With summer time comes rising temperatures, and for babies those temperatures can become deadly if they get trapped in a hot car. Even the most attentive and caring parents make mistakes – including accidentally leaving or locking a child in a car. Sometimes, children climb into unlocked, parked cars in the driveway without their parents realizing it, and when they do it is often too late. Regardless of how it happens, children left in hot vehicles are in grave danger within a matter of minutes.
Here are some tips for making double & triple sure that your child is safe this summer:
Never leave your child in the car. No exceptions: No matter how brief your errand or how quick your stop, NEVER leave a child in the car. Under any circumstances, even with the windows cracked or completely rolled down, there is no safe amount of time to leave a child in the car.
Get involved if you are a bystander: If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call 911 immediately. If they are in distress due to heat, the National Highway Safety Administration recommends getting them out as soon as possible.
Remind Yourself: Oftentimes, children’s car seats are behind the parent’s seat, out of sight, and if your child is asleep it can be easy to forget they are even with you. Remind yourself out loud to remember the child; give yourself visual cues; place your purse or briefcase in back by the child- so when you exit the car, you are reminded; place the diaper bag in the seat next to you where you can see it. If you are changing up routine (for example, if Dad usually drives the child in the morning, but today Mom is doing so), it is easy to forget. New parents have a lot on their minds and accidents can happen.
Prevent kids from wandering into the car: Don’t let children play in your car unattended. Lock your car doors and trunk, and keep keys out of any child’s reach. That way, you minimize the risk that they climb into your car without you knowing they have done so.
Make it routine: Make it a habit to physically open the back car door and check for anyone left behind every single time you get out of the car.
Have back up: Make arrangements with your child’s day care center or babysitter that you will always call if your child will not be there on a particular day as scheduled. That way if you forget and they are absent, they will alert you.
May was a busy month for California Casualty as we celebrated the numerous appreciation days honoring you and all of the amazing things that you do. Our Partner Relations team was extra busy stopping by your various locations to say thanks. They loved sharing stories, seeing your smiles and showing how much we appreciate what you and your fellow educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, EMTs, nurses and NPs do for our communities.
In recognition of May as Safe Driving Month, California Casualty was proud to sponsor and congratulate the recipients of more than $12,000 in grants given in the Spring 2018 Create Real Impact contest. Twice a year, students ages 14-22 are encouraged to submit essays or poems, artwork, videos, and music to address the critical teen distracted driving danger.
As the Presenting Sponsor of the California School Recognition Program, California Casualty is proud to make possible the events that honor the 2018 California Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the year, and the public schools named as Distinguished Schools.
From the many years that we have been visiting classrooms and listening to educators, we’ve learned that every person or school that is recognized represents dozens more that are doing great things for students, staff and their communities. Members of our organization joined Minnie and Mickey at the gala celebrating the 287 elementary schools named 2018 Distinguished Schools.
California Casualty is also celebrating the four Washington schools named Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The schools demonstrated how they reduced environmental impacts, improved health and wellness of students and staff and provided education on the environment incorporating STEM curriculum. California Casualty is proud to be the Local Sponsor, supporting future environmentalists with financial help, and presenting a special award to each of the schools.
California Casualty is always impressed when we get a chance to honor you and support the many groups that you belong to.
TAKEAWAY: Learn more about the many ways California Casualty gives back to the individuals and groups we serve by visiting www.calcas.com/newsroom.
Read all the articles from the this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
Before you take to the open waters, take a moment to assess your insurance needs.
Many states do not require insurance for your boat, but most lenders and marinas do. A homeowners policy is not considered adequate for boat insurance. Homeowners insurance does not offer the coverages needed for the types of losses that occur with a boat, including salvage, wreck removal, or pollution liability. Another risk is that four-out-of-ten boaters don’t have insurance; you need to protect your family and water craft if one of them slams into you.
A boat insurance policy from California Casualty, or our partner insurer, can cover you for:
Medical costs
Damage to your vessel
Wreckage removal
Emergency towing
Fuel spill liability
Uninsured/underinsured boaters
TAKEAWAY: Let California Casualty help you stay afloat with the boat insurance you need. Policies vary, so it’s best to contact an advisor today at 1.877.652.2638 or agencyservices@calcas.com.
Read all the articles from the this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
The weather is warming up and it’s time to ride. Whether you’re an “Easy Rider” or a café cruiser, don’t let a dead battery or clogged fuel line keep you from your adventures.
We know your life is hectic, so here’s a quick reminder of some things to inspect before you start your motorcycle’s engine:
Battery – check the terminals, clean dust and corrosion, tighten cables and give it a charge
Oil – start with fresh oil and filter
Fuel – drain old fuel and start with a fresh tank if you didn’t winterize your bike
Fluids – check that brake and hydraulic fluids are still good, replace any that looks dirty, and refill reservoirs
Brakes – look for cracks or leaks in lines, inspect the pads and test for any scraping or squealing noise
Inspect the drive belt tension and look for cracks or tears, or if you have a chain look for damaged links and worn or broken teeth
Tires – replace worn tires and check for pressure leaks
It’s also a good time to make sure your headlight, brake lights and turn signals are all working properly. And if you bought a new bike or haven’t ridden all winter, safety experts recommend that you take a test ride to see how everything is working and have an opportunity to regain the feel of the road.
California Casualty can join you on the ride with quality motorcycle insurance at competitive rates. We cover most motorcycles, and if you ride something we don’t insure, we can find you motorcycle insurance through one of our partner providers.
TAKEAWAY: Make sure you have the protection you need before you hit the road. Call a California Casualty advisor today at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com/motorcycle-insurance.
Read all the articles from the this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
If you are looking for information or want to share a cool picture, California Casualty is there for you. We are striving to be more than just your insurance company – we want to be a valuable resource, too. Our online community offers interesting articles, captivating photos, tweets and links that reflect what you are thinking and doing.
Head to the California Casualty blog (https://mycalcas.com/) for in-depth content and articles that pertain to your profession, information on how to get the most out of your insurance, and tips on how to protect your automobile and home. Some recent articles include “Five Ways to Get Excited About Being a Nurse Again,” “How to Make the Most of Your Summer Break Without Breaking the Bank,” and “Four Ways to Save with a Teen Driver.” Check back often to get a feel for what your peers and guest bloggers are writing and the ways that California Casualty supports you and your family.
Follow us on twitter (https://twitter.com/CalCasInsurance) to see and share tips for the classroom, find captivating information and heroic acts of first responders, and read what’s on the minds of nurses and other healthcare professionals. You’ll also catch glimpses of how California Casualty honors and supports the men and women we serve.
If you need a laugh, fabulous gift ideas or that perfect meme, take a peek at our Pinterest page (https://www.pinterest.com/CalCasInsurance). Re-pin something you’d like to share with others, or feel free to add a comment.
Instagram is another place to find fun pictures, a motivational quote or get updates on one of our giving programs for your occupation. It’s easy to do at https://www.instagram.com/CalCasInsurance.
Our Facebook page is a collection of the many ways California Casualty embraces the professions you represent. Take a look, like a post, and share with others at https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaCasualty.
If you like videos, tune into our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/CalCasInsurance). You’ll see what California Casualty is all about, what makes us different, and watch heartwarming stories of those we serve. You can even learn a little more about the various insurance products we provide.
To manage your policies, make changes or find insurance for your expensive toys (boats, snowmobiles or motorcycles), visit the California Casualty corporate website (https://www.CalCas.com/). Logging in and creating an account gives you access to your policies at your convenience – anywhere, anytime. It’s a great place to send family members and colleagues who are looking for auto and home/renters insurance designed for their specific needs. There is also a careers page if you or someone you know wants to work for a company that protects American heroes.
Just like you, we are part of an online community looking for best practices, great stories and captivating photos. Take advantage of what others have contributed, and offer your opinion, pictures and stories through whichever online platform you prefer. We are there to help you exchange ideas with others who share your interests.
TAKEAWAY: Visit https://mycalcas.com to begin your informational tour with California Casualty. You’ll find interesting articles and links to the many other online platforms where you can connect and engage with others.
Read all the articles from the this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
May was a busy month for California Casualty as we celebrated the numerous appreciation days honoring you and all of the amazing things that you do. Our Partner Relations team was extra busy stopping by your various locations to say thanks. They loved sharing stories, seeing your smiles and showing how much we appreciate what you and your fellow educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, EMTs, nurses and NPs do for our communities.
Head to the California Casualty blog (
