by California Casualty | Firefighters, Peace Officers |
Peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency personnel are the American heroes on the frontlines of keeping our communities safe and in working order during this public health crisis.
They are working daily to ensure public safety, enforce laws, arrive first to emergencies, and provide reassurance to anxious communities. True to their sworn duty, they are stepping up to do what’s needed. Now is the time for the rest of us to step up and support them.
As cities and communities put plans in place to open their doors, here are 5 ways you can help your first responders.
Keep Your Distance
Across the country, various forms of shelter-in-place and social distancing orders will slowly be lifted. The basic idea of the orders was to limit exposure to others and ultimately, limit the spread of coronavirus infections. As life begins to return to it’s new “normal” it is important to remember to continue to keep your distance when out in public and avoid going out if you feel you are getting sick. By continuing to socially distance yourself in public and taking the necessary precautionary measures (like wearing a mask), you will help continue to slow the spread and you’ll also relieve officers’ time and energy in enforcement.
Don’t Abuse 9-1-1
Only call 9-1-1 if you, someone else, or property is in immediate danger. True emergencies include medical emergencies, violent crime, accidents, downed power lines, etc. Calls that are not actual emergencies overload the 9-1-1 system. That’s already an existing problem, and authorities worry it will escalate if the public health crisis continues, or gets worse, as cities begin to open their doors. If you have concerns about coronavirus symptoms that are not a medical emergency, contact your doctor or advice nurse.
Be Safe
Now is not the time for outdoor enthusiasts to put themselves in harm’s way by going rock climbing or wilderness hiking—even if it’s solo. Emergency evacuations and rescue cost resources and manpower. There’ll be time for adventures later; for now, follow the laws and be safe. Observe the speed limit, drive carefully, and be fire- and safety-conscious around your home. In short, remember that any emergency you create for first responders will strain their limited resources.
Call It In
If you need to report a non-emergency crime, file a police report, or add to an existing report, avoid going to the police station in person. Instead, submit your information online or over the phone. Avoiding walk-ins limit exposure risk to their ranks.
Be a Good Neighbor
Many of us know first responders and police officers personally. Whether they’re in your family, friend circle, or neighborhood, make a point to reach out and check-in. See if there’s anything you can do for them or their families. This could be something like dropping off food at the station, walking their dog, or just simply being someone to talk to. They have been and will continue to be overwhelmed—physically, mentally, and emotionally until this pandemic has resolved completely. Let them know you’re there for them.
Life will return back to normal, but to keep our first responder and healthcare systems from getting overwhelmed, it is important to remain vigilant on doing what we can to stay healthy and continue stopping the spread.
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 | News |
David Williams can now point to almost any place on the globe and head there for a new experience.
David was the lucky person chosen from thousands of entries in the “Win Half-A-Million Miles” Sweepstakes from California Casualty. David, who promised his daughter a European vacation as a graduation trip, will now be able to take his entire family!
With 500,000 miles, David hints the trip to Europe will be just the beginning. “This opens up the world to us for new adventures,” he said.
One of those adventures maybe a trip to Cambodia, Thailand, and other exciting parts of Southeast Asia.
“We will be very judicious with the mileage. We appreciate the opportunity this will afford us and we are thankful for the chance to do things that we might not have been able to do before,” he added.
David, who has been traveling to China for business for the past 30 years, appreciates United Airlines and is a dedicated United MileagePlus member. “I’m an anxious flyer, but United makes the experience much more enjoyable,” he said.
California Casualty offers customers who purchase auto and home/renters insurance United MileagePlus miles. Now the most rewarding airline loyalty program allows members to qualify for first-class service with special benefits from California Casualty:
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- Great rates
- Free ID defense
- $500 coverage for non-electronic personal property stolen from your vehicle
- $0 deductible for accidents with a rental car
- Affordable towing and roadside assistance
- $1,000 pet injury coverage
- Skip payment options
California Casualty is inviting United MileagePlus members to buckle in for another chance to win a half-a-million miles in 2020. With 4,400 daily flights to more than 300 cities across five continents, the options for half-a-million miles are endless: a trip to Paris, a Tahiti getaway, sampling dim sum in Hong Kong, touring the sights of Rio de Janeiro or visiting the Vatican in Rome. The sky’s the limit.
David recommends that all United MileagePlus members enter because, until this contest, he had never won anything before. “I’m proof that anyone can win and I’ll be entering more contests and offers like this in the future,” he said.
United MileagePlus members can enter now at www.win500kMiles.com.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, nurses, and United MileagePlus members. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Calcas Connection, Good to Know |
While winter weather has been lingering for a couple of months, there’s still more to come. Did you know that heavy rains, blizzards, and ice storms often arrive in February and March across many parts of the country?
Here are a few life-saving tips to remember as you get on the road this season.
- Remove bulky coats/jackets when buckling children into car safety seats.
In an accident, the material will squish down and the harnessing system will be too loose to be effective. Layer blankets on your child’s lap after buckling them in.
A list of recommended warm clothing that won’t interfere with car seat safety can be found here.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
This prevents water condensation from getting into and freezing up fuel lines. A frozen fuel line means limited gas supply to the engine, stopping you in your tracks.
- Use wiper fluid that is formulated to NOT freeze.
Windshields coated with ice or splashback from roads create dangerous visibility. You will need to clean your windshield while driving, and only fluid that stays liquid will do the job.
Experts recommend carrying tire chains, jumper cables, a shovel, ice scraper, and even spare wiper blades. Other life-saving items include bottles of water, high-calorie foods and snacks, blankets or sleeping bags, a spare pair of boots, flashlights, gloves, solar cell phone chargers, and a first aid kit. Kitty litter for traction is also a good idea.
- Be aware of deadly carbon monoxide in your vehicle(s).
If you can smell exhaust in your vehicle’s cabin, you should have your systems checked. Leaks in exhaust systems, defective ventilation systems, and even an unsecured back hatch or partially open trunk can allow carbon monoxide gas into your vehicle. Tailpipes blocked with snow or ice can send carbon monoxide into the vehicle too.
Also, warming a car in a garage, even with the door open, allows dangerous concentrations of the gas into the vehicle and even into your home.
It’s important that everyone knows the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Bring essential medications in case you get stranded.
- Don’t venture out in extreme conditions unless it’s an emergency.
You are not only putting your life in danger, but also the lives of first responders who will have to venture out to search for you if you get lost or stranded.
TAKEAWAY: Find more winter driving tips and preparation at the California Casualty blog.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
February is the month of love. If you choose to show your love with an expensive piece of jewelry, you’ll want to protect that enduring representation of your love.
One of the best ways is to purchase scheduled personal property (SPP) insurance, sometimes called a floater.
Here’s why: While your renters or homeowners’ insurance policy covers jewelry for theft or being destroyed in a fire, that coverage is limited. The average Valentine’s Day ring or necklace purchase is about $1,500, the average spend for an engagement ring is $6,000.
Scheduled personal property insurance provides higher coverage for your precious items, like high priced jewelry with coverage above and beyond what home insurance provides.
And, here’s the best part, SPP pays even if that prized piece was accidentally lost or damaged – such as losing a diamond down the sink or toilet. There is no deductible and SPP provides a replacement at the full insured amount. SPP usually costs about one to two percent of the item’s value.
Scheduled personal property isn’t just for jewelry; you might need the endorsement if you have:
- Fine art
- Furs
- Rare coins or money collections
- Expensive cameras
- Firearms
- Fine silverware
- Stamp collections
And even if you already have gold and jewelry or a rare watch covered with scheduled personal property coverage, you may need a review. Gold and diamond prices have climbed the past few years, and you may not have enough protection for their new value.
Don’t wait until your precious items are lost, stolen or damaged to find out if you have enough coverage to replace them; contact a representative today.
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, Safety |
Don’t spend your time worrying about an accident on Super Bowl Sunday, follow these party hosting safety tips and set your focus on the big game (and the commercials). Party Hosting Safety Tips Be a Good Neighbor Just in case things get a little loud, let your...
