by California Casualty | Nominate a Hero |
“We Protect American Heroes.”
When I first started at California Casualty more than two years ago, this was our new company tagline. Wrapped up in a nice shiny package by an advertising agency, it looked great sitting there under our logo. Every other insurance company had their snazzy marketing hook – the hands, neighbors, and funny reptiles talking about savings—and I figured this was ours. New to this company and our customers, I thought this was just another catchy slogan.
But then I started interacting with our customers on Facebook and Twitter… and everything changed.
I started to hear the stories. Stories about struggling teachers who were paying for resources out of their own pockets because they just couldn’t stomach sacrificing quality education for budget cuts. Stories from nurses worked to the brink of exhaustion who continued to give patients the best care they could. Stories of firefighters who–even while mourning the loss of a brother–continued to follow their fellow firefighters into burning buildings. Stories of peace officers who laid their lives on the line to protect someone they had never even met.
Then the light went on. We’re not just selling car insurance here. We’re playing a small role in making the lives of some very important people better. We’re working hard to take one small thing, one small worry, off their plates. We’re protecting their homes and cars so they can get back to protecting us. Right then, I made it one of my goals to develop a program to reward these Heroes for what they do. More importantly, I wanted to honor them.
That’s why we created the “Nominate a Hero” contest. We envision a platform for people to say “Thank you” to these Heroes we are so honored to serve. On top of that, we wanted to add a chance for one Hero to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip, as a small token of our thanks.
I was a little worried starting out. How could I convince management to pay for this? I admit that I underestimated just how deeply the family culture runs at California Casualty. From the very beginning, every person I shared my vision with was thrilled to have the opportunity to thank our Heroes. Their enthusiasm is truly a testament to the honor and gratitude we derive from serving our customers.
Thank you for everything you do to make our communities better. Please take a moment to check out our contest, and enter as many deserving people as you can think of.
Sincerely,
Scott Randolph
Social Media Manager, California Casualty
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To learn more about Nominate a Hero, or nominate your own hero, click here.
by California Casualty | Firefighters |
It was weird watching Hurricane Sandy through my front window rather than through the windshield of Rescue 5. It seems as though every major storm that passed through New England over the last twenty some odd years waited for me to start my tour. Sad truth is, I liked that just fine. It’s easy being alone during bad weather, even if the job you are doing is hard. This time, things were different; I had to ride it out at home.
Being home and helpless is difficult. As the winds picked up velocity and the branches of the trees, and the trees themselves shook, and shattered and fell to the ground I could do nothing but watch. My window was as close to the action as I would get, and I was not all that crazy about standing too close to that window! I found it difficult to sit still and watch things go flying by, but there was nothing I could do to change what was happening.
Nature’s fury is a little less intimidating thanks to advances in technology. By pressing a button we are able to track a storm, know when it’s coming, when it’s going, how much rain to expect, how strong the winds will be, and a whole bunch of other information like barometric pressure and things like that that mean absolutely nothing to me. What did matter was the fact that I knew that this too would pass, and the lights will come on, and hopefully stay on, and life will return to normal. This confidence in our ability to weather a storm is a luxury only afforded the most recent generation, prior to us people hunkered down when the wind blew, hopeful it would end, but not knowing if things would get worse before they got better.
Maybe things were better that way, and some fear was instilled in humanity. Humility and appreciation seem much more appetizing when not sure if at the next moment everything could end, or be forever changed. Alas, humility has never been my strength, and as I watched the chaos outside of my window I knew it would all be over soon. The TV told me so.
I’ve often said that it’s our families that deserve the credit when we are out doing our thing, but I never really believed it. I thought I believed it, and if questioned would vociferously defend that statement, but as the windows shook, and more branches fell, and another tree succumbed to the eighty mile an hour gusts, and my heart pounded a little harder than I thought possible, and I contemplated calling 911 to report trees in the wires, I realized just how much I had taken the family I left behind for granted. I was nervous, and worried, and it was not a feeling that I’m used to. My family was used to it, having been left alone during emergencies for years.
I enjoy nothing more that being called to action, and braving the elements while responding to some emergency or other. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other, fighting natures wrath on the way to save some poor soul from whatever predicament they find themselves in. Even the most wildly lived lives consist mostly of boring routine, and the chance to challenge the elements and make a difference and break the monotony is one I live for. Losing myself in an emergency is easy, and life affirming, and an enormous ego boost.
It’s a wonder I can even fit my head through the doorway of our home, where I weathered this storm, miserable, knowing that I was missing all of the fun.
And my wife stood by, busy with her routine, comfortable in her place, batteries ready, candles where they needed to be, dinner for days prepared, ice in the cooler, crossword puzzle books and some games next to the battery operated radio.
She was prepared. I was not. Somewhere in my thick skull the notion that I was above commoners in terms of severe weather readiness resided. Let the hurricanes, blizzards, heat waves, tornadoes and earthquakes come; I am ready, willing and able to respond to those emergencies! But prepare for them? Not even close. Preparation is dull, part of that 90% monotony called life. Preparation for things that “might” happen is far different than responding to things that “did” happen.
In my arrogance I failed to allow myself to live a moment in my families shoes. It is frightening enough to be at the mercy of the elements, hoping that the walls keep the weather out, and the basement stays dry, and the roof remains in place. Hunkering down during a storm is highly underrated. It takes more courage than I ever imagined, and I cannot begin to imagine one of us being out during the worst of it. I honestly don’t think I have what it takes to keep the home together, and stocked, and prepared. Sure, I can put beer in the fridge, and get cans of tuna and a manual opener, but can I keep my emotions in check when the house is shaking and the person I love is not there?
Being prepared is harder than responding. True strength of character is necessary, as well as leadership, courage, and faith. Anybody can take care of things after they happen, waiting for and being ready for anything that might happen, and doing so when you are terrified and your other half is gone takes a special person.
Storms will come, and storms will go, and each one is different in its intensity and potential for inflicting damage. Hurricane Sandy was a doozy, blazing a path of death and destruction through the eastern states. Truly heroic acts were performed by our first responders, and I watched the events over and over on my TV, proud to be part of that world, all the while humbled and awed by the heroes under my own roof.
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Captain Michael Morse is a Rescue Captain in the Providence Fire Department’s rescue unit and author of two books: “Rescuing Providence” and “Responding.” His blog was voted the winner of the 2012 CalCas Battle of the Blogs ‘Top Firefighter & EMT Blog.’ Cpt. Morses’s books & blog are great resources for EMTs and Firefighters- full of advice, news briefs, and day-to-day insider stories. To learn more about Captain Morse, check out our interview with him!
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
It’s time to face the music. Halloween is over, daylight savings has passed, November is here and…
Winter is coming.
It’s time to stock up on Sweaters, crank up the furnace, and last but certainly not least…
Prepare your car for the winter season.
Around here, we’re all about safety preparations. A few simple steps and check-ups could help keep you, your family, and your car safer this winter.
Recommended Winter-Specific Maintenance:
- Check your antifreeze: Antifreeze is essential for your car’s winter protection. Make sure the level is full and that the mixture is close to 50% water and 50% antifreeze.
- Inspect your tires: Winter conditions often result in slick or icy roads. Your tires are your last defense. Make sure you have checked your tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32″ of depth to be safe. Also, be sure to check tire pressure.
- Replace your wipers & check wiper fluid: Make sure your wipers can handle any snow, water, or sleet that falls on your windshield. Also make sure that you have plenty of windshield washer fluid- as you’ll be using plenty over the winter months. Don’t fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid.
- Stay on top of maintenance procedures: Before winter hits is the perfect time to make sure you’ve taken care of annual maintenance. While car trouble is a bummer ANY time of the year, it can be especially complicated and frustrating in winter conditions. Avoid the stress: Make sure you’ve inspected, checked, or cleaned your car’s:
- Battery and battery posts
- Engine oil
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Spark plug wires
- Radiator
- Ignition
- Emergency Flashers
- Exhaust
- Defroster
This list is a good starting point. To be sure that your car is in the safest-possible working condition before winter hits, take it to your mechanic.
The National Safety Council recommends stocking your car with the following items in case of an emergency:
- A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack in case of tire issues
- A shovel
- Jumper cables in case of battery issues
- A bag of salt or cat litter for icy or slick road conditions
- A basic tool kit
- Working flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective triangles and brightly colored or reflective clothing
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Exterior windshield cleaner
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
- Scissors and string/cord
- Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
- Items to keep you warm, such as heavy mittens, blankets, socks, sweatshirts and a hat
Happy Winter! Be safe out there!
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info |
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many homeowners are dealing with Flooding damages.
We wanted to provide you with some basic Flood Insurance information* so you can be sure you are fully protected:
- Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding: Your homeowners insurance policy will not cover flooding damage. Only Flood Insurance covers this kind of damage. To learn more about Flood Insurance through California Casualty, click here or scroll down to read more.
- Flood damages are expensive: Just two inches of water could result in more than $7,000 in damages. The higher the water, the higher the costs.
- New Policies take 30 days to kick in: If your home is at any risk of flooding, protect it now. Flood insurance policies take 30 days to take effect.
- Flood insurance offers two types of protection: Flood insurance protects your building and the contents inside of the building. Neither type protects the land they occupy.
- Building Coverage includes:
- The insured building and its foundation
- The electrical and plumbing systems
- Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
- Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
- Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished floors
- Contents coverage includes:
- Clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment
- Curtains
- Portable and window air conditioner units
- Portable microwaves and dishwashers
- Carpeting that is not already included in property coverage
- Clothing washers and dryers
Securing Flood Insurance through California Casualty:
We provide flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program to offer you the best rates and service. It was created by Congress in 1968 to help property owners protect themselves financially against flood damages. To learn about the program, click here.
*These represent typical coverages, you should speak with an agent to verify what is and is not covered
by California Casualty | Safety |
It’s almost Halloween!
Halloween is one of my all-time favorite holidays. I love all the planning, decorating, and carving… and of course the pumpkin seeds.
But in the excitement over costumes and candies, it’s easy to forget Halloween Safety.
Whether you’re headed out with the trick-or-treaters or manning the door to pass out candy at your home, we’ve put together some safety reminders:
For trick-or-treating with children:
- Make sure all swords, play knives, or similar costume accessories are soft, short, and flexible
- Never let children trick-or-treat alone. Make sure they are walking in groups with a trusted adult.
- Map out a safe route with your kids so you know where they will be
- Set a designated time for them to return home or check in with you
- If you are trick-or-treating with children, make sure you have enough other adults with you to keep a headcount as you go
- Fasten reflective tapes to costumes and bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters – the brighter the costumes, the better!
- Attach your child’s name, address, and phone number somewhere inside their costume
- Look both ways before crossing the street!
- If possible, cross at a crosswalk or a corner. If traveling with a group of trick-or-treaters, have them link hands when crossing
- Try to walk on sidewalks as much as possible. If you have to walk along the edge of the road, stay as far to the edge as possible and walk facing traffic
- Carry a flashlight with you—and give one to each child–to help you and others see
- Encourage kids to walk from house to house, never run
- Check to make sure kids are wearing well-fitted masks (or better yet- face paint!), costumes and shoes to avoid tripping or blocking your vision
- Check over treats before letting kids start eating them- check to make sure they are still commercially wrapped and not tampered with and that they do not present a choking hazard
- Always test make-up in a small area first to check for allergies before applying it to large areas like the face. Be sure to remove all makeup before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation
- Remind kids:
- Enter homes only if you are with a trusted adult.
- Only visit well-lit homes
- Never accept rides from strangers
- Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be aware of tails, long trains, and other dragging costume accessories when near jack-o-lanterns or other decorations with active flames.
- Harmless pranks are often a part of Halloween. Make sure you explain that while you want them to have a good time, some tricks could hurt other people or vandalize property
- Provide kids with a substantial, healthy meal to help cut back candy consumption
To prepare your home for trick-or-treaters
- Make sure the outside areas of your home, especially the walking area and stairs, are well-lit and free of obstacles
- Be sure to turn on all your exterior lights
- Keep candle-lit jack-o-lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended. Use battery-operated candles in any outdoor or child-accessible decorations
- Drive slowly all evening!
- Keep pets away from the door so they don’t scare—or get scared by—trick-or-treaters.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police or sheriff’s department
- Make sure you do not pass out candy that is a choking hazard to younger children
Have a Spooky, Scary, and Safe Halloween!
