by California Casualty | Helpful Tips |
Planning a night out or a fun day without the kids? Make sure your babysitter is ready for more than just snacks and bedtime stories. Prepare them with the right information to handle any situation—whether it’s a scraped knee, a tantrum, or a power outage. When they’re prepared, you can truly relax.
Having a clear, written plan for your babysitter is essential for peace of mind. In unfamiliar or stressful situations, even the most experienced sitter might forget key details. A written guide provides them with easy access to the important information they need to stay calm and handle things efficiently.
Family Information
Your sitter may know you well or may be meeting you for the first time. Either way, it’s good to provide the basics in case they need to reference the information, whether it’s for a pizza delivery or a 9-1-1 call.
- Home address (and nearby cross streets or landmarks if needed)
- Full names and ages of each child
- Home phone landline (if there is one)
- Your cell phone number
- Name and number of a neighbor, close friend or relative as a backup
Pro Tip: Get your sitter to program your cell phone number into their phone before you leave.
Emergency Contacts
Emergencies happen, and when help is needed right away, your sitter may have to call 9-1-1. Share examples of when they should do so, such as when someone is injured beyond the first aid they can provide, or if a child has been exposed to a potentially toxic substance. If there’s a fire in the house, they still need to call, but they should leave the home first with your child(ren) and call from outside.
- Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 (open 24/7)
- Pediatrician’s phone number (which will connect to after-hours care)
- 9-1-1 (police and fire)
In case of fire, share these instructions with the sitter:
- Do not try to put the fire out yourself.
- Bring the children out of the house. Do not go back in for any reason, even to rescue pets.
- Call 9-1-1. Stay on the line until the operator says it is okay to hang up.
- Call the parents after you have called 9-1-1.
- Wait at a safe distance with the children.
In case of severe weather, use this as your basis for instructions to the sitter:
- 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.
- Share the location of flashlights, extra batteries, candles and matches in case the power goes out. (They can also use the flashlight on their phone.)
- Call the parents to let them know. Conserve your phone’s battery so you can stay in communication.
Medical Information
Whether it’s allergies, medications, or any existing health conditions, providing this information ensures the sitter is prepared to act quickly and appropriately.
- Food and medication allergies (if any) listed for each child
- Where medicine is stored, instructions on how and when to administer (and whether they need your permission to receive)
- Location of the first aid kit, band-aids and other medical supplies
- A healthcare authorization form in case you can’t be reached in an emergency and your child needs medical care (You can find these forms online.)
Schedule & Routines
Think through a typical day and write down the routines for your children. Use that as a basis for the schedule you will provide for your sitter.
- Include approximate times, as it may take longer than usual when a person other than you is directing.
- Chores or homework for which the kids are responsible
- Essential supplies (e.g. a lovey and sound machine for bedtime)
- Include options for discipline (e.g. loss of screen time) and rewards (e.g. an extra story) to help encourage children to follow the routine.
Snacks & Meals
Whether or not your sitter will be feeding your child, they will likely have to negotiate requests for snacks.
- Establish the rules on snacks and sweets, and when children can have them.
- Make sure your sitter knows what is safe for a baby or toddler to eat. Don’t give a child under age 4 whole grapes, whole hot dogs, hard candy, popcorn, or other choking hazards.
- Plan to feed your sitter if they are there during mealtime and let them know the options.
Safety Rules
Safety isn’t always commonsense. Make sure your sitter is aware of the following rules.
- Never leave child unattended in a bathtub or on a high surface like a changing table.
- Keep children away from windows.
- Don’t let little ones play near stairs.
- Don’t allow children to play with household appliances or dangerous objects, including plastic bags which can present a suffocation hazard.
- Never leave children alone with a dog, even the family dog. Bites can happen quickly and unexpectedly even with a pup that hasn’t bitten before.
- Never leave the children alone in the house.
- Avoid swimming pools and trampolines when the parent is not around.
House Rules
You will want to share your rules about what is allowed, from screen time to what the sitter is allowed to do when the kids are asleep. Here are some rules to consider.
- How much screentime children are allowed
- Whether the sitter is allowed to post photos of your kids on social media
- What is off-limits in terms of television shows (even when kids are asleep), technology, food and drinks
- Your policy on visitors (e.g. no friends, don’t open the door unless the parent has let you know that a visitor is expected)
- No sleeping on the job
When Your Babysitter Arrives
- Ask your sitter to arrive 15-30 minutes before you plan to head out to allow ample time for instructions. It’s worth the additional peace of mind to pay her for this extra time.
- Give your babysitter a tour of the house if she or he hasn’t been there before. Point out any areas that are off-limits to the sitter and/or the kids. Show him or her two ways out of each room in case of a fire.
- If you have Nanny cams, point them out.
- Go over the written instructions and leave them posted in a visible, easily accessible place, such as stuck to the fridge with a magnet.
- Give your sitter a chance to ask questions.
- Confirm your expected arrival back at the home and let them know how you will update them if you are running late.
- Enjoy your day or night out with the peace of mind that you’ve taken the steps to keep everyone safe.
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 | Helpful Tips, Safety |
It’s the perfect time of year to open the windows and enjoy the fresh air. Yet open windows can be a hidden danger for kids. It’s easier than you may think for young ones to slip through and fall. Fortunately, window accidents are preventable with the right safety measures. This season, keep your home and windows secure for your little ones.
What makes windows dangerous?
Children are naturally curious. They like to climb and explore. Window screens are designed to keep bugs out, but not hold children in. Even a small child has the strength to push out a screen. Children under the age of 5 are especially at risk if this happens. Their heads make up a larger percentage of their bodies as compared to adults, so they are likely to fall headfirst.
Some windows are more enticing or easier to access for young kids:
- Windows with deep windowsills or built-in window seats
- Windows that overlook a play area or place of interest to a child
- Windows that are near furnishings where children can climb to reach them
- Windows that do not have safeguards and do not lock
Types of Windows
You want to be concerned about any type of window that can open.
- Single hung windows have a bottom sash that opens.
- Double hung windows have bottom and top sashes that open.
- Bay windows often have side angled panels that can open.
- Casement windows swing open to the side, often using a hand crank.
- Awning windows swing up in a similar way to casement vehicles.
- Horizontal sliding windows open by sliding to the side.
- Picture windows generally do not open.
Window Safety Devices
You can buy safety devices that limit or block window openings at your local hardware or home store and online. Look for ones that are compliant with ASTM International specifications. ASTM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials, and it establishes standards for a wide range of products, including window fall prevention devices. Place these devices on every window that can open, including first floor windows. That still can be a significant fall for a young child.
Window Guards
Window guards block the opening of a window. There are two basic kinds, each of which needs to be properly fitted.
- Fall prevention window guards use closely spaced bars that are secured to the window frame. Made of durable material such as steel, these guards may be installed with screws or bolts. They usually have a release mechanism for quick access to disable them.
- Fall prevention screens are different from standard window screens that protect from bugs. These screens are designed to withstand as much as 60 lbs. of pressure or more.
Window Stops
Window stops restrict windows from opening fully. Make sure to set them so windows open a maximum of 4 inches.
Pro Tip: Once you install a safety device, practice removing it, so you’ll know how to do so if you need to exit via the window in an emergency.
Window Cords
Young children also can be entangled and strangled by window cords. Remove the cords or keep them well out of reach.
- Retrofit old cords with cord stops or cut looped cords and replace with tassel ends.
- Switch to cordless blinds for your window treatments.
Other Window Safety Tips
- Close and lock windows when an adult is not in the room to supervise.
- If you have windows that can open at the bottom and the top, open them only at the top to help prevent falls.
- Move furniture and cribs away from windows so kids cannot climb on them. Make sure that furniture is a minimum of 3 feet from windows.
- Keep your eyes on children when the windows are open. Make sure they do not get too close.
- Teach children not to play near windows, not to lean on windows, and to always ask permission before opening a window.
- Regularly inspect and repair broken windows as soon as possible.
- If you have a hard surface outside underneath your windows, consider adding soft grass, bushes or other landscaping that could cushion a fall. This could ultimately help to lessen an injury.
- Open, unsecured windows can also be a danger to pets. Keep your fur babies safely away from open windows and balconies.
- Discuss window safety with your child’s daycare, babysitter and family members. Make sure everyone is aware of the safety precautions to take.
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 | Helpful Tips, Safety |
When there’s a wildfire near your home, every second counts. Leaving quickly can help you steer clear of thick smoke, dangerous conditions, and even traffic jams as everyone heads to safety. The key to a quick exit lies in preparation—having a well-thought-out plan and essential items ready to go.
Pre-Evacuation Prep
Follow this general guide to know what to pack. Keep this as a checklist and refer to it as you assemble everything that you need.
Food and Water
- Put together a 3-day supply of food for everyone in your family (unless you’re going to a relative’s or friend’s home who lives far away from the fire zone).
- Bring 3 gallons of water per person.
- Pack utensils and bowls, as you don’t know what might be available in emergency shelters.
Pet Supplies
- Pack kibble, bowls and bring water for pets.
- Bring a leash, collar, pet bed, crate or carrier, litter box, and litter as needed for your pet. Include treats and toys.
- Pack pet medications.
- Check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date.
- Bring contact information for your pet’s vet and/or your pet’s vaccine records.
Medicine and Hygiene
- Bring prescription medications and any medicines that your family may use on a regular basis: pain relievers, allergy medicines, contact lenses and solution, inhalers, etc.
- Pack hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving cream, and towels.
- For infants and toddlers, bring diapers and baby wipes.
Safety
- Keep a first aid kit in your car should you need it.
- Include N95 masks if available to limit your exposure to smoke.
- Pack flashlights and batteries.
Clothing and Bedding
- Pack for practicality and safety. Layer clothes for a range of temperatures. Don’t forget PJs, socks, and underwear, as well as a raincoat or all-weather jacket.
- Comfortable, closed toed shoes work best in emergency situations.
- Bring sleeping bags, pillows and blankets. Include a portable crib for infants and toddlers.
Electronics
- Bring chargers for smartphones, laptops, and devices. Include a solar charger if you have one.
- Keep your devices well charged before you leave so you won’t have to search for a place to charge.
- Pack a battery powered radio and spare batteries in case the power goes out.
Special items
- There are some things you that you cannot replace. If you have the room, and they are easy to carry, plan to bring up to 3-5 of these special items.
- Your planning time is a good time to do a home inventory of all your possessions. Take pictures and notes of big items. This will help if your home is partially or completely destroyed by a wildfire, and you need to file a claim.
Documents
- Prepare a binder with key documents: mortgage or rental agreement, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, bank information, and investments.
- Make sure your wallet or purse has your driver’s license, registration, health insurance cards, debit and credit cards.
- Complete a cell phone list for neighbors, family. Designate a person outside the wildfire area who can be the main contact should family members get separated or have trouble with cell service.
- Make copies of everything and keep them in a secure password protected digital space.
Prepare Your Home & Vehicle
During a wildfire, embers can travel quickly and ignite your home and property. Here are some steps to take to prepare your home and vehicle.
- Keep the vehicle that you’ll be leaving in fully gassed and well maintained. Park it in the direction it needs to go when you leave.
- Make sure that you know how to manually open the garage door in case you lose power.
- Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do to quickly evacuate.
- Close all windows. Close all interior doors.
- Take down flammable window treatments like curtains and store them out of the way.
- Turn off the gas and pilot lights. Shut off propane tanks.
- Turn off your air conditioning.
- Leave lights on to allow firefighters to see your home in the dark.
- Bring potentially flammable outside furnishings, toys and doormats inside or place them in your pool.
- Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighters to use. Placed filled buckets of water around your home.
- Listen to first responders and be ready to act when they recommend evacuation.
Pro Tip: California Casualty policyholders may be able to get immediate help if they are evacuated by fire. Evacuation expenses, such as hotel or other temporary housing, and meals are reimbursable with most policies.
Review your wildfire evacuation plan often. Keep it updated as your family grows and needs change. Finally, protect your home with the right insurance for added peace of mind.
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 | Helpful Tips, Safety, Travel |
It’s time for a ride in the C-A-R. Cue the excited barking and tail wagging. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or just a quick spin around the block, we have some paw-some tips to turn your car into the ultimate canine-friendly cruiser!
Floor Mats
Face it. Our fur babies can be messy. Dogs can track mud, sand, and debris onto your car’s floor. Protect it with rubber floor mats that are waterproof and easy to clean. They cover your car’s carpet and shield it from dirt. You can get floor mats that are custom fit to your car, ones you can trim to fit, or universal mats. Avoid mats made with harsh chemicals such as lead, cadmium, latex, and PVC, as they will have unpleasant odors.
Seat Covers
As any dog owner knows, fur floats everywhere. It can easily get into crevices and stick to seats. Plus, if car rides stress your dog, he will shed even more. Seat covers will help keep your seats fur-free and mess-free. Cover the seats where your dog will be. Choose tightly knit fabrics that also will be scratch proof. Some covers are padded for shock absorption; some have nonslip designs with a rubber base. Still others have pockets for storage. Look for ones that are washable so you can periodically clean them.
Pro-Tip: A felt blanket is a simple alternative to a seat cover. It attracts fur and it’s easy to remove and wash. Just make sure to tuck it in the crevices of your seat.
Cargo Liners & Hammocks
If you put your back seats down for your dog, consider a cargo liner or hammock that extends from the back of the front seats. These are larger than traditional seat covers, and they give your dog a chance to spread out and lay comfortably. Look for one that is non-porous, water resistant, tear resistant, and easy to clean. Make sure it is comfortable for your fur baby.
Window Protection
Nose prints on windows are just a fact of life, right? They don’t have to be. Try a magnetic window shade, which also protects against UV rays. Alternatively, you can buy shatter resistant window film to add another layer of protection to your glass. In a pinch, clear plastic wrap works too.
Scratch Protection
Paint and surfaces can be easily scratched. You can help to prevent scratches with some paint protection film on doors and trunk sills where your dog usually enters your vehicle. If your dog will wear them, nail caps can work too.
Barriers
While our dogs may want to ride in the front seat, it’s not a good idea. In the event of an accident, your front seat airbag could deploy. Safety is important, and you want to keep them from jumping into your lap when you’re driving. That’s where barriers come in. They keep your fur baby safely in the back. Barriers come in various materials, from breathable mesh to heavy duty fabric to plastic or metal.
Safety Belts
Just as we wear seat belts, it’s a good idea to secure your dog. Some safety belts hook right into your car seat belts. Others attached to your seats. Choose a harness that goes around your fur baby’s body. Never secure them by their collar as the leash can pull unnecessarily on their necks.
Carriers
You can also travel with your fur baby in a crate or pet carrier. They come in a range of styles. Some are soft mesh and others are hard. Some come with wheels for easy transport. Make sure the crate is large enough so that your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down in it.
Tips for Traveling with Your Pet
Follow these additional tips for traveling with your pet.
- Start with short trips to get your dog used to the car before driving long distances.
- Feed your dog 3 hours before you leave.
- If you need to feed your dog on the road, stop the car to do it.
- Stop regularly along the way so dogs can stretch their legs and go to the bathroom.
- Give your dog access to clean water. Riding in the car can be stressful for dogs and if they pant, they can lose water.
- Don’t let your dog hang their head out the window.
- Never leave your dog alone in the car. Hot cars are dangerous, but even in cool weather, a well-meaning passerby may try to release your dog.
- Pack an emergency kit for messes. Include gloves and cleaning supplies. (A moistened rubber glove is great for picking up pet fur.)
- Don’t forget your dog’s favorite treats.
Finally, protect your fur baby with pet insurance. You can easily add coverage from Pet’s Best to your California Casualty auto or home policy. Find out more about what pet insurance can cover by talking with a California Casualty customer service 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 |
It’s relatively easy to break into a garage. Thieves can do it in a matter of seconds, and grab your tools, sports equipment, and other high-value items before you know it. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your garage from a break-in. Follow these tips to make your garage door more secure.
Tip #1: Light the way.
Thieves lurk in the shadows. Add motion-activated flood lights around your garage. The sudden blaze of light is sure to startle a burglar and could scare him away. It also could alert neighbors or passersby to their activity, which could deter them as well.
Tip #2: Cover your windows.
You probably store high-value items in your garage, including your vehicle. Don’t broadcast that fact to everyone. Use interior curtains or blinds to cover your windows. You also can use an adhesive window film. Windows also are easy to break. Consider garage door windows with panes that are too small to use to enter.
Tip #3: Trim your landscaping.
Make sure there are no bushes near your garage where thieves can hide. You want your neighbors and every passerby to be able to see what’s going on. Pro Tip: Plant thorny shrubs under garage windows to discourage thieves from getting in that way.
Tip #4: Reinforce your service door.
If your garage has a service door that leads to the outside or inside of your home, make sure it’s secure. Most garage service doors can be broken with a well-placed, solid kick. Reinforce your door with a strike plate, using 3-inch screws to secure it.
Tip #5: Add a layer of protection with a lock.
Many garages use keyless locks which open the door with a keypad, fingerprint reader, or remote control. Alternatively, you can use a deadbolt or padlock, which require keys. You can even use a combination of locks, such as a garage door lock bar which stops the door from being raised, in combination with another type of lock for added security. Choose the one(s) that works for your budget and your needs. Pro Tip: Keep the keypad clean. A thief can look at the dirty keys to guess your garage door code.
Tip #6: Update your remotes.
If your garage door remote is old, chances are it is easy to hack. Thieves can use a code grabber that copies your signal. Then they can send it to your garage door to open it. Newer remotes use a rolling code, which slightly changes the signal that your remote sends every time. That’s a good reason to update your garage remotes to a newer model.
Tip #7: Don’t clip your garage remote to your car visor.
It’s like giving thieves a key to your home. They can just break into your car to get your remote. Consider using a smart garage door opener from your smartphone or attach your remote to your keychain so it’s always with you.
Tip #8: Close your garage door.
It may seem simple but sometimes we forget to close our garage doors. Don’t tempt thieves by leaving yours open. Consider an automatic door closer that will shut the door after a specified amount of time. You also may wish to invest in a garage door monitor, which displays whether the garage door is open or closed.
Tip #9: Protect your garage’s emergency release cord.
The emergency release cord is designed to open the garage door in a power outage. Thieves however use it to their advantage. They can push the door inward to create enough of a gap to insert a wire hook. Then they pull down on the cord. There are a few ways that you can protect the cord from this hack. You can pull the cord through a PVC pipe that is too thick and bulky to be pulled by the wire. You can cut the cord very short so thieves cannot easily grab it. You can zip tie it so it cannot be pulled. You can create a door lock shield with a scrap of plywood screwed to the opener’s arm.
Tip #10: Install a security camera.
Security cameras can help deter thieves, especially if they are visible. Make sure that the ones you buy are designed for outdoor use and specifically for the seasonal temperatures in your region. Consider features like motion-activated recording, and WiFi or mobile access via your smartphone or other device. Add a door alarm or security sensor to alert you of a breach. This is especially valuable if you are not home or are on vacation.
Finally, for added peace of mind, you will want to make sure that you fully protect your home with the right coverage. After all, your home is one of your greatest investments.
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.
