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 hear sirens and see flashing lights. There’s only one thing to do. Pull over.
There’s a reason you’re moving out of the way.
Even a few minutes delay can be a matter of life and death when you’re traveling by ambulance. The same holds true if a first responder can’t get to the scene of an accident, a fire, or disaster. Emergency vehicles need to get to the place where they can help people. If you’re on the road where they are traveling, you can help them get there by giving them a clear path to their destination.
Your moving car is dangerous to stopped vehicles.
You may have noticed a police officer, a roadside worker, a car pulled over on the side of the road, or even a wreck. Driving by them or rubbernecking at high rates of speed is dangerous. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), “making a traffic or emergency stop on the side of our nation’s highways is one of the most dangerous things law enforcement officers do in the line of duty.”
Every two weeks, a first responder or roadside worker loses his/her life, reported AAA. The agency recommends slowing down to a speed that is 10-20 mph slower than the speed limit and changing lanes to be further away.
Pay attention so you’ll hear and see emergency vehicles.
If you have the radio blaring, if you’re texting, or otherwise distracted, you may not see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching. You might not know that you have to pull over until that vehicle is right there. Not only is that stressful, but your quick actions might also cause a collision.
Here’s what to do when you see lights and hear sirens.
Put on your turn signal and slow down.
Check your mirrors and make sure the way is clear.
Move over to the shoulder and park your vehicle.
Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed. You will want to stay at least 500 feet behind it.
Check your mirrors, put on your turn signal and carefully pull back into traffic.
Importantly, don’t slam on your brakes. Don’t travel through a red light. Don’t stop in the middle of your lane. And never try to outrun an emergency vehicle.
Where you are, and the direction you’re traveling, matter.
Emergency vehicles don’t always come from behind you. Sometimes they are traveling in the opposite direction, on the other side of the road. Do you still have to move over? Check your state laws for the rules regarding moving over for emergency vehicles.
If you are traveling in a high-speed lane, and there is no room to stop, slow down.
If you are traveling in the left lane, go right as traffic on the right moves over.
If the emergency vehicle is traveling on the opposite side of a divided highway, you don’t need to pull over.
If the emergency vehicle is traveling on the opposite side of the road, and there is no divider, pull over to your right. That vehicle may need to use your lane to get by.
Every state in the U.S. has a move-over law. Most people don’t know about it. Check your state’s law and learn what you need to do to keep everyone safe.
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 summertime and temperatures are quickly on the rise!
Extreme heat is more than an inconvenience though; it is a health hazard. It’s extremely important that we do all that we can to avoid overheating and that we all know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses like:
Heat Cramps
These are muscular pain or spasms in the leg or abdomen – often the first sign of trouble. Getting a person to a cooler place and hydrating them with water or sports drinks usually alleviates them.
Heat Exhaustion
This is much more severe with symptoms of:
Cool moist pale, ashen or flushed skin
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Weakness
Exhaustion
Treatment includes moving to a cooler place with circulating air, remove or loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Spraying a person with water helps as well as giving small amounts of fluids such as water, fruit juice, milk or sports drinks. If symptoms persist, call medical help immediately
Heat Stroke
This is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include high body temperature (above 103 degrees); hot, red skin; rapid and strong pulse; confusion, and possible unconsciousness. Immediately:
Call 911
Move the person to a cooler place
Cool them with water by immersing them or spraying them
Cover them with ice packs or bags of ice
Children and Pets are at Risk
Don’t forget your precious cargo when the weather heats up. We think that it will never happen to our families, unfortunately, each year an average of 37 children and many hundreds of pets die from being left in hot cars. The majority is the result of a parent or caregiver who forgot the child or pet was in the vehicle. Even on a 70-degree day, the inside temperature can climb to a dangerous 110 degrees.
New technology and apps are being developed to warn parents of a child left in a car or truck, and the 2017 GMC Acadia will be the first vehicle with a built-in sensor that alerts drivers to check the back seat for children or pets left in the car. Until these are tested and more readily available, safety groups have mounted campaigns to prevent child heatstroke danger with these warning tips:
Never leave a child or pet in an unattended vehicle
Keep vehicles locked so children can’t climb in
Always check the back seat before leaving the vehicle
Place a stuffed toy in the car seat when it’s unoccupied and move it to the front seat as a visible reminder when you put a child in the seat
Put a purse, briefcase or other important items in the back seat with your infant or young child
Alert childcare facilities to notify you if your child fails to show up
Call 911 if you see a child alone in a vehicle and take action if you see they are in distress or unresponsive (break a window and remove them to a cool place and wait for emergency responders)
Personal Safety
When extremely hot weather hits, these are things you can do to alleviate the danger:
Drink plenty of water and rehydrating sports drinks
Avoid strenuous work during the heat of the day
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
Stay indoors as much as possible
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle
Go to a basement or lowest floor of a house or building if there is no air conditioning
Consider spending the warmest part of the day in cool public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, malls, and other community facilities
Spend time at a community pool or water park
Check on family, friends, and neighbors (especially the very young or old) who do not have air conditioning
Home Prep
Ready.gov has an extensive list of recommendations to help keep your home cool when the temperature rises:
Install window air conditioners snugly and insulate them
Check air conditioning ducts for proper insulation
Install temporary window reflectors (such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard) to reflect heat back outside
Cover windows that receive direct sunlight with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers
Keep storm windows up
Automobile Prep
Your car takes a beating in extreme heat. It’s a good reminder to:
Test your battery
Check your fluids – oil, coolant, and wiper fluid
Get your air conditioning serviced
Inspect all hoses and belts for cracks or tears
Carry extra water or coolant
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com.
If you are like the millions of American’s who are hitting the road this season to travel in a Recreational Vehicle (RV), follow these 3 key steps to keep you safe.
1. Before You Hit the Road in Your RV:
Check the exterior for cracks and missing or damaged seals
Inspect and test the battery
Examine and pressurize the tires
Replace filters and replenish brake, coolant, transmission, hydraulic and washer fluids
Clean, inspect and refill LP gas lines and appliances
Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
Flush and fill the water system looking for leaks, clarity, and drinkability
Check batteries and that all appliances are working
Inspect sewer hoses and waste tank valves for cracks or sticking
When you are far from home it is also vital that you have the right equipment on hand that can get you out of any situation.
Surge protector for variable campground electrical systems
Drinking water approved hose
Matches or a lighter
Portable chargers
Food, water, and essential groceries
Pressure regulator and water filter for variable campsite water pressures and contaminates
A set of tools
Extra clothing and blankets
Laser temperature tester to detect overheated brakes, tires, and axles
Emergency first aid kit
The last step in making sure you are all prepared before you travel is making sure you have RV Insurance.
3. The Proper Coverage for Your RV
California Casualty has been providing RV Insurance for over 40 years. Our RV Insurance program is designed to accommodate almost all recreational vehicles from pop-ups to coaches. We cover motor homes up to $120,000 in value and our partner market covers up to $500,000 in value.
Coverages Include:
Total Loss Replacement
Emergency Vacation Expense
Disappearing Deductibles
Full Timer’s Package
Replacement Cost Personal Effects
24-Hour Roadside Assistance
Windshield Coverage
Free Pet Injury
If you would like to add RV coverage to your policy call our Sales Department at 1-844-854-7265. For more information on RV Insurance Coverage, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-704-8614 or visit www.calcas.com.
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 no secret that spring storms can bring heavy rainfall in short amounts of time. This not only can cause rivers and lakes to rise outside their banks, but it can also cause flooding in city streets and near homes.
Contrary to what many may think is covered under their insurance policy, a Home or Renter’s insurance policy will not cover a flood. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you need to also purchase flood insurance. Floods are one of the most dangerous disasters in the United States, and if you don’t purchase flood insurance, they can cost you big time. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) estimates that just one inch of water in a 2,000 square foot house will result in $23,000 in damage.
Flood season has arrived. Here are five reasons you need flood insurance now:
1. It’s not just for homeowners and businesses. Flood coverage is available for renters. Condo owners can also purchase it. It will cover damage to your possessions from a flood.
2. Flooding is not covered under your standard policy. Homeowners and renters need to purchase separate flood policies. Umbrella insurance does not usually cover flooding, either.
3. Floods aren’t limited to flood plains. Every state has experienced flooding, and it can happen anywhere. The NFIP estimates that 25 percent of flood claims come from areas outside of high-risk flood zones.
4. Flood insurance doesn’t take effect immediately. There is a 30-day waiting period from the date you purchase the insurance until you are covered, in most cases.
5. It’s often not as expensive as you think. The average policy costs about $700 per year. The higher your risk, the higher your premium. Costs do vary depending on your flood risk and the year and type of construction. Keep in mind, the average residential flood claim amounted to more than $38,000.
Don’t delay, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage goes into effect. Call a California Casualty advisor today at 1.877.652.2638 to make sure you’re covered. Or, contact our Agency Services department at agencyservices@calcas.com.
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.
What do you think of when you hear the word “health”? Most of our brains automatically think physical health- exercising, healthy eating, drinking water, etc. And while physical health does play a large role in keeping our bodies in shape and functioning properly, our mental health is just as important to maintain to achieve a healthy and happy lifestyle.
The link between mental health and physical health is generally misunderstood because the mind and body are considered two separate entities, but oftentimes these two entities need to work together for our own wellbeing. Our mental health can directly affect our physical health and vice versa. Here’s how.
How Mental Health Can Affect Your Physical Health
About 1 in 5 people in the US struggle with their mental health. Symptoms of poor mental health can include negative thinking, low energy levels, change in mood or behavior, isolation, struggling to cope with stress, changing in sleeping or eating patterns, negative self-talk, and feeling sad or depressed.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms above, it does not mean you have a mental illness. Poor mental health becomes a mental health disorder (mental illness) when your symptoms become frequent and start to affect your ability to physically function in daily life. Some common mental illnesses include
So, how does your mental health affect your physical health? Don’t be fooled by its name. Your mental health can affect more than just your mind, it can also affect your behavior and your body. Poor mental health will not only impact your body’s ability to make healthy decisions, but it can also increase your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and other health complications like obesity, weakened immune system, and more.
Studies have found that those who suffer from depression bodies show changes in how they function, which could have a serious impact on their physical health. Those changes include:
Increased inflammation
Chronic fatigue
Changes in the control of heart rate and blood circulation
Abnormalities in stress hormones
Insomnia
Metabolic changes such as those seen in people at risk for diabetes
Poor mental health can drain all of your energy and prevent you from working on your physical health, but increasing your activity and working on your physical health can actually improve your mental health.
How Physical Health Can Affect Your Mental Health
Physical health is the state of your physical body and how well it is operating. Ways to maintain your physical health can be broken down into four categories.
Lifestyle – staying active throughout your day, getting enough sleep, drinking water
Diet – eating balanced foods that nourish your body
Hygiene – keeping yourself and your environment clean and kept-up
Exercise – using and strengthening your body and muscles
Working on your physical fitness and health will not only add years to your life, it can also improve your mood and help prevent mental illness. People who are healthy and active feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better, feel more relaxed, and think more positively about themselves and life in general. Living a healthy lifestyle and staying physically active reduces your chance of chronic diseases and conditions, like type 2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
Exercise by itself is a powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges. Studies show that it can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressants, reduce the symptoms of ADHD, and work as a treatment for anxiety. That’s because exercising promotes all kinds of changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being. It also releases the endorphins dopamine and serotonin into your body- which make you feel good and less stressed.
Which Is More Important?
So, which is more important, mental health or physical health? The link between physical and mental health is complex, but the answer is simple your body needs both mental health and physical health to function properly and let you live a happy and healthy life. If you are struggling in one area, you may choose to focus on one over the other and that is okay. Just remember the influence they have on each other and how important it is to keep up with your health both mentally and physically.
Looking for ways to stay healthy and combat stress and anixety? Click here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. Please reach out to a mental health professional. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a professional, start by reaching out to a close colleague, family member, or friend.
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.
