by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
No matter the situation, it’s stressful to be in a car crash. It’s even more nerve-wracking if the other driver refuses to stop. In a hit-and-run, you’re left all alone with all of the damage—and if you can’t find the other driver—the cost.
A hit-and-run is defined as a collision where at least one driver leaves the scene without sharing information or offering help. In most states, this is against the law, but it happens more often than you think- every 43 seconds someone is the victim of a hit-and-run. If there’s damage to your car, a hit-and-run could be a misdemeanor but if there’s also injury, it could be a felony.
So what do you do if a hit-and-run happens to you?
Step #1: Safety comes first. Check for injuries and that you’re in a safe location.
If you’re hurt and need immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. If your car is in a dangerous location, and could be hit again, move it out of harm’s way.
Step #2: Look for a witness.
Look for a witness. If witnesses are nearby, ask if they’d make a statement. Take their contact information to share with police. (This is good advice for any type of accident.)
Step #3: Write down as much information as you can. Take photos.
Take a moment and write down what you remember about the accident, including the most important thing—the license plate number if you saw it. That will help the police to locate the vehicle. Also include information about the other car, such as the vehicle’s make and model, color, and direction of travel. If you saw who was driving, include a description of that person. Then, take photos of the damage to your car and the place where the accident occurred.
Step #4: Stay where you are and call the police.
In some states, it’s legally required to call the police. You’ll want to do so even if it’s not and even if the damage wasn’t serious. The police need to get out there immediately to make a report from the scene of the accident so that they can help to track down the other driver. In addition, your insurance provider will likely ask for a copy of the police report. Police reports document any physical evidence such as tire marks as well as any witness statements.
Step #5: Call your auto insurer.
Let your insurer know about the accident and file a claim. Calling your insurance company will allow you to find out coverages available, limits, and deductibles. If you don’t have a body shop, they can often refer you to one in your area. At California Casualty, we call these “GRN’s” – Guaranteed Repair Network. These approved independent facilities meet the company’s strict customer service and quality standards. Your insurer will let you know about the repair process and will share information on whether your policy covers a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Step #6: If you need a tow, call roadside assistance.
If your car is damaged to the point where it cannot be driven, have it towed to your body shop.
Know your towing limits. Some coverage will take your car to the nearest place of repair. You may have to pay out-of-pocket if you to tow your car further. Finally, before any work can be done to repair your car, you will want to verify the process with your insurance company.
Who pays for repairs from a hit-and-run?
If you’re able to locate the other driver and he/she is insured, you will be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. If that’s not the case, you have a couple of options. These vary by state and are also determined by how your insurance company handles hit-and-run accidents.
Collision Coverage
Your collision insurance kicks in if you don’t have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. If your car is totaled, collision coverage offers either “actual cash value” for your vehicle or the amount necessary to repair or replace the vehicle with another of similar kind and quality—subject to the deductible. There are certain cases where the deductible could be waived; check with your insurer. Collision applies both to accidents with other drivers and collisions with objects such as a fence or mailbox. It also covers vehicle rollovers. Unlike liability insurance, collision coverage is not usually required—unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have, especially in the event of a hit-and-run.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage
One reason that a driver might run from the scene of an accident is if he or she does not have car insurance. If that’s the case, even if the police identify the driver, you cannot file a claim with his/her insurance company. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage, you can use that to pay for repairs. These are optional coverages in the majority of states. In some states, you are not allowed to carry collision and UMPD at the same time. Also, sometimes UMPD has a policy maximum, or cap on the amount it will pay. If you have UMPD/UIMPD, and it isn’t enough to cover the total cost of your car, your own collision coverage will help.
Having the right coverage is important for protecting your vehicle and keeping you from having to pay thousands in the event of an accident that is not your fault. Schedule an annual review with your insurer to make sure you are fully protected. Then, stay on top of your coverage by managing your account online.
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 | Educators |
This article is written by former New Jersey first grade teacher, Felicia Niven.
If you’ve ever played music in your classroom, you know it can transform the mood in a minute. Music is the language everyone speaks- even kids. We instinctively react energetically to lively tunes, and relax when soothing classical is played. In fact, music is a powerful tool in classroom management as well as learning.
How can you implement using relaxing music to improve student behavior and engagement in your classroom? Read on.
Studies show that music has real physical effects.
It’s no coincidence that music affects our mood. Studies have shown that music stimulates endorphins and improves our sense of wellbeing. It lowers our heart rate and reduces stress and anxiety. In one study, students who regularly listened to a half-hour of quiet morning music got less upset than their peers. Another study found that background music helped students stay on task, self-monitor their behavior, and improve their motivation.
Music helps in learning.
Music promotes brain plasticity, the ability of our brains to change and adapt to new things.
It stimulates both the left and right sides of the brain. The left side is more verbal and analytical. It responds to the sequence of sounds organized in a pattern. The right side is more emotional. It taps into feelings, visualization, and imagination. Using music as part of your lessons, or transitions between, adds another layer to learning for your students.
Ways to Use Music in Your Classroom
Incorporating music will take a bit of a learning curve if you haven’t done it already. Remember to listen to any tracks before you use them so there are no surprises. Determine how you’re playing the music (e.g. Smartboard, CD player, computer, iPad). You’ll want to practice with your students in the same way that you teach them beginning-of-the-year routines so they know what is expected. Trust us, the benefits will be worth the effort.
Here are some tried and tested ways that teachers are using music in the classroom.
1. Set the tone at the start of the day.
Imagine entering a room filled with relaxing background music. It automatically sets the tone for quiet voices and the behavior expected. Play music as you’re setting up for the day and keep it on as students come in. Turn it off when it’s time for the pledge of allegiance and the official start to the day.
2. Schedule a meditation moment.
Give your students a different kind of brain break—a guided meditation to music. It’s one way to keep mindfulness in the classroom, and it helps students calm themselves and focus.
3. Use music for transitions.
Transitions can be tough, especially for students who don’t have a clear concept of time. Choose a short piece of music to signal transitions. Teach students to put away their things or clean up by the time the song ends. While not necessarily relaxing music, TV theme shows are often a good length for transition pieces.
4. Make it memorable.
Memorizing a long list of facts, from state capitals to multiplication tables can be grueling. Put it to a familiar tune and you’d be surprised at how much fun students can have. This works for grammar and vocabulary, and dates in history, too. Add some period music and explore the context of historical songs for an immersive classroom experience.
5. Foster cultural connections.
Music is a wonderful way to connect to different cultures. Find and play the heritage songs from your students’ unique backgrounds. Add a cultural connection to your lessons or transitions with music and open up your students’ world.
6. Calm students after lunch/recess.
Calming music helps students wind down quickly after high-excitement activities. It immediately captures their attention, reminding them that the classroom is a quieter place. Plus, music is a nice alternative to raising your voice.
7. Have students “free write” to classical music.
Help students to explore their creative side by tapping into the thoughts that classical music inspires. Not only are they listening, but they are processing and reflecting on what they are hearing.
8. Incorporate brain breaks with music with movement.
Have students create lyrical movements inspired by music. Invite students to dance for a brain break. Have students take turns creating simple movements to the beat, such as clapping, snapping, and tapping. Wind down with relaxing music that segues into the learning activity.
Where to Find Relaxing Classroom Music
The good news is that you don’t need a big budget to incorporate music in your classroom. With a little time, you can find plenty of free options as well as subscriptions.
Amazon Music Unlimited offers plenty of instrumental tracks. This subscription service lets you try it for free for 30 days.
Apple Music is a music streaming service. This is another subscription service but Apple usually offers a teacher discount. You can test it out with a free 3-month trial.
Pandora offers a free version of its music streaming service with advertisements. You can listen offline and search and play songs on demand.
Spotify is a great resource for classroom playlists. Check out California Casualty’s Spotify playlist of soft, mellow music you can play in the background of your classroom to increase focus and promote calmness.
YouTube has the advantage of being free. Choose ones without distracting images if you’re playing them on a SmartBoard and make sure to skip the ads. Try out some of these popular music videos:
Finally, teachers know the best resources. Check with colleagues to find their “go-to” source for classroom music
Do you have another way to use music in the classroom or a good source for relaxing music? Share your ideas with fellow educators in the comments!
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 | Educators |
It’s hard to learn when you’re cold. It’s also hard to teach. Unfortunately, many of our nation’s schools are older and that means they are likely full of drafty windows and outdated heating systems. And when the temperatures drop, your classroom is colder than anyone wants.
Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it. Take steps to keep your classroom and your students a bit warmer this winter.
How warm should your classroom be?
If a classroom is too warm, it can raise your body temperature. This can make you feel sick, dizzy, and disoriented. If the classroom is too cold, it can cause you to lose focus as your mind constantly interrupts you with thoughts about the discomfort. The effects on learning are real, too.
Temperatures that are too high or low contribute to lower test scores, decrease in memory, and lack of energy. The ideal temperature for learning is between 68-75 degrees, according to the Regional Educational Laboratory Program of the Institute of Education Sciences.
If your classroom temperature falls below 68 degrees, it’s time to take action. Here’s what you can do.
Dress in layers.
Both you and your students can suit up for the cold. Follow these guidelines for the best way to layer your clothing.
-
- The inner layer is meant to keep moisture away from your skin so that your body doesn’t cool down due to sweat. Choose wool, synthetic, or silk but not cotton as it won’t do the job.
- The middle layer should be a light insulating layer. Wool or synthetics work here.
- The outer layer is the insulating layer designed to trap heat. Wool and nylon/polyester work well.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing, including socks. Any clothing that reduces normal blood circulation to your arms and legs will actually make you feel colder.
Wear hats, scarves, gloves, and socks.
Teaching in a coat is bulky and uncomfortable. However, adding some of your winter accessories can bring warmth without the bulk.
-
- Since 7-10% of heat is lost via our head, wearing a hat can help. Just make sure that your school doesn’t have a rule against hats, and that the ones chosen aren’t distracting from learning.
- Scarves immediately make you feel warmer. Winter scarves and fashion scarves both work; just make sure that they fully cover your exposed neck.
- Gloves can be worn while teaching and learning. Students can keep their fingers warm when reading or doing activities that don’t involve writing.
- Keep your feet warm. Wool socks are great choices for extra warmth. Most of the time, wearing double socks just makes your shoes feel tight. Take a tip from the Tour de France cyclists and fold a paper towel or napkin over the top of your foot, toes, and under your toes. Then put on your shoe. It will give you extra warmth.
Use hand warmers, foot warmers, and blankets
Get creative with ways you and your students can keep warm!
-
- Keep disposable hand and foot warmers on hand. They are air-activated and last for hours.
- You can also use reusable and rechargeable hand or foot warmers. There are some great options for kids, too.
- Buy cheap blankets at the dollar store or Walmart or have students bring their own to keep in your classroom in case they get cold. Get enough so each student can have his/her own. And keep them year after year (just don’t forget to wash them). These can also come in handy during storytimes!
Get moving.
Moving circulates your blood which makes you feel warmer. It has the added benefit of engaging students.
-
- Incorporate movement into your lesson plans and your routines. Have students respond to multiple-choice questions by standing on one leg, rubbing their hands together, or stretching toward the ceiling. Give a quiz where questions are posted around the room.
- Take a learning break and do jumping jacks, GoNoodle Movement videos, etc.
-
- Bundle up and take your class outside for a few minutes. Not only will running around help them warm-up, but when you come back in, the classroom will feel warmer.
- Remember to close your classroom door to keep in the heat.
Choose foods and beverages that help you stay warm.
Healthy fatty foods provide the energy that keeps you warm. Similarly, hot beverages add that much-needed comfort.
-
- Nuts and dark chocolate are great choices for healthy fatty foods that are easily portable to the classroom.
- Sipping on a thermos filled with soup also can help you concentrate in a cold classroom.
- Drink hot beverages, such as tea or coffee. Ginger tea is known for producing heat in our bodies. The caffeine in coffee increases your metabolism which can raise body temperature. Plus holding tea or coffee in your hands feels wonderfully warm.
- Drink water. When you’re dehydrated, your core temperature can drop. Staying hydrated helps you regulate your temperature.
Finally, remember that we all need a little motivation after winter break. Concentrate on the moment, think warm thoughts, and take in the enjoyment of teaching. Those happy feelings will help you and your students forget the cold… at least momentarily.
Coats for Kids – the Gift of Warmth
California Casualty supports Coats for Kids, a program that donates new winter coats to children in need. Coats for Kids was established by the Professional Fire Fighters of Utah to combat one of the most fundamental hardships of childhood poverty, the absence of a warm winter coat. We applaud all of you who make the extra effort to keep our most vulnerable children safe, warm, and healthy.
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.
