Winter Driving Safety

Winter Driving Safety

by | Auto Insurance Info, Safety | 0 comments

Undoubtedly, when the roads are covered in snow and/or ice the best option is to just stay hunkered down at home. However, for the majority of us, that’s not an option. In fact, 70 percent of US roads are located in snowy regions. and each year over 116,000 people are injured driving in the snow and ice.

Accumulation on roadways reduces tire friction and vehicle maneuverability and greatly increases the risk of accidents. So, as winter approaches and you make the necessary preparations to your vehicle, make sure you remember these winter driving safety tips to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

  1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. 
    • Allow at least 3 times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. 
    • If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brakes.
  3. Turn on your lights. 
    • This will make you more visible to other motorists.
  4. Keep your windshield clean.
    •  Once it has defrosted, keep the windshield wipers on to wipe away all falling snow and avoid it freezing over again.
  5. Use low gears to keep traction. 
    • Drive especially slow on hills to avoid rolling backward.
  6. Steer into a skid to avoid a crash.
    • This means if your rear wheels are going right, gently steer in that direction.
  7. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
    • This should include a first aid kit, flashlight, water, blankets, and snowmelt or sand/kitty litter.
  8. Be on the lookout for black ice.
    •  Black ice is barely visible and makes roadways, bridges, and overpasses extremely slick
  9. Don’t pass snow plows.
    • The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
  10. Don’t assume your vehicle won’t have problems.
    • Even 4-wheel drive automobiles can have issues on ice and snow!

 

If your rear wheels skid…

  1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
  2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go.
  3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle under control.
  4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
  5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

 

If your front wheels skid…

  1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
  2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

 

Stay warm & be careful out there!

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.

Emergency Winter Car Kit

Emergency Winter Car Kit

by | Auto Insurance Info, Safety | 0 comments

Driving in winter weather can be extremely dangerous, but for most of the country, a winter commute in sub-par conditions is a fact of life.

Getting out during a wintery mix may be unavoidable, but it is important to know that even small amounts of snow, ice, freezing rain, and hail can lead to treacherous driving conditions, like slick, snow-packed roadways and low driving visibility. They also significantly increase the possibility of an accident.

If you know you will be traveling this winter make sure you are prepared for anything the winter weather may bring, by packing an emergency car kit to store in your vehicle.

 

What is an Emergency Winter Car Kit?

 

An Emergency Winter Car Kit is just like an Emergency Kit for your home. It is filled with contents that will help you survive in case of an emergency. The main difference between Car Kits and Kits for your Home is that Emergency Car Kits include devices made specifically for your vehicle, like tools to help you if you get stuck or stranded.

It is recommended to have one kit per vehicle. You can buy one online or make one yourself.

 

What to Pack in an Emergency Winter Car Kit:

    • First Aid Kit
    • Heavy Duty Jumper Cables
    • Tow Rope
    • Tire Chains or Snow Tires
    • Flares
    • Extra Cash
    • Whistle
    • Flashlight & Batteries
    • Portable Phone Charger
    • Multi-tool or Knife
    • Reflective Roadside Triangles
    • Ice Scraper & Brush
    • Blankets
    • Portable Shovel
    • Extra Gas
    • Small Bag of Sand or Kitty Litter
    • Warm Clothes (Coats, Gloves, Scarves, Stocking Caps)
    • Sanitation Liquid or Wipes
    • Water & Non-Perishable Food Items

You Could Also Include:

    • Reflective Safety Vest
    • Snow Boots
    • HotHands
    • Lighter or Matches
    • Rain Poncho
    • Distress Flags
    • Duct Tape
    • Small Fire Extinguisher
    • Can of Sealant
    • Mini Air Compressor

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and you never know when you might get stuck in a snowstorm or slide off of the road, but a well-stocked emergency kit will help you get back on the road, or at least keep you warm and safe until help arrives.

 

Related Articles:

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Preparedness- How to Build an Emergency Kit

Hacks to Beat Winters Freeze

 

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.

 

New Year’s Eve Party Safety

New Year’s Eve Party Safety

by | Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety | 0 comments

We are about to turn the calendars to welcome in the beginning of a new decade – 2020!

Tonight, millions will gather around the world to ring in the New Year, and if you are hosting a New Year’s Eve party, remember; safety is the number one priority. Every year, people are hurt from slips, falls, and other numerous dangers associated with drunken New Year’s celebrations.

Here are some important party-planning safety tips you need to consider if you’ll be hosting a gathering to celebrate the arrival of 2020.

    • Clear decks, steps, and sidewalks of tripping  hazards
    • Keep pets locked or gated in a room away from the commotion
    • Remove jewelry or other valuables from areas where guests might be
    • Use battery-operated candles instead of flammable ones
    • Avoid setting off or using fireworks
    • Don’t leave food on stoves or in ovens unattended
    • Check for food allergies before serving any dishes
    • Keep foods warmed or cooled to proper temperatures to avoid foodborne illnesses
    • Limit alcohol consumption
    • Arrange for designated drivers, ride-sharing, or provide a place to stay for inebriated guests

Unfortunately, even when you take the best precautions, accidents can happen. But don’t fear, a homeowners or renters insurance policy with high liability limits will help protect you if the worst should happen. That’s why you should contact a California Casualty advisor today to make sure you are fully covered for the holidays.

Don’t forget to ask about special coverages for high-value gifts like jewelry, musical instruments or fine art when you call 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com.

 

For more information visit:

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This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters and nurses. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com.

 

Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests

Preparing Your Home for Holiday Guests

by | Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety | 1 comment

No doubt, one of the best parts about the Holiday Season is gathering and spending time with close family and friends, but when you are the host it can become a bit stressful.

With the holidays coming up soon, here are a few last-minute tips to help you and your home become guest-ready in a matter of hours!

 

Declutter

Or at least declutter public areas. There is no need to go all out and scrub every inch of your house from top to bottom (but if you want to, go for it!). Just make sure public areas, entryways, bathrooms, and guest rooms are clean and ready to be seen by dusting and packing away all unnecessary items.

Pro Tip: consider donating the items you find that you barely use.

 

Make Sure You Have Enough Seating

Your guests probably won’t want to stand all night, so make sure you have seating to accommodate at least the majority of them. If you are low on space, it may be wise to invest in some extra barstools or fold-out chairs that could be used in multiple places, like the living area and the kitchen.

 

Have a Plan for Your Pets

An abundance of guests can make even the calmest pet anxious. Anxiety can trigger the fight or flight response and your pet may feel no choice, but to act aggressive or try to escape.  Before your party starts make sure you have a plan in place for your pet, whether that be putting them up the entire night in a separate room or leaving them gated out in a designated area.

 

Add Light

Christmas Lights are easy décor that can brighten up space and make it look festive and inviting all in one. Just be sure you don’t have cords everywhere that could cause your guests could trip! Another quick and easy light source is a candle. Find a perfect Christmas scent and let it burn all night in a safe space away from flammable objects.

 

Stock Your Fridge

Make sure you have enough items that will please every guest. This doesn’t mean cook for everyone individually, it could be as simple as getting an assorted meat and veggie tray or cooking one entrée and having your guests bring side dishes and desserts. Don’t stress out and feel like you have to feed an army by yourself, as long as there is variety people will be happy.

Pro Tip: stock up on coffee.

 

Make Extra Supplies Easily Accessible

Get out your extra cups and silverware days before guests arrive, that way you aren’t scrambling to make sure you have enough supplies.  Set out extra pillows and blankets in guest rooms and place towels and toiletries out in the open, so they can be found easily by guests. This way there is no confusion at the end of the night when everyone is settling in.

 

Play Background Music

Nothing is worse than an awkward silence, so keep the party going- even when the conversation stops-  with some Holiday-themed Background music. Pull up Spotify on your phone and play it through your TV or any Alexa Device and you are good to go. We even have a Holiday Playlist already created for you! Visit: https://spoti.fi/2r1wIZk

 

Lastly, make sure you have personal liability coverage. Most people assume that their home insurance will provide all the liability coverage they need in case a guest has an accident on their property, but this isn’t always true. Personal liability umbrella insurance gives you an extra layer of insurance protection. This can be critical if someone is injured in your home or on your property.

Hosting can be hectic, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! Holidays should be cherished, not dreaded.

Happy Holidays, from all of us at California Casualty!

 

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.

 

 

10 Tips if You Have a Parking Lot Accident

10 Tips if You Have a Parking Lot Accident

by | Auto Insurance Info, Safety | 0 comments

It could happen at school, the mall, or even at a nearby restaurant – a parking lot accident.  If it happened to you, do you know what you should and should not do?

Whether it’s not seeing a car as you back out of a parking spot, coming around a corner and hitting another vehicle, or returning to your car or truck to find someone damaged it and drove off, parking lot wrecks happen more often than you might think. There are more than 50,000 parking area accidents every year in the U.S. While most are minor, they can be very unsettling. And determining who is at fault can be a sticky situation.

Here are 10 Important Things to Do if You’re Involved in a Parking Lot or Parking Garage Accident:

    1. Call for medical help if someone is injured
    2. Avoid getting into an argument
    3. Take pictures before moving the vehicles
    4. Write down the time of the crash and diagram where and how it occurred and any other important information (obstructed views, weather conditions, how fast your or the other car was going, arrows or other markers showing the direction of travel, etc.)
    5. Exchange insurance and other important information (License plate and driver’s license numbers, names and phone numbers)
    6. Seek out and get contact information from witnesses
    7. Make a police report
    8. Leave a note under the wiper blade with your name, insurance, and contact information if you hit an unoccupied vehicle and can’t locate the
    9. Don’t negotiate with the other driver to work a deal without notifying insurance because they could still make a claim
    10. Contact your insurance provider

Some critical things you need to know…

    • Never leave the scene without leaving a note; doing so could result in a major violation and penalties
    • Be aware of staged accident schemes
    • You’ll be paying for damage if someone hits you and leaves unless you have collision coverage

And lastly, here are some tips to help avoid an unplanned “bumper-cruncher,”.

    • Be extra cautious when backing out of a space (the cause of 25%or more of parking area crashes) and don’t rely on backup cameras
    • Observe posted signs
    • Slow down
    • Don‘t cut across lots and spaces
    • Don’t speed up or suddenly back up for a vacant space
    • Avoid cell phones and other distractions
    • Park in well-lit areas
    • Choose a parking spot at the end of the row or next to an island or pole to help protect our car
    • Watch for pedestrians, especially children and the elderly

Contact a California Casualty advisor to make sure you’re covered for the unexpected. Call today for a policy review at 1.800.800.9410 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.

 

Porch Pirates – Tips to Prevent Stolen Packages

Porch Pirates – Tips to Prevent Stolen Packages

by | Safety | 0 comments

It’s December and the holiday season is quickly approaching! That means an abundance of packages are going to be arriving at homes across the country from now until Christmas Day. Unfortunately, that also means there is also going to be an abundance of thieves waiting for the perfect moment to snatch those packages up and claim them for their own.

Porch Pirates are the real deal, and if you think you are secure just because you know and trust your neighbors, think again.  Almost 26 million Americans say they have had a package stolen from their home during the holidays. That is about 8% of the population!

It could happen in any neighborhood, in fact, most instances involve strangers following delivery vehicles or driving through neighborhoods, that are not theirs, and stealing packages from porches and doorsteps.

So what can you do to protect the surplus of online gifts that will soon be arriving at your door?

Here are some tips to avoid Porch Pirates.

  1. Schedule deliveries for times you will be home, to your workplace, or an alternative address like a close relative’s home or an Amazon Locker. Some police stations and grocery stores even offer residents the opportunity to send holiday packages to their office for pick up!
  2. Install a security camera, or use a video doorbell, like Ring or Google Nest, so you can monitor your front porch.
  3. Leave the carrier specific instructions on where to drop off your package. Choose an area that is tucked away and cannot be seen from the road, like behind a bush, bench, column, or on a screened-in porch.
  4. Track your shipment closely online.
  5. Require a signature for drop off.
  6. Request a delivery confirmation from the carrier once your package arrives.

Porch Pirates are very sneaky, and often strike in broad daylight. If you witness suspicious activity immediately inform your local police department. If you are a victim, call 9-1-1 and file a claim with your carrier.

Have a happy and safe holiday season, from all of us at CalCas!

 

Related Articles:

10 Must Do’s to Protect Yourself on Cyber Monday

Protect Your Home and Family – Know It. Do it.

Tips to Prevent a Summer Burglary

 

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.

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