We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature Field Marketing Manager, Nina Ericksen
Nina has been with us for 9 years and works remotely for our Partner Relations team.
Let’s get to know Nina!
What made you want to work as a Field Marketing Manager for California Casualty?
I had worked as an Account Manager in the financial services field for 20 years.I loved the work but did not like the volatility of the industry.
California Casualty gave me the work I love in a stable environment.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Without a doubt, the relationships with my leadership team is my favorite part of the job.It never feels like work when you are spending time with people who are friends.
I love my job at CalCas because I work with some of the best people I know both inside and outside of the company.I feel proud of the way we help and support members of the community that are in the business of giving to others every day.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
The most useful information I have learned about myself in my position is to never lose hope or allow yourself to be defeated. Just wake up every morning and show up, put one foot in front of the other, and before you know it you have achieved what may not have seemed possible!
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I love spending time in my off-hours with my two granddaughters, aged 6 and 1.They are the lights of my life.
I also spend as much time as possible at the beach and taking my dog, Luke, for walks.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
Here are some fun facts about myself:
I grew up in Central New York State.
I met my husband while he was cutting my hair.
I was in musical theater in High School.
I am deathly allergic to Kiwi.
Old movies, especially film noir, are my jam.
If you want to learn more about Nina 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
The same winter wonderland scene that gives us soft snowdrifts outside cozy living rooms can also serve up treacherous blizzards, freezes, and black ice.
Contrary to its name, black ice is actually clear and forms a frozen “glaze” that coats all kinds of surfaces and can cause slips, falls, and car accidents. It’s incredibly dangerous not only because of how slippery it is but also because it’s so hard to spot. Transparent and thin, it can hide in plain sight.
It frequently occurs on roads, sidewalks, porches, pathways, and driveways – in other words, surfaces we frequent to get where we’re going every day. Here are some ways to stay safe at home and on the road when conditions are ripe for black ice.
At Home
Besides your driveway, you probably have paved walkways or other hard-surfaced paths around your home. These tips will help reduce injury risk when ice is underfoot, and before it forms.
Unblock drains and gutters. This will help melting snow and ice go where you want it to, so it doesn’t freeze on walkways.
Keep up with snow shoveling. Make sure to keep up with falling snow so that it doesn’t melt and refreeze into a slipping hazard.
Put out a tarp. If freezing temps are on their way, lay out a tarp or cloth where you want to prevent black ice. This can include your car, porch, pathways, and the driveway.
Add some grit. You can sprinkle fine gravel, sand, kitty litter, wood ash or coffee grinds on surfaces to reduce slickness. A note of caution that some work better than others and some can leave a mess.
Consider a snow-melting mat. If you deal with freezing temps very often, you might want to look into heated driveway mats, which can be effective at preventing black ice formation.
During icy conditions
Clear out the snow. If snow has fallen, clear it out so the sun can dry the surface rather than melt the snow into ice.
Consider a de-icer. Use these with caution though (and probably as a last resort), as some can be harmful to pets, your yard, driveway, and the environment. Try not to over-salt, either, for the same reasons.
In the Car
When temps are at or below freezing, avoid driving if you can. But if you have to get on the road, keep these precautions in mind.
Check the tires. Tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. The less tread, the less traction. If they’re getting worn, replace them asap. Better yet, get winter tires.
Know your brakes. Standard brakes perform differently from anti-lock, or ABS, brakes, so make sure you know what kind you have and how they behave in snowy, icy, and other hazardous road conditions.
Do a winter safety check. Make sure your vehicle is prepped for winter safety (and stranding as a worst-case scenario!) – follow our tips here.
Double-check your car kit. All it takes is one small patch of black ice to cause a slide that lands you immobile on the roadside. Check that your emergency winter car kit contains everything you need.
Warm-up your car. Let your car warm up before getting on the road. When you feel the heat coming through the vents, it’s sufficiently warmed and ready to go.
Improve your visibility. Make sure you set out with 100% visibility. If your windshield is foggy inside or iced over on the outside, use our tips here to get it cleaned off and clear.
Take your time. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going and be sure to drive much slower than you normally would – this will give you and other drivers more time to react if you need to.
Slow down and increase following distance. Give yourself and other drivers more room than normal – and never tailgate.
Know what to do in a skid. If your car goes into a skid, do not hit the accelerator or the brakes. Instead, steer gently in the direction of the skid, making sure not to jerk the steering wheel. Get the full step-by-step info here.
Your best bet against injuries caused by black ice is to use an abundance of caution, make prevention a habit and develop a “sixth sense” for spotting this wintertime danger. Stay safe out there!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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.
Many families traditionally gather with friends and loved ones on or around the holidays and much like all other plans, those get-togethers have been interrupted and/or canceled by COVID-19.
So, to help those families who aren’t sure what to do this seaons, we’ve gathered up a list of traditions that you can still do with your family to keep the holidays merry and bright.
Stay in and stay safe t by trying some of these traditions with your family!
And if you do decide to go out, try some of these socially distant activities:
Drive around and look at lights
Drive-by Caroling
Ding-Dong-Ditch friends and family members with presents
Order curbside holiday pick up from a local restaurant or bakery
Drop off donated presents to a charity or animal shelter
Although the holidays may look a little different this year, you and your family don’t have to miss out on all of the fun. Try celebrating at home with friends and family by setting up your own virtual holiday party! Click here to learn more.
Have a safe and happy holiday seaon!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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.
The holidays are HERE, and unfortunately so is the holiday traffic. As millions hit the road to travel near and far this holiday season roadways will quickly become overly congested, traffic delays more frequent, and holiday road rage will start to set in for many drivers.
If you are like the thousands of Americans hitting the road this season, follow our holiday traffic safety tips below.
1.Plan Head
Before you hit the road make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and ready for the trip. Plan out your route ahead of time, and if it’s possible, avoid driving through areas you know will be jammed with holiday traffic. Before you head out it’s also a good idea to check the forecast and plan ahead for inclement weather. Don’t forget to pack your emergency car kit!
The more traffic, the higher the chance for an accident. It’s important not only to drive safely, but also to keep an eye on other drivers. In holiday traffic jams always expect the unexpected, watch for drivers cutting you off, slamming on their breaks, speeding up and slowing down, etc. Be prepared for anything, and always stay attentive behind the wheel.
3. Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving causes thousands of fatal traffic accidents every single year. Add in holiday traffic and distracted driving becomes even more dangerous and deadly. We know it can be hard to avoid common distractions like your phone, especially when you are driving long distances by yourself, but it’s important for your safety that you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times.
4. Keep Your Cool
If someone makes a decision that makes you angry when you are driving, try not to let it affect you. This may be hard, but getting angry doesn’t solve anything. Road rage is a form of distracted driving because you cannot think clearly. If you start to feel yourself becoming angry or anxious try listening to music, taking deep breaths, and remember there is nothing you can do about other driver’s decisions or to make traffic move quicker- so stay calm.
5. Watch for Animals
Deer move with cold fronts. This means as the temperature continues to drop and as we get closer to the end of the year, the likelihood of seeing or hitting a deer increases. Hitting a deer, or any other animal, can total your vehicle, hinder your plans, and even cause serious injury (or death). Stay alert and watch for animals, especially if you choose to travel in rural areas at night.
If you plan on making multiple stops or staying at any hotels during your trip, be sure to follow our Traveling Safely During the Pandemic guide.
Safe travels and Happy Holidays! 🙂
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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.
Much like all else in 2020, this holiday season is sure to look a little different this year. And unfortunately, many of us will not be together, like we had planned; but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on all of the fun with our friends and families!
Whether you are a teacher hosting a party for your remote learning class or a family staying socially distant at your holiday gathering, we’ve got an array of ideas to help you have fun at your virtual holiday party.
Check out our list of Zoom holiday party ideas below.
1.Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest
No holiday party is complete without everyone going completely all out in their festive gear! Invite each person on your Zoom call or in your virtual classroom to show off their ugly sweaters and have everyone vote on their favorites.
Don’t want anyone to have to buy an ugly sweater? Try dressing up with Santa hats, elf ears, or reindeer antlers; or hold a contest for the best holiday decor or funniest holiday Zoom background! The possibilities are endless. For prizes print off certificates or send e-gift cards.
2. Play a Game
There are tons of games that you can play together with your class or friends and family that can be taken virtual like: Trivia, Simone Says, Scattergories, Heads Up, 20 Questions, Zoom In, etc. Here are a few funs ones that you can try with your crew:
Carol Pictionary
Use the Zoom whiteboard feature, split into teams and take turns guessing the carol that is being drawn, you must SING the carol to win.
Charades
Come up with a fun list of Holiday sayings or movie titles, have everyone split into teams, and let the fun begin
Festive Bingo
Make or buy virtual bingo cards and email them out prior to your event
Name That! – Holiday Edition
Have someone volunteer to DJ (if you are a teacher that means you) and challenge your guests to name that Holiday Tune! You could even play using short youtube clips of your favorite festive movies.
Guess the Gift
Have each player wrap something up as a “gift” and everyone else try and guess what it is by asking only questions!
3. Send Holiday Gift Boxes & Open Them
Wish everything going on in the world today, it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit. Sending a holiday gift package can be an easy way to spread cheer and a physical reminder that even though you are apart, you can still celebrate together. You can even have everyone wait to open them until you are on your virtual call together. Here are some ideas of what you can include in your packages:
For Students: Holiday bingo card, hot chocolate, holiday-themed or cozy socks, a handwritten note, holiday-themed pens, pencils, or note pads, candy
For Friends and Family Members: Holiday games to play, homemade treats, holiday drinking favorites, gift cards, holiday-themed clothing items: ugly sweaters, hats, socks, etc., blankets, holiday movies, photo booth prompts
4. Do Holiday Crafts
What’s not to love about holiday crafting? It’s cheap and something that you can do with people of all ages. You can even keep your creations and use them as decorations next year! Here are some easy(ish) holiday crafting ideas to try:
This past year we’ve all spent a lot of time sitting behind the screen. Scavenger hunts are easy ways to get everyone up and moving and they are so easy to do! To make an at-home holiday scavenger hunt, come up with a list of festive items or descriptions of items that can easily be found inside everyone’s home this time of year (or you could just find one on Pinterest).
If you plan on making your own scavenger hunt here are some easy ideas to put on your list:
Something shiny
Something makes noise
Something the Grinch would love
Something you could put in a stocking
A prop that could have been used in “Home Alone”
Something a reindeer would eat
Something better than presents
Something you could use as a Tree
Something that resembles snow
Something as tall as an elf
Something you can tie into a bow
Have a good laugh when everyone comes together (virtually) to share their findings!
6. Enjoy a Holiday Treat Together
What brings people together more than food? Exactly. Have everyone bring one (or more than one) of their favorite treats to the party to enjoy while doing other activities!
For Teachers: You can send them holiday treats before your party, or have them bring a treat of their choice (doesn’t have to be holiday related) to eat with their peers while having fun!
For Friends and Family Members: Make your favorite holiday dishes or desserts to enjoy surrounded by your favorite people.
7. Host a Talent Show
Have each person come to the virtual party with a Holiday talent in mind to show off to their peers. This can be anything from acting out a Holiday movie, singing or playing an instrument to the tune of a Carol, showing off their design skills by dressing up as a well-known character, telling Holiday Jokes, decorating cookies, or gingerbread, etc.
The talent show is purely for entertainment purposes and should be voluntary so shyer party-goers can sit back and have fun watching the show, but don’t forget to send out a signup sheet at least a week before so everyone has time to prepare!
and last but not least, remember to…
8. Keep Up With Any Traditions
We may not all be together right now, but that doesn’t mean we should stop partaking in our holiday traditions. It may take some adapting, but you’ve got this! It’s important (especially for our kids) that we can continue to make happy memories during the most wonderful time of the year.
For Teachers: If it’s traditional for your kids to create holiday cards for their parents- send your kids a holiday card template, let them decorate it, and give it to their parents. Or if you usually make ornaments, take time during your virtual party and work together online as a class to create them!
For Friends and Family Members: If your family has traditions like baking together, singing carols, putting on your new PJs, and watching movies- you can do all of these things virtually at your holiday party as well. Sure, it’s not the same as being together, but it’s the next best thing.
Don’t forget! – No party is complete without some festive tunes! Check out our kid-friendly Holly Jolly Holidays Playlist on Spotify to set the mood for your virtual holiday party this season. Click here to listen.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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.
