Aside from being the season of cider and sweaters, Fall is also…
National Preparedness Month.
Here at CalCas, we will be celebrating by posting weekly Preparedness content right here on our Blog 🙂
First on deck: A Preparedness App!
As a recent iPhone converter, I am all aboard the App train. I’m always on the lookout for exciting new stuff and this new app from the Insurance Information Institute is one such find!
It’s called the “Know Your Plan” App and it’s all about streamlining your Disaster Prep Plans.
The National Fire Protection Association says fire departments responded to an average of 3,840 structure fires in dorms, fraternities, sororities and barracks between 2005-2009. Every year (on average), fires caused:
3 civilian deaths
28 civilian fire injuries
$20.9 million in direct property damage
So what can YOU do to keep yourself or your child safe while they’re away?Â
1. Identify fire risks. 81% of reported fires involved cooking equipment
Make sure your housing unit has smoke alarms inside eachbedroom, outside every sleeping area and on each level
Confirm that smoke alarms are tested at least monthly
Never remove batteries or disable alarms
Learn building evacuation plans and have a copy on hand BY the door. No organized plan? Make sure YOU have a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room
Cook only where permitted
Cook only when alert and not sleepy or drowsy
Different states have different restrictions for use of BBQ grills, fire pits and chimeneas. Check with your local fire department before using these items- especially if you moved from out-of-state!
Check with school rules on electrical appliances in your room
Use the right surge protectors for your computers or electronics and make sure the protector is plugged directly into an outlet
We know this is a busy time for everyone. There’s a lot of excitement and preparation that goes into starting a new semester at school. But please be sure to take FIRE SAFETY into account. It’s a real risk that is too often forgotten, which can lead to deadly consequences.
Like everyone else across the country,  the violent deaths of 12 innocent people in an Aurora, Colorado movie theatre left me heartbroken.
My mind flooded with questions and my heart ached for every victim, every family member, every friend and every member of the Aurora community that was touched by this devastating tragedy.
I was inspired and heartbroken as, one by one, each victim’s story came out. The six-year-old who was out seeing a movie with her babysitter. The two young men who gave their lives to save their girlfriends. The heroic members of the Armed Services who died in that theatre.
The list goes on.
And now, a week out, the question remains: How do we go on? How do we heal?
This question is particularly true of a few certain groups of Heroes. Heroes whose role in responding to tragedies like Aurora story is often overlooked.
The police officers who responded to the horrific scene that night. Who had to put their personal feelings aside to professionally process the scene and eliminate any existing threats- including the booby trapped apartment of the suspect. More Here.
The paramedics who treated and transported victims. Who held it together despite seeing the carnage up close, triaged the 58 innocent people with injuries, and comforted them on their way to hospitals. More here.
The nurses and medical staff who continue to heal survivors. Who tirelessly support their patients down a long and tough road to recovery, answer the tough questions, and experience firsthand the pain, sorrow, and confusion of the victims and their families. More here.
I can’t imagine what it must have been like responding to that scene. The horror of the loss. The pain of injured. The questions of the survivors. So I looked to some of my favorite Police Officer, EMT and Nurse bloggers. I asked them what advice or words of support they could offer to their professional colleagues in this time of processing and healing.
In three posts below, I have posted some fantastic responses, thoughts, and resources from Police Blogger John Marx of Cops Alive, EMT Blogger Captain Morse of Rescuing Providence, and Nurse Blogger Keith Carlson of Digital Doorway.Â
The recent destructive tornado outbreaks in the US caused widespread damage in several states. In the aftermath, once thing most people don’t consider is threats to their financial well-being from identity thieves and fraudsters.
Fortunately, customers of California Casualty have identity theft protection from Identity Theft 911 included in their policies. This benefit can help protect your identity, while also providing guidance and help in recovering your financial peace of mind.
If your home is hit by a disaster such as a tornado or hurricane, we recommend taking the following steps as soon as possible to protect yourself from ID thieves:
Protect important information and documents. Whether you’re in a shelter, staying with friends and family, never let these items leave your sight. They are the keys to your identity-and you will need this information to prove who you are.
Ask the post office to hold your mail until you return home. This will keep thieves from finding sensitive materials that are left in your mailbox.
During disasters criminals often prey on the emotions of citizens. Verify against scam charities by using Give.org or CharityNavigator.org.
If you have any reason to believe that your personal information may have been exposed or is at risk, please contact our customer service line at 1-800-800-9410 if you’re a CalCas customer and we’ll put you in touch with IDT911.
In many areas, the weather has been pretty good so far this year. But, this week started a flurry (pun intended) of winter weather, and I thought it would be a good time to recap some important safety tips for cold weather!
What to do when your pipes freeze – It happens to the best of us (or, at least, it happened to me!). A quick guide to getting your pipes thawed without flooding your house.
Carbon monoxide safety – Firing up your heaters can lead to hidden dangers. Here are some tips for CO prevention.
Driving Safety in Snow and Ice – When the snow and ice come down, the roads get slippery. Here are some tips for making that commute safely.
Along with hay rides, cooling temperatures, and brilliant foliage, Fall can bring some unexpected dangers to your commute. In late October and November, states across the nation see the fall mating season for white-tailed deer begin.
With this comes significant danger to drivers. During this time, deer become very active and unpredictable, covering large areas in search of a mate. A result of this is that drivers will often see groups of deer crossing roads.
This generates tens of thousands of deer-vehicle crashes every year, resulting in millions of dollars in damage. To help prevent this happening to you, please review the tips below:
If you spot a deer, slow down and pay attention to possible sudden movement. If the deer doesn’t move, don’t go around it. Wait for the deer to pass and the road is clear.
Pay attention to “Deer Crossing” signs. They are there for a reason. Slow down when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so you will have ample time to stop if necessary.
If you are traveling after dark, use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads.
If you see one deer, be on guard: others may be in the area. Deer typically move in family groups at this time of year and cross roads single-file.
Don’t tailgate. Remember: the driver in front of you might have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a deer.
Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, taking into account weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
If a collision appears inevitable, do not swerve to avoid impact. The deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake firmly, but stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
In many areas, the weather has been pretty good so far this year. But, this week started a flurry (pun intended) of winter weather, and I thought it would be a good time to recap some important safety tips for cold weather!
Along with hay rides, cooling temperatures, and brilliant foliage, Fall can bring some unexpected dangers to your commute. In late October and November, states across the nation see the fall mating season for white-tailed deer begin.