities, but when we send a strike team out, we start doing a station recall or several stations of recall,” Trauernicht said. “And you’re now in a position where you may be next out to go to a significant incident that’s going to require you to be nourished, hydrated, and rested.”
Kerwood and Trauernicht are among fire professionals who say agencies should do everything they can to protect the men and women in their departments who risk their lives daily.
Because it may become more commonplace for firefighters across the nation to work wildfires, Kerwood and Trauernicht said agencies need to accelerate changes to their standard operating manuals to keep up with trends.
They also would like to see administrators be more thoughtful about the protective gear and equipment they buy for their firefighters, because of the different environments they may encounter. For instance, the personal protective equipment firefighters wear for structure fires often isn’t appropriate if they need to fight a wildfire, because they can make them overheat. “When battling a wildfire, it’s about striking the right balance between protecting personnel from the obvious hazards of flames and the oftentimes the less recognized risk of heat stress,” Trauernicht said.
Manufacturers of protective personal gear and firefighting equipment should continue to pursue options that make it easier and safer for firefighters to work on wildfires. Trauernicht said he would also like to see additional research and emphasis on the development of respiratory protection solutions they would be able to use in those incidents.
As more and more studies shed light on the associations between the toxic substances firefighters are exposed to, the newer generations of firefighters are going to demand better PPE, Standard Operation Procedures for rehabilitation operations, and rehabilitation resources.
“If you look at the old photographs, not of just structure firefighters, but you look at wildland firefighters, and you see them with ashes and smudges on their face, and their gear’s nasty,” Kerwood said. “I mean, we all prided ourselves in that. Now, the folks that we’ve got coming in, it’s like, ‘Really? You lived that way?’
Our job as fire chiefs and fire service leaders, therefore, is to make sure ‘Everyone Goes Home.’”
And now that also includes fire leaders doing all they can to protect firefighters from heat stress, chronic disease, and other serious conditions they could develop from fighting fires.
Letting go is one of the hardest things we can do as parents. After all, we want to be there every step of the way—and that includes making sure our children get safely to school and home again.
But there comes a time when we step back, and send them on their way with pride (and just a little anxiety). How do we know when the right time is? Here’s some guidance on determining when and how to let your child walk or bike to school alone.
First, let’s remember the benefits.
Walking or biking alone to school is a milestone in growing up. It’s good for your child and it’s good for you. Here’s why.
It’s great exercise. It helps keep your child moving every day.
It gives your child a sense of independence and responsibility.
It boosts your child’s self-confidence.
It gives them a chance to follow rules and make good decisions.
It allows bonding time with friends, including a chance to make new ones.
It limits your family’s carbon footprint.
It frees your time so that you can do something else.
How do you know if your child is ready?
Every child is different. And not every school route is the same. Taking into account your child’s age and maturity, and the difficulty of the route, you can make a determination. As their parent, you are the best person to know if your child is ready and if walking or biking to school is safe. If you live in an area of high crime, you may want to reconsider letting your child walk or ride alone.
If you’re looking for guidelines, healthychildren.org (from the American Academy of Pediatrics) notes that most children are not ready to walk or bike alone until the fifth grade or about age 10. That’s as long as they can follow rules, show good judgment, and not be easily distracted.
Prepare for the moment.
The important thing is you don’t have to jump right into having your child walk or bike alone to school. You can put in the necessary preparation to make sure that he or she will be able to do so safely. Here’s how you can prepare.
Educate your child on street signs and what they mean. You can do this when you’re driving in the car as well as walking around the neighborhood.
Establish and practice the rules for crossing the street. Look left, then right, then left again. Then, cross. Never cross in the middle of the block.
Explain to your child that cars share the road with bikes and pedestrians. Show your child how to be aware of vehicles wherever they may be.
Remind your child to stay on the sidewalk and out of the street unless crossing at a crosswalk.
Remind your child to walk his/her bicycle across intersections.
Test the route by walking it with your child. Let your child lead the way so you are confident that he/she knows where to go.
Practice locking and/or storing the bike at school.
Prepare for an emergency.
You want to prepare your child for any possibility from getting lost to getting a flat tire to stranger danger. Role-playing helps your child practice the skills needed.
Point out the best people to ask for help if lost.
Practice having your child walk his/her bike the whole way to school and back in the event of a flat.
All of these tactics will help keep your child safe wherever they are, and not just walking or biking alone to school.
When your child is ready to walk or bike to school without you, follow these tips.
See if your child can walk or bike with a friend or group of friends. Some communities have started a walking school bus or bicycle train to help children travel safely.
Consider getting your child a basic cell phone. Have your child check in with you when he/she arrives at school, and when he/she is leaving. However, make sure they know not to text while walking or biking. That will distract them from their surroundings and put them in danger.
Brightly colored jackets and backpacks are most easily seen by cars, so dress your child accordingly.
Before your child gets on his/her bike, check the air and tire pressure, and test the brakes.
Have a backup plan for getting to school in inclement weather, such as riding the school bus.
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 depend on your car, and your car depends on regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. But sometimes it’s tempting to skip routine maintenance or put it off because of the cost or the inconvenience of being without your car. Don’t.
Your tires are the only parts of your car that make contact with the road and they do it for thousands and thousands of miles. That’s why even basic tire maintenance goes a long way.
Rotate your tires:Tires don’t wear evenly. The front tires usually have more wear on the outside edges, because they lean when you turn right or left. The front tires also hold the weight of the engine. To help your tires wear evenly, you need to rotate them every 5,000-7,000 miles.
If you don’t rotate them, your front tires will wear out more quickly and you’ll need to replace them thousands of miles sooner.
Align your tires: If you’ve ever taken your hand off the wheel while driving, and notice your car veering toward the side, you need an alignment. You need to align your tires to keep them pointing straight ahead. You can easily knock them out of alignment by going over a pothole.
If you don’t align your tires, you can experience steering problems, poor fuel economy, and uneven tire wear.
Check tire pressure: You should also regularly check the tire pressure. If yours is a newer vehicle, it comes with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which helps you know when you’re low.
An underinflated tire will increase your risk of a blowout.
Mistake #2: Ignoring your fluids
Your car relies on engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Fluids deteriorate over time and can get dirty, making them less effective and even corrosive. It’s important for all of these fluids to be at the right levels so they can do their job.
Change the oil:Engine oil keeps everything lubricated, but it gets dirty over time. Changing the oil regularly is important. It used to be that we changed the oil every 3,000 miles but if you’re using synthetic oil, you can go longer. Check your vehicle recommendations for the timeframe.
If you don’t change your oil, it can become so dirty that it doesn’t work. That will cause your engine to overheat, blow a gasket or seize up.
Check the coolant:Coolant, or antifreeze, keeps your engine from overheating or freezing. If your temperature gauge is running high, it’s time for a coolant flush. You also might notice a maple syrup scent that occurs when your car is burning through coolant and needs a refresh. You should have your coolant system inspected regularly; check your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
Your engine could overheat or blow a gasket, necessitating major repairs. Dirty coolant also can cause corrosion.
Check the brake fluid: Brake fluid can last for years. But sometimes moisture can get into the sealed system and impact your ability to brake and cause corrosion. Get your fluid checked every couple of years.
If you don’t maintain your brake fluid, your brakes may feel spongy and it may take longer to come to a stop. Your brakes could even fail.
Change the transmission fluid:Transmission fluid lubricates the gears, cools them, and helps provide hydraulic pressure to make them work. Whether you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission or one that’s automatic will depend on how often you need fresh transmission fluid. Check your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
If you don’t change your transmission fluid, you will have difficulty shifting gears and your transmission could overheat.
Look for leaks in the power steering fluid: Power steering fluid helps you turn the wheel easily. As long as there are no leaks, and your car’s manufacturer does not suggest changing the fluid, you’re probably fine to leave it be.
If there is a leak, and your fluid dips down, it will be hard to steer. Parts of your steering system could corrode.
Mistake #3: Waiting too long to replace your brake pads
Brake pads apply pressure on the rotors, which is what ultimately slows and stops your vehicle. How fast they wear depends upon your driving habits, your car’s make and model, and other factors. You might notice signs of your pads wearing out, such as a squeaking sound or a clicking noise when you brake. The brake pedal may vibrate when you brake. Perhaps it takes you longer to brake. Don’t wait for weeks or months after the first warning signs.
Without good working brake pads, the whole braking system could overheat and fail. It also could cause damage to the rotors.
Mistake #4: Ignoring noises or dashboard warnings
Sounds serve as warning signals. That’s why if you hear something new or unusual when you’re driving, pay attention. Here’s what some common sounds could mean:
Hissing – leak in the cooling system or the vacuum system
Clunking over potholes or bumps – faulty, loose, or worn parts
Howling – bad bearings or worn gears
Knocking – valve clearances need to be adjusted or rod bearings need to be replaced
Shrieking – serpentine belt may be slipping or need to be replaced
Moaning or growling – failure of the power steering pump
Metallic rattling or pinging – abnormal ignition
Crunching – clutch issues in a manual transmission
Also, don’t ignore the dashboard warnings. Those lights are there to give you an early indication that something needs to be addressed.
Waiting too long to address a noise or dashboard indicator gives the problem a chance to become larger and more expensive.
Mistake #5: Not following your car’s maintenance schedule
The most important thing you can do is to follow your car’s maintenance schedule. This schedule is specific to your vehicle and will help to avoid costly repairs. It increases safety, helps maintain your vehicle’s value, and ultimately saves you time. Just as preventive care keeps you healthy, this maintenance schedule keeps your car operating at peak performance.
Not following your car maintenance schedule could void your warranty, and you’ll be responsible for the expensive repairs.
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.
It’s time to make a move. Whether you’re heading across town or going cross-country, moving yourself or hiring movers, you want an organized, stress-free experience.
There are reputable companies, and there are ones that put out misleading information. There are even plenty of moving scams. Choosing a sketchy moving company not only won’t save you money but it could end up costing you plenty. Know the warning signs. Avoid moving companies that only give phone estimates and/or require large deposits. Skip the ones that only offer non-binding estimates (a quote based on estimated weight of your things). That means they could be planning a much higher bill at the end. Be suspicious of moving companies that have similar names to well-known national brands but are not them. Finally, avoid any mover without an address.
All moving companies that move across state lines must have a DOT number. Ask for it and then look it up in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. Make sure their information matches what they told you.
Mistake #2: Not getting an estimate in writing
It’s hard for a mover to give you an accurate estimate without seeing your belongings in person. That’s why a mover that only provides a phone estimate is probably not reputable. Insist on a mover who visits your home and gives an estimate in writing. It’s always best to get three estimates. Make sure to read the fine print, and think twice about choosing the lowest bid. If possible, choose a mover that offers a binding not-to-exceed estimate. That means you won’t be charged more than the estimate and may be charged less.
Mistake #3: Not giving yourself enough time to pack—and/or not packing boxes correctly
Packing is going to take more time than you think. If you leave it to the last minute, you will be tempted to throw things into boxes without organizing them, which could make unpacking difficult. According to movers.com, it takes 3-5 days full-time to pack a three-bedroom house. If you’re working around a job and other responsibilities, give yourself additional time.
Pack your boxes so they are filled to the top but not overfilled or underfilled. Underfilled boxes can collapse under the weight of others on top of them. You should be able to tape boxes closed so the top is flat. A standard moving box will have a weight limit printed on the bottom. But being able to lift the box is also a consideration. Limit the weight of your boxes to 50 lbs. and you should generally meet the box weight requirements and keep it manageable to lift.
Mistake #4: Moving unnecessary items
It may be tempting to bring everything to a new home, and sort it out there. However, moving is a great time to take stock of what you really use and what you don’t. Why spend the time and money moving things that you’ll just end up storing, giving away, or throwing out? Hold a yard sale or donate items before you start packing. This will help lighten the load. Keep track of your donations; you can expense them on your taxes.
Mistake #5: Not knowing the obstacles at your new location
Are there narrow roads or restricted access at your new home? Is there no parking for an 18-wheeler? If so, your moving company may need to get a smaller truck and shuttle your stuff—at an extra charge. Also, if your furniture doesn’t fit through the doorways or hallways of your new home, it may need to be disassembled. You’ll be charged for these extra services, so be aware. Note also that many cheap pieces of furniture are made from particleboard. It’s not meant to be moved and is easily broken.
Mistake #6: Not preparing for your pets
Your pets are part of the family, but moving day will be particularly stressful for them. After all, they won’t understand why strangers are taking their furniture. With all of the commotion, it’s also easy for a pet to get lost in the shuffle, or have a scared animal run away or hide. Consider having relatives or friends take care of your pets or board them in a kennel for moving day. Also, make sure that you have your pet’s records for easy access when you need them.
Mistake #7: Choosing to move your valuables with the moving company
You may not care much if you have to replace the IKEA artwork from your living room, but the picture painted by your grandfather is irreplaceable. Therefore, if it’s sentimental and it can’t be replaced with money, plan to move that valuable item yourself.
Mistake #8: Not having enough insurance
Who covers your valuables if your mover drops something and breaks it? Surprisingly, it may not be the moving company. Homeowner’s and renter’s policies cover your personal property while at your home and in storage—but not while they are being transported by movers.
Your moving company should offer insurance, as listed in your contract. Options include: full value protection, released value protection, and separate liability coverage. You’ll pay for full value but will also be reimbursed the full value if anything breaks. For released value protection, you’ll typically get just 60 cents on the dollar per pound (so a 30-lb. flat-screen TV would be an $18 reimbursement).
If you’re moving yourself, you can arrange for trip transit insurance, special perils contents coverage, or a floater for valuables with your insurance company. Protect your possessions so they make it safely to your new home.
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.
