Emergency preparedness will help you and your family stay safe in the event of a disaster. House fires, flash flooding, and natural disasters can happen anywhere at any time, and as we move into summer- hurricane and wildfire season, the risk for an emergency is even greater.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has completely changed the way we interact with others- and will for the foreseeable future. That’s why it’s important to take action now to make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency situation, while still taking the proper precautions to avoid COVID-19.
Here’s how to be prepared for an emergency during the middle of a pandemic.
Make a Preparedness Kit
Emergency Preparedness Kits are kits built for you and your family to have in the event of a disaster. These kits include all essential items that you would need to survive i.e. bottled water, toilet paper, copies of important documents, medication, food, chargers, hygiene items, etc.
The Red Cross recommends that during COVID-19, you should assemble two different emergency kits for you and your family.
Stay-At-Home Kit- This kit should include 2 weeks of emergency supplies. In the event that you or your family are exposed to the virus and you have to self-quarantine you should have everything that you would need to survive for 2 weeks without leaving your home.
Evacuation Kit- This kit should include 3 days of supplies in a “go bag”. It should hold all of your basic needs, yet be lightweight and easy to grab/carry in the event of an emergency evacuation. It is recommended that you have enough supplies for 72 hours. This also includes supplies for your health and safety in large crowds i.e. face masks, sanitizer, alcohol wipes, etc.
The Red Cross also recommends that each kit should have a 1 month supply of prescription medication along with fever-reducing medicine and cough suppressants.
Other Disaster Planning Tips
Making a disaster plan during a pandemic requires planning ahead, because of the need for social distancing. In the event of a natural disaster, sheltering in large buildings like school gyms and community centers may no longer be an option, and you will have to seek shelter elsewhere.
Here are some tips, the Red Cross recommends, to help you and your family develop a disaster plan.
Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 advice and restrictions for your state
Have an evacuation transportation plan
Have a safe destination set for your family to meet, if you become separated
Research open lodging (campgrounds, hotels, shelters) and their restrictions, in the event of an evacuation
Keep enough PPE, disinfectant, and medicine in your emergency kit for your family
Do not stay with friends or family who have been exposed to COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or are at a higher risk of developing the virus
If you think you have COVID-19 or have been exposed- self-quarantine, keep your distance (if possible), and contact your doctor as soon as you are safe and able.
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.
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 our Senior Learning Instructor & Designer, Melinda Patton
Melinda, who is sporting her new CalCas mask below, has been with us for 23 years!! She is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Melinda!
What made you want to work as a Learning Instructor at California Casualty?
When I was searching for a career, California Casualty was new to Colorado and offered many great job opportunities. I also really liked the idea of working for a family-owned company and not some giant corporation, so I was drawn to apply 23 years ago and here I am!
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is working with the new employees and helping them learn all about the company and the jobs they will perform. The best part is watching them grow and become successful in their career with CalCas.
At California Casualty there is a strong sense of collaboration – we all share the same vision and are dedicated to the mission. I like to brainstorm and think outside the box – the company encourages employees to have an outward mindset. My job can be very challenging at times, but it pushes me and my senses to full potential. I have a great sense of pride working for this family-owned company that protects our AmeriCAN Heroes.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
SO MUCH!
This company has graciously offered me the opportunity to move through various departments and increase my knowledge of the insurance industry.
In my 23 years, I have worked the following positions:
2 years as a Senior Underwriter
2 years as a Claims Adjuster
7 years in Partner Relations (2 years in CA and 5 years in CO)
Almost 12 years in Learning & Development
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I love to travel – to date, I have been to 5 of the 7 continents.
I also love skiing, aside from locally, I meet up with friends from California at least once a year for a six-day ski trip – we have skied in CO many times, but also Canada, Nevada, Utah, and Montana. I even taught my 10-year-old niece, Stazja, how to ski this spring at a ski resort in New Mexico called “Ski Apache”.
My favorite summertime activities are golfing and hiking.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I love analyzing property contracts and endorsements.
My favorite trip has been an African photo safari.
My shortest job: one day at Taco Bell. (I quickly realized the fast food industry was not for me!)
If you want to learn more about Melinda 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
Floods are the most common of all weather-related natural disasters. They happen in every U.S. state and are more deadly than hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning.
Among flood events, flash floods can be especially dangerous. Why? They occur suddenly, often without warning. People are caught off guard and usually underestimate the strength, speed, and volume of water. Flash floods can happen within minutes or a few hours of heavy rainfall and can quickly become raging rivers that tear through washes, dry lakes, urban zones, and other low-lying areas.
Flash Flood Alerts: 3 Levels to Know
Staying safe during a flash flood starts with being informed. In the event of heavy rainfall (sustained or sudden), follow your local alert system, NOA Weather Radio, or other emergency advisory for information. Flash flood alerts fall into 3 danger levels:
Flash Flood WATCH—This means flash flooding is possible. A WATCH usually covers several counties. Stay alert and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Flash Flood WARNING—Issued when flash flooding is happening or is imminent. It’s usually issued for smaller, more specific areas. When a WARNING happens in your area, move to higher ground immediately—you may have only a few seconds.
Flash Flood EMERGENCY—Very rare but issued when there is catastrophic damage and a significant threat to human life.
In the event of a flash flood, whether you’re at home or in the car, here are top tips for protecting yourself.
Staying Safe in Your Car
Never drive through floodwater. Roadbeds may be washed out under the surface, or there could be submerged debris. Also, it only takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just 2 feet for SUVs and trucks. Remember, when approaching a flooded road: Turn Around, Don’t Drown®!
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Bridges can be washed out with little or no warning.
Don’t drive around barricades. Crossing a barrier or driving through a road closure can not only put you in extreme danger but also land you a steep fine by authorities.
Remain in your car if you’re surrounded by fast-moving water. However, if the water starts rising inside your vehicle, exit quickly and get onto the roof.
Use extra caution at night when it’s harder to assess flood danger.
Staying Safe at Home or On Foot
Avoid flood-prone areas such as canyons, drainage channels, streams and culverts.
Do not walk into standing water, even if it looks calm. Waters can rise suddenly, and it only takes 6 inches of rushing water to knock an adult off their feet.
Get to higher ground fast if your home floods. Avoid going to a closed attic, as you may become trapped. Only get on your roof as a last resort.
Keep children and pets close by.
Avoid parking near streams or rivers during flood conditions.
Given that floods are a common and widespread occurrence, it’s smart to have your evacuation plan ready ahead of time, as well as an emergency kit and go bag. To protect yourself against damage to your home, consider buying a flood insurance policy.
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.
Summer is almost here and that means so is bicycle season! Before your child straps on their helmet and takes off down the sidewalk, give yourself peace of mind knowing they are safe by educating them on Bicycle Safety.
Key Bicycle Safety TIPS:
Wear a helmet
Avoid night riding
No loose clothing
Check your tires & brakes
Don’t ride in bad weather
Look at for cars
Follow the rules of the road
Always be on the lookout for hazards
NEVER drive distracted
Save our free Bicycle Safety printable below to give to your children or hang up next to their bike gear as a visual reminder that they can always refer back to.
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.
Originally designed to house drivers’ gloves, today’s glovebox is the place for important items that you need in arm’s reach and readily accessible. All too often though, this handy compartment turns into a receptacle for outdated registration cards, empty wrappers, condiment packets, and other forgotten items.
Get in the Spring Cleaning spirit and take a little time to organize your glovebox—you’ll be so glad you did! A neat, tidy, and functional glovebox will serve you well when you need it (which is usually unexpectedly or in an emergency).
Here are some of the must-have and nice-to-have items for your glovebox.
Glovebox Must-Haves
Owner’s Manual. Who hasn’t wondered what that weird symbol that just lit up on your dash means? From maintenance guidelines and emergency information to understanding every specific detail about your vehicle, your manual is the go-to guide.
Proof of Insurance. This is required in almost every state, and if you get in an accident or pulled over you’ll be glad you have it handy. Vehicle registration is best kept in your wallet.
Emergency Contact Numbers. These are probably already programmed into your phone, but it’s smart to have a printout just in case.
Medical Information. If you’re injured in an accident or have trouble communicating, having a written list of medical conditions, medications, or allergies could be a lifesaver. Better yet, add info for all your family members.
Pen and Paper. If you’re in an accident, you’ll need to exchange information (while under stress and possibly shaken up). Good ole fashioned pen and paper to the rescue.
Glove Box Nice-to-Haves
First Aid Essentials. Think of it as a pared-down emergency kit: just the basics. With band-aids, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, and alcohol swabs at the ready, you can take care of minor cuts or scrapes. Carry a complete first aid kit in your trunk.
Spare Phone Charger. Thank goodness for USB plugs in our cars. Still, if something goes wrong, or if you arrive at a destination with a dead phone, you’ll thank yourself for carrying an extra.
Small Flashlight or Headlamp. LED technology has allowed small bulbs to cast big light. If you find yourself stranded in the dark, you’ll be happy to have it. Be sure to also have a couple of extra batteries, as well as another flashlight in your trunk (also with spares).
Tire Gauge. Tire gauges at gas stations are often damaged or inaccurate. Get a good quality gauge and make sure you know your vehicle’s PSI rating for tires (hint: it’s in the manual and on the tire wall).
Money. How many of us have run to the store for just one thing and realized at checkout that you left your wallet at home. Twenty to forty dollars should be enough.
Snacks. You never know when you’ll be stuck in traffic at mealtime—stash a few high-protein bars as a back-up.
Sunscreen. A small tube goes a long way in a pinch.
While you are organizing your glovebox, don’t forget to give the rest of your vehicle a spring cleaning and disinfectall of your services to prevent harmful viruses and bacteria, like coronavirus.
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.
