With cold weather comes extra hazards. Be on the lookout for these six common ones, so you can avoid injury, accidents, and damage to your home.
1. Unsafe Heaters and Furnaces
Make sure your heating system has been inspected by a professional (ideally well before winter arrives). This will ensure that it’s prepped for the hard work of heating your home through frigid temps and doesn’t break mid-season, leaving you scrambling for repairs. Here’s how you can keep it in working order:
Wipe it down regularly to get rid of dust and debris; you can also gently vacuum it with a nozzle/brush attachment.
Clean vents and adjust dampers in all rooms.
Replace dirty filters as needed.
Listen and watch for strange sounds or behavior. Do a visual check from time to time for frayed wires or other damage (pests can attack without your knowledge!).
If you have a furnace, be sure to check the pilot light regularly (follow manufacturer’s instructions).
2. Fireplace Hazards
Like your heating system, your chimney, flue, and supporting structures need an annual inspection (and possible cleaning). Schedule inspections at the same time for an easy maintenance routine. Besides inspections, be sure to:
Clean out ash after every fire – excess ash can reduce airflow and make your next fire dangerous.
Never leave a fire unattended, and always make sure it’s completely extinguished before leaving it for the night.
Use a fire screen for extra protection and consider fireplace doors if appropriate.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they’re working properly.
For more indoor fire safety tips, check out our blog post.
3. Porch and Deck Safety
The areas immediately surrounding your home and entrances pose a special risk for slips, falls, and other injuries resulting from ice. Protect yourself, your family, and any visitors with these precautions.
Remove snow from decks, walkways, porches, and your driveway as soon as possible to prevent a melt-and-refreeze cycle (i.e. black ice).
Consider slip-resistant finishes and coatings, deck strips, or even mats in high-traffic areas.
Make sure handrails are secure and in good working order to provide stability when stairs are slick.
4. Gutters and Roofs
Following a theme from earlier on, it’s imperative to get your roof inspected annually so that you become aware of any problems and can get repairs done before winter sets in. Then, throughout the season:
Keep gutters cleared out so that water goes down the spout where it’s supposed to, rather than finding other cracks or crannies to get into.
If you live in a snowy area, clean gutters can also help prevent ice dams from forming and causing costly damage.
Remove snow from your roof regularly with a roof rake.
Use that same rake to remove any icicles that have formed.
5. Power Outage Prep
Snowstorms and freezes can easily take out power lines, leaving you in the cold and dark. Have your emergency plan and power back-up ready in case you need it. Additionally:
Have a two-way radio for news concerning the outage (make sure it’s solar-powered, uses batteries, or is hand-crank).
Have a hand-crank or solar-powered cellphone charger so you can keep in touch with family, neighbors, and friends.
Invest in a generator, and always have flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries on hand.
Illnesses, including the flu, coronavirus, and others surge during winter months because we’re usually indoors and in close proximity to others. Be sure to stick to the routine precautions for COVID-19 prevention – including mask-wearing, frequent handwashing, and social distancing – to keep yourself and your family safe. Pandemic fatigue is real, but sticking to the guidelines will keep us all – including our nurses, doctors, and other health care workers – healthy until a vaccine is available.
Many times, making sure your home is prepped for winter hazards means thinking ahead in summer and fall. Keeping up with your yearly inspections can uncover problems with chimneys, heating systems, and your roof that could cause major headaches and damage right when the thermometer is plunging. Taking actions early – and keeping an eye out year-round – will give you peace of mind during the winter so you and your family can enjoy a cozy, serene and safe home.
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.
There’s never a good time for severe weather to hit, but among the worst is when you’re on the road. A sudden snowstorm can quickly impair your visibility, make road conditions extremely dangerous, and affect how your car handles.
Stay safe on wintertime roads with these tips for driving in snow, whiteouts, and on ice.
The below apply to all bad weather driving scenarios.
Make sure your tires have plenty of tread before winter weather hits – or better yet, install winter tires.
Check the weather before you leave the house; if it’s too bad, wait it out.
Clear all snow, ice, and dirt from windows, windshield, brakes, and all other lights before leaving your driveway.
Drive slowly the entire time while on the road (the more dangerous conditions, the slower).
Drive smoothly, avoiding sudden movements on the steering wheel, brakes, and control panels.
Driving in Snow
The quality of snow in a snowstorm can vary widely, depending on wind speed and direction, moisture levels and more. The snow might be slushy or dry, sparse or voluminous, and it might be falling straight down or at a sharp angle. All of these variables affect how you should proceed on the road, but the following will keep you safer across many conditions.
Go slow – Increase your following distance to at least 8-10 seconds.
Be hyper-aware of your surroundings – Vigilance on the road will help you avoid snow dangers and also spot (and get out of the way of) out-of-control drivers who are sliding your way.
Don’t use cruise control – It’s important that you’re paying close attention and that you’re able to react to road conditions quickly.
Use your headlights – Make sure your headlights are on (no matter the time of day), and that they’re on dim and not high. This will help your visibility and also help other drivers see you.
Adjust how you brake – If you’re coming up on a stop sign or signal, come to a stop slowly (that extra following distance comes in handy here). Don’t slam on your brakes, as this can put you into a skid. If you have anti-lock or ABS brakes make sure you’re comfortable with how they work in all weather conditions, including snow.
Know when and how to stop – Don’t stop if you don’t have to (starting again can be dangerous and difficult), and never stop on a hill. If you must stop, remember it takes vehicles longer to come to a stop in snowy conditions.
Drive in the tracks of the car in front of you – This will make it easier to control your vehicle.
Driving in Whiteout Conditions
Whiteouts may be one of the most dangerous of snowy conditions. Here’s how to handle it if you find yourself in one.
Remain calm – This is harder said than done but trying to remain calm will help you avoid over-reacting or making poor decisions.
Slow WAY down – The most dangerous thing about a whiteout is the sudden loss of visibility. Slowing down will give you time to see what other drivers are doing and have time to react if an accident or other emergency happens right in front of you.
Make yourself visible to other drivers – Just as you can’t see other drivers, they can’t see you. Make yourself as visible as possible by turning on your headlights (fog lights are best if you have them), and perhaps even your hazards. You can even use hand signals out the window if you need to. Â
Wait out the whiteout – If visibility drops to zero and you feel unsafe, look to the nearest exit and pull off. From there, find a shoulder to pull over on. If there are no exits on your stretch of highway, pull to the side of the road, turn on your hazards, and wait out the storm.
Driving in Ice
Besides the snow you can see, there may be ice that you can’t. Notoriously hard to see, black ice acts as a glaze that coats surfaces and makes them extremely slippery and dangerous. When driving, you’ll want to be on the lookout – and ready – for it on all roads, but especially bridges, overpasses, tunnels, roads beneath overpasses, and at the bottom of hills. Check out our tips for spotting and safely negotiating black ice here.
When it comes to the downsides of winter, hazardous driving situations are among the top. But between staying off the road when possible, and taking precautions when you do have to drive, you can keep yourself, your family, and other drivers safer.
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.
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.
From Mr. Kitty’s stocking on the mantle to themed doggie sweaters and chew toys under the tree, no holiday is complete without our beloved pets. The more meows (and zoomies), the merrier!
Traditional Holiday trees and their trimmings can pose an array of safety and health threats to pets. Here are some common ones to be aware of.
Tinsel is irresistible to many pets, and if ingested, can cause intestinal blockages. Ditch the traditional silver stuff and look for pet-friendly alternatives. Â
Avoid glass and other ornaments that are sharp. Cats especially will be tempted to swat them off the tree, where they can break and cut paws.
Flocking and artificial snow can be toxic if consumed in larger amounts, so it’s better to avoid them altogether.
Keep ornaments on the upper parts of the tree, out of reach.
Tree water often contains chemicals that extend the life of the tree. These chemicals, in addition to any fertilizers, insecticides, bacteria, and flame retardants, can make the tree water dish a toxic soup. Cover the stand with a tree skirt, aluminum foil, or other material to block off access from pets.
If your pet is partial to chewing pine needles, which can cause intestinal upset, consider a faux tree.
Anchor your tree with a sturdy base, and perhaps even fishing line attached to eye bolts in the ceiling or wall for added stability, to prevent a climbing-and-toppling hazard.
Don’t put gifts under the tree that contain food, as these might be too tempting and sicken a curious (or food-driven) dog.
Consider using a baby gate to keep pets away from the tree.
Decorations and Seasonal Plants
Take care in selecting decorations and plants around your home by keeping the following in mind.
Poinsettias, pine needles, mistletoe, and holly can cause gastrointestinal upset and other problems, and lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Silk and other faux plants make great alternatives.
Glues and adhesives can be toxic, so keep them out of reach.
Watch out for yarn, string, and ribbons, which are often attractive to pets and can cause intestinal blockages.
Switch out live candles/flames for LED lights, which add plenty of holiday warmth without the risk of fire or injury.
Potpourri often contains oils that can be toxic to pets if eaten.
Chewing on electrical cords can cause harm or even death. Unplug cords when not in use and spray them with anti-chew solutions such as Bitter Apple. Check out pet-proof extension cords as well.
Food Dangers
Some pets will go to great lengths to sneak food. In the best cases, this means a holiday dish goes missing; in the worst cases, it can mean sickness or even death of a pet. Stay one step ahead of would-be food thieves with these precautions.
Keep chocolate and other sweets well away from pets – preferably in a cupboard, the fridge, or somewhere else that’s secure.
Do not leave food or alcohol unattended; stealthy pets can swipe them in no time and experience harmful effects.
Avoid bringing home leftovers for pets. Human food – often containing fatty, spicy, or bones – can be hazardous to your pet. Some top offenders include chocolate, coffee, citrus, onions, grapes, nuts, coconut, dairy, and yeast dough.
Being careful doesn’t mean you have to leave your pet out of the festivities – there’s plenty of store-bought or homemade options for special pet treats. Stock up on those for the holidays so they can join the fun.
Entertaining
If you’re planning to host a few guests, remember that get-togethers can stress pets out or upset their routine. Here are some ways to keep them safe and calm.
Give pets a room or space of their own, where they can retreat to if feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Stock it with fresh water, a bed, and their favorite toys.
If celebrating at New Year’s, keep loud noises to a minimum.
Animals sometimes will take advantage of the commotion or act out by getting into cabinets they don’t usually disturb, so be sure to hide away any medications, which can be extremely dangerous to animals.
Keeping your pets safe this season just takes a little creativity, forethought, and a new habit or two. And happily, the pet industry makes all kinds of pet-safe products and novelty items, so keeping the holidays safe for all family members should be easier than ever. 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.
Although many of us won’t be able to visit friends, family, or loved ones this holiday season, that doesn’t mean we can’t still bring them joy or spread the Yuletide cheer!
Check out these 20 great holiday gift ideas for everyone in your life – no matter where they are.
1. Printable Coupons – Flex your creative muscles by making personalized coupons that can be printed out and redeemed later – for hugs, virtual family time, happy hour or anything, really! For a handmade touch, draw or paint them and send via snail mail or a digital photo.
2. Streaming Service Subscription – These days, there is no shortage of streaming service choices. Would anyone on your list like a subscription for movies, shows or music?
3. Gaming Subscription – Gamers can never get enough gaming time. Make sure you know which app or platform the gamer in your life uses before purchasing.
4. Audiobook Membership – Audiobooks are a great gift for book lovers for several reasons: they can “read” on the go, listen to master storytellers bring books to life, and have access to unlimited audiobooks (for most subscription platforms).
5. Donation – For those who have everything, donating to a cause you know they care about will give them some extra good feels for the holidays.
6. Museum Pass – Many people assume museums are closed, but in fact many have done a ton of work to go virtual. Get your favorite art lover a pass and help them get their art groove on.
7. Online Grocery Shopping Service – Help loved ones stay safe and give them some extra time in their day by gifting a subscription to their favorite grocer.
8. Food Delivery – Go one step beyond groceries and send a subscription for a food delivery service in their area. No dishes to clean, and a hot cooked meal delivered straight to their door? – yes, please!
9. Meal Delivery Kit – Halfway between groceries and food delivery, meal kits take the guesswork out of dinner prep, and will be much appreciated by any home chef.
10. Wine Subscription – Wine lovers on your list will look forward to new arrivals all year long. For those who aren’t partial to wine, check out subscriptions for beer, cheese, olive oil or other specialty foods.
11. Coffee or Tea Subscription – Broaden your favorite coffee or tea drinker’s horizon by getting them something new for their morning ritual.
12. Magazine or Publication Subscription – There’s a publication for everyone – all depending on their interests. Have a friend or family member who’s been wanting a digital newspaper subscription? How about a magazine all about one of their hobbies or interests? A google search for “online newsstand” should spark a ton of ideas.
13. Virtual Yoga or Gym Membership – Taking care of our own health is often last on the to-do list. Keep your loved ones healthy and help them lower their stress by getting them the gift of health.
14. Meditation App – Who couldn’t use a little calm and peace right now? Check out the many meditation apps available and find the perfect ones for your favorite people.
15. Online Learning Subscription – Have any curious, knowledge-thirsty folks in your circle? Send them a subscription for language courses, higher education classes or another online learning opportunity.
16. Subscription For Creative Arts – Creative projects can help keep us inspired and motivated during the long winter months. For the creatives in your life, look into crafting subscriptions, online painting classes, virtual music lessons, and other right-brain endeavors.
17. Virtual Scrapbook – Send friends or family a reminder of great times together (pre-Covid!) by assembling a virtual scrapbook of favorite memories. The great thing about an online versus paper version is that you can include videos in the mix of photos.
18. Makeup or Beauty Subscription – Someday we’ll have a reason to go out again, but in the meantime, receiving a regular beauty box can give a boost to those on your holiday list.
19. Membership – There’s an association or club for just about every passion, hobby or interest. Birding? Definitely. Fishing? Yep. Quilting, classic cars, sculpture? – there’s a club for that!
20. Professional Membership – Give a loved one a career boost by getting them a membership to a professional association in their field.
No doubt – this holiday season looks different than all the years past. But with some flexibility and creativity, we can still connect and celebrate with our loved ones. And surprise them with the perfect gifts! Happy holidays to all!
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.
