by California Casualty | Safety |
When the power goes out and the cell towers go down, do you have a plan? Do your kids and your ex know what that plan is?
Since disaster doesn’t just strike on alternate weekends, it’s important that you take into account both households when you’re a divorced parent. In honor of September, National Preparedness Month, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to develop a customized plan in the event of a disaster.
Set aside past feelings and connect with your ex.
You fought over who got the widescreen TV; how are you possibly going to agree on where to go and what to do in a crisis? It’s time to set aside your differences and put your children, and safety, first. You will need to communicate during a disaster, and reaching out to prepare for one is a logical first step. Navigate your situation however it is most effective and set up that important first meeting or call to discuss the plan.
Consider your blended/mixed family’s specific needs.
The ages of your children will determine how much assistance they will need, and how much responsibility they may bear. If family members have medical needs, disabilities, or even special dietary restrictions, that has to be taken into account. Pets also need to be accommodated. List each member of your family—human and animal—and any specific needs they may have.
Determine the responsible party.
Children who are in school or daycare will need to be picked up in the event of a disaster. Pets may need to be secured or transported. Designate a responsible party to pick up children and one who will manage pets. It doesn’t have to be you or your ex, but it’s best to choose a trusted individual known to your family. Make sure that the individual is on the approved pick-up list at school or daycare, and has signed up for alerts. Also, make sure that your child knows who is allowed to pick him/her up.
Create an emergency communications plan.
The power may go out; the cell towers may be down. You may not have access to important information during a disaster. That’s why it’s important to create an In Case of Emergency (ICE) card.
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- List contact information for each member of both families, caregivers, and any other individuals involved in the disaster plan. This includes work phone, home phone, and cell phone numbers.
- Choose an out-of-state contact to call in the event that your state’s phones and resources are down. That person can act as a main point of contact if you can’t reach each other.
- Starting at about age 5, children can learn a phone number. Teach your child one parent’s cell phone number. Try it as a song to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”
- Make sure your older children know your cell phone numbers, and don’t just press “mom” or “dad” on their phones.
- If cell phone service is down, advise your children to follow the guidance of trusted adults such as teachers, school administrators, and caregivers. Reassure them that you will be with them as soon as possible.
- Consider a prepaid phone card for use in an emergency.
Choose an emergency meeting place.
Depending upon the emergency, your home may not be the safest place to take shelter. If that is the case, you will want to choose a place in your neighborhood to meet. The local park, the school, the library, or your place of worship are all familiar and trusted options. If you are able to meet at home, make that the first choice—but be sure to determine whose home it is.
Pack a grab-and-go bag or emergency kit.
If you have to leave suddenly, there’s little time to pack. Having a grab-and-go bag or an emergency kit helps make sure you have everything you need. Pack a bag for every member of your family, including your pets. Include supplies for 3 days: a change of clothes, food, water, medications, hand sanitizer, blankets, etc. You will want a bag at each household, as you don’t know where the children will be when disaster strikes. Also, since children grow, and needs change, make sure you check your emergency kits every three months and update them as needed.
The type of disaster matters.
Severe weather is not the same as an earthquake or a fire. Have a plan for the different types of disasters that may affect your area. For example:
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- In a hurricane, tornado, or high-wind storm, stay inside your home. Choose a small, interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet, on the first level.
- In a fire or evacuation, you may need to leave your home suddenly. If you need to meet, choose a spot in your neighborhood such as a playground, a big tree, or distinctive mailbox.
- In the event of an emergency, make sure the lines of communication are open between you and your ex. Have a plan in place to notify that the children are safe.
Practice, practice, practice.
Make an ICE card with the basics of the plan (including contacts) that can be kept in each adult’s wallet. Include a copy in your school-age child’s backpack. Then, schedule some time to practice the plan with your children. Practice different kinds of emergencies with each parent.
There’s an app for that.
There also are apps that you can use to prepare for an emergency. FEMA offers interactive checklists and emergency safety tips. The Red Cross provides apps specific to hurricanes, tornados, and earthquakes. Plus, the government has some great resources for disaster planning, including games kids can play to get ready.
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.
by California Casualty | Nurses |
If a natural disaster strikes your community, what will you do?
As a nurse, your first instinct is to help. Whether you work at a school, a hospital, or clinic setting, your skillset is uniquely valued during a disaster. Here’s how you can help your patients cope after a natural disaster.
What types of natural disasters can you expect in your area?
Different parts of the U.S. are more prone to certain disasters than others, according to Popular Science. You’re more likely to experience wildfires in the western states and snowstorms in the Midwest and northeastern U.S. Tornadoes are common in south-central states while hurricanes often strike along the eastern seaboard. There are earthquakes in the west, and flooding happens pretty much everywhere. Not only do these disasters result in property damage, but they can also cause severe injury and even loss of life. Your nursing skills are much needed to minimize pain and suffering.
Why do nurses play key roles in a disaster?
As a nurse, you are a trusted professional. People look to you for guidance. You not only bring expertise in the medical field, you know how to coordinate care while helping to comfort patients, relieving some of their stress and fear.
In addition, disaster preparedness was likely part of your nursing training. If it wasn’t, or if you need a refresher, consider a disaster certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
What are ways that nurses can help in a disaster?
Nurses play pivotal roles in a disaster, delivering onsite care to the injured. Often working amid chaos and with limited resources, nurses triage patients and administer medical care. If more serious care is needed, nurses help coordinate transport to the nearest hospital. Victims of disaster may experience post-traumatic shock syndrome, and nurses also monitor patients’ mental health and guide them to resources. In addition, nurses help displaced people find temporary shelter and food and get access to prescriptions as needed.
Helping in a disaster is not for everyone. There are potential safety and security threats. There are primitive conditions. There can be a significant time commitment away from your home and family. If you are able to clear your schedule to volunteer, consider the other attributes that will help make you successful in a disaster setting: (1) Your clinical expertise covers a wide range of medical conditions. (2) You are comfortable working in high-stress situations and can work through emotions. (3) You are able to work in rough conditions, perhaps without access to electricity, water and basic supplies. If you have the skills, the time, and the desire, disaster nursing could be right for you.
What is a school nurse’s special role following a disaster?
In addition to helping onsite following a disaster, we can’t forget about school nurses and the roles they play. They deal with the mental and physical effects among students, parents, teachers and staff. For families made homeless by the disaster, or those who need mental health services, a school nurse provides important connections to community resources. Similarly, she connects staff with district resources for mental and physical health.
How can you help your community prepare for a disaster?
You don’t necessarily have to volunteer in a disaster to help your community. You can be there to help prepare for a disaster in advance by assisting hospitals, schools, and towns in the creation of a comprehensive disaster plan.
Nurses can help with community education, leading disaster preparedness clinics, and giving people the knowledge to create their own disaster plans to make it safely through a disaster.
You can utilize resources from trusted organizations in developing the right program for your school, hospital, organization, and community. Consider these resources:
How can you volunteer to help in future disasters?
If you are interested in volunteering your time, make sure you have up-to-date vaccinations for traveling, and be prepared to leave immediately. The following organizations welcome disaster-related nurse volunteers:
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.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
You’ve bought a house. Congratulations! Now the fun begins. As a new homeowner, you’re going to be responsible for a lot more than when you were renting.
Follow these 7 money-saving tips to set up your new home like a pro.
Tip #1: Wait to spend on nonessentials. Fix things first.
Don’t worry about buying furniture, changing your cabinets, decorating or personalizing your home right away. Right now, your focus should be on repairing and replacing.
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- Take care of any maintenance and repairs that you can do yourself, such as painting walls and replacing doorknobs and locks.
- Hire a qualified contractor for electrical work, plumbing, roof repair, gas appliances, and to handle any toxic materials like mold or asbestos.
- When choosing a contractor, get cost estimate quotes from three different providers. This will help you find the one that is most cost-effective.
- Make sure any contractors you use are licensed to work in your state. Ask for references and talk to some of their past clients.
Tip #2: Seal your home. Check your insulation and look for small air leaks.
Insulation is the material that keeps the heat in your home during the winter and the cool in during the summer. When you have the right amount of insulation, and no air leaks around openings like doors, it will help to lower your heating and cooling bills
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- Check to see that you have at least six inches of insulation in your attic. You will need more in colder climates.
- Don’t forget to insulate around the attic opening. That’s a common place to lose heat.
- Wrap any exposed water pipes in insulation. This will help prevent frozen pipes.
- Caulk and weatherstrip to seal small air leaks around doors, windows, and electric outlets. These are all places where air can get in and out.
Tip #3: Regulate the temperature in your home.
Your home’s heating and cooling systems work to keep things comfortable—at a cost. You can help reduce those bills with a few simple adjustments.
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- Install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to raise the heat while you’re at work and cool down when you are home during the summer months and vice versa for the winter.
- Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 120 degrees F. Not only will it help with your energy bill, but it will also help prevent scalding burns.
- Install ceiling fans. This is a great way to move air around, and help reduce the amount of air conditioning you need.
- Close the blinds to block the sun which can heat up your house.
Tip #4: Watch for standing water or water leaks.
A sudden increase in your water bill is a sign that you probably have a leak. Keeping on top of these repairs is an easy way to prevent this unnecessary cost.
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- If you have a dripping faucet, repair or replace it as soon as possible.
- Check under the sinks for wet spots that may indicate leaky pipes.
- If your toilet is constantly running, that could raise your water bill as well. You may need to replace a part such as a flapper, fill valve or chain.
- Check for a leaky toilet. Remove the tank lid and put a few drops of food coloring in the back of the tank. Wait 30 minutes without flushing your toilet. If you see the color in the toilet bowl within that time, you probably have a leak.
Tip #5: Take advantage of tax benefits and incentives.
As a homeowner, you may qualify for tax benefits and incentives if you itemize deductions on your tax return. Consider hiring an accountant to help you maximize your refund.
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- Mortgage interest is deductible.
- Home equity loan interest is deductible if you spent the money on home improvements.
- You may get a tax break for paying property taxes.
- If you work at home, you can deduct home office expenses.
Tip #6: Pay off your mortgage early.
You can reduce the amount of interest that you pay if you budget correctly and pay off your mortgage early.
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- Switch your mortgage to a biweekly payment. If your monthly payment is $1,000, pay half, $500, every two weeks. You will pay the same amount that you would, but will end up making 13 full payments instead of just 12 in a year. You also will rack up less interest, which is calculated daily. Overall, this will end up saving you thousands of dollars.
- Make extra principal payments when you send your monthly payments.
- Consider using any windfalls, such as your tax refund, as payments toward your principal.
Tip #7: Update your insurance.
Your home is likely your largest investment. Make sure it is protected with the right insurance.
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- Your mortgage lender requires homeowner insurance. Many homeowners pay the mortgage lender who in turn pays the insurance company through an escrow account.
- Consider bundling your car insurance and homeowner insurance to save money.
- Make sure that you have disability income insurance so that you can continue to pay for your home in the event you are unable to work.
- If you live in an area that floods, consider adding flood insurance. Similarly, there is earthquake insurance.
- Consider an umbrella policy for extra coverage beyond your homeowner policy.
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info |
You know the basic coverage that comes with your health insurance, car insurance, and home insurance policies. But did you know there are other special insurance policies and add-ons that you could be missing out on?
If you’re traveling to Mexico, own an older home, a classic car, or have precious family heirlooms, etc., you should increase your protection by looking into purchasing these lesser-known insurance policies and options.
Planning to travel south of the border? Mexico does not recognize U.S. auto insurance. If you’re driving to Mexico from the U.S. in your own car or a rental, you will need to purchase a tourist auto policy.
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- A Mexico auto policy will allow you to cover damages if you’re involved in an accident.
- If you cannot show proof of Mexican insurance, you can be heavily fined and even arrested. This is true even if you are not at fault for the accident.
- You can get coverage for the duration of your trip: a few days, a few months or longer.
2. Homes Built Before 1986
Homebuilding has changed over the years. If you’re living in a home built before 1986, it’s likely your house has outdated materials or old-fashioned types of construction. You can get a policy option that helps bring your house up to date if it is damaged.
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- With this type of policy, in the event of a loss, your insurance covers repairs and/or replacement of outdated materials and construction methods.
- As a result, losses will cost less to settle.
- Those repairs and updates will reduce the coverage amount that you need to protect your home.
- This will ensure you have enough insurance to rebuild.
3. Special Computer Coverage
With everyone working remotely this past year, computers have become our lifeline. Consider a special computer coverage option to ensure you are covered for all of your devices: desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. While homeowner policies typically cover possessions, special computer coverage offers more coverage.
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- If you accidentally spill a glass of water on your computer, and your computer is damaged as a result, it would be covered.
- With this coverage, you will receive more money for your devices if they are damaged than with traditional homeowner’s.
Personal Property, also referred to as “contents coverage,” is the term insurance companies use to collectively define the things you own inside your home. Scheduled Personal Property (SPP) Coverage is for items that have higher values above your personal property coverage limits. This includes:
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- Heirlooms
- Watches
- Jewelry
- Instruments
- Furs
SPP offers much broader coverage for your precious items – if you misplace a set of earrings, they are covered; if a diamond falls out of a ring, or a guitar neck breaks, they’re covered. There is no deductible if the covered items are stolen, lost, or damaged. SPP provides a replacement for the actual appraised value of the item.
Spending time and money on your classic car? Don’t let it go to waste. Make sure it’s protected with classic car insurance coverage. With this coverage, you will pay less than standard auto insurance coverage and you can determine the value, the deductible, and the policy options that work best for you including towing and coverage for lost or stolen parts. There are mileage plans that cover everything from cruising on the weekends to driving to attend auto shows.
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- Classic Car Coverage is for all types of collectibles – collector trucks, classic and custom motorcycles, kit cars, fire engines, military vehicles, and more.
6. Refrigerated Property Coverage
When there is a power outage, the food in your refrigerator could spoil. A standard homeowner’s policy may cover the costs of replacing some of the food. A refrigerated property policy provides additional coverage.
- A refrigerated property policy adds up to $500 of coverage for property, such as meat that spoils because of a power outage or equipment failure.
7. Other Members of Your Household Coverage
Do you have someone living with you who is not a relative, guest, or tenant? You may consider this policy for other members of your household.
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- If a boyfriend moves in, and he’s not on the lease, it may make sense to add this coverage.
- This policy adds personal property, liability, and additional living expense coverage for that person.
Our pets are like family and we want to keep them as healthy as possible. Pet insurance can help to offset those veterinary expenses.
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- Depending on your policy, pet insurance may cover exams, prescriptions, lab tests and x-rays, surgeries, emergency visits, and even cancer.
- You make the initial payment and then are reimbursed depending upon the deductible and limits that you have selected.
9. Sump Pump Endorsement
If your home is prone to flooding, chances are that you have a sump pump to remove the water. A sump pump/water backup endorsement covers damage if your sump pump fails or something happened to cause water to back up into your home. This damage is not covered under standard homeowner policies.
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- Just a couple of inches of water backup can cause thousands of dollars in damage – ruining carpets, destroying appliances, and crumbling drywall.
- This could happen to any system, and especially ones where sewer pipes are old.
10. Permitted Incidental Occupancies – Residence Premises (for Home-Based Businesses)
Do you have a home-based business? You may wish to add an endorsement to your homeowner’s policy.
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- This policy covers limited activity for business that takes place in your home or in a detached garage or other building on your property.
- It protects entrepreneurs, such as teachers offering in-home tutoring or music lessons.
Ninety percent of Americans live in areas that are seismically active. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, you may want to consider this additional coverage.
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- Homeowner, condo, and rental insurance policies typically do not cover earthquakes.
- Earthquake insurance can help pay for some of your losses.
Floods are expensive. Just a couple of inches of water could cost thousands of dollars in damage to your home and belongings. There are a lot of myths about flood insurance; it’s important to know the facts.
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- Flooding is America’s most common natural disaster.
- One in four homeowners will experience a flood during a 30-year mortgage.
- A flood insurance policy can protect your home and its contents.
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.
by California Casualty | Safety |
Power outages can last anywhere from a few hours to days or even weeks. In the latter case, an outage can affect entire communities, disrupting communications, transportation, and emergency response or health care services. It can also close businesses, banks, gas stations, grocery stores, and other services.
Understanding why and how they happen can help you better prepare. Next, having a plan and taking precautions ahead of time will help you and your family ride out the outage with less stress and a greater sense of control.
When and Why They Happen
Knowing how outages happen can sometimes help you predict when they’re most likely to occur – for instance, during storms or heatwaves. Other times, they’re random and unpredictable.
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- Weather – Storms and weather events such as high winds, ice, and snow are the most common cause of outages, oftentimes due to trees and limbs taking down power lines. Rain and flooding can also damage above-ground or underground electrical equipment. And earthquakes of all sizes can damage electrical grids.
- Animals – Far and away, squirrels cause the most damage to power lines, but snakes and other critters can prompt an outage by nesting in or climbing on transformers, boxes and other equipment.
- Human Error – Car accidents and digging mishaps — when underground lines are hit — are a common cause. Additionally, electrical overuse during heatwaves and other times of unusually high demand can overburden cables, transformers and other links in the system.
Get Ahead of an Outage with Smart Planning
Planning and preparation are key to making a power outage manageable. There’s no better time than today to get started on the steps below.
Communications
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- Download the NOAA radio app, your local weather alert app, and any other emergency app of your choice.
- Talk to your medical provider If anyone in your household requires electric medical devices or refrigerated medication. Get guidance on what to do if you lose power.
- Update your phone number and contact information with your electric provider.
Plans and kits
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- Assemble or update your emergency kit – one for your family and another for your pet(s). Be sure to check and replace all batteries and have fresh back-ups. Also make sure you have COVID-19 supplies such as hand sanitizer, wipes, masks, and gloves.
- Make sure your household evacuation plan is current, and all household members and pets are accounted for.
- Know your local community’s risk and response plans.
- Have a plan, budget, and some extra cash on hand in case power restoration is delayed.
In Your Home
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- Install surge protectors to help safeguard expensive appliances, computers and entertainment systems.
- Install carbon monoxide monitors with battery backup on every level of your home.
- Have at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times.
- Purchase household and food supplies ahead of time and stash some extras in case of an extended outage.
A Go-To Plan for When the Grid Goes Dark
Ideally, you and your family will have been able to take the above steps before the lights go out. If so, you’ll be ready to put the following strategies into place in order to remain as safe and comfortable as possible during the outage.
Communications
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- Tune into the NOAA radio on a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and/or the local radio station for news and weather updates.
- Report the outage immediately to your local power provider (have their info printed out and handy).
In Your Home
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- Turn off and unplug all appliances, including the air conditioner, water heater, furnace, and water pump, as well as any sensitive electronics. Leave one light on to know when the power’s been restored – this helps prevent a circuit overload when everything comes back online.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Frozen food will stay frozen for 24-48 hours, depending on how full the freezer is. For refrigerated items, after about 4 hours, move perishable items into a cooler with ice (they should remain at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder to be safe).
- If using portable stoves or lanterns, only use them in sufficiently ventilated areas.
- Use flashlights instead of candles.
Outside
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- Report any downed power lines to your electric company. Keep yourself, family, and pets away from downed lines, flooded areas, and debris.
- Avoid driving if you can. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be chaotic and unsafe.
- If you’re operating a generator, follow safety protocols. Never operate it in your home, garage, or other enclosed spaces.
- Check on your neighbors. The elderly and young children are especially susceptible to extreme temperatures.
The length of time it takes to restore power can vary according to the cause of the outage, the extent of damage, and the geographic area affected. Electric companies have detailed plans and procedures for restoration — starting with repairs to damaged power infrastructure, then re-powering critical community services, and finally restoring power to individuals and businesses in order of density.
By following the tips above, you can ride out the worst of it with less stress, knowing you prepared well.
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.
