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.
by California Casualty | Safety |
Do you know the difference between a Category 2 and 3 hurricane? Do you know why a 5 is so bad? Are you clear on what safety precautions you’d need to take when expecting a Category 2 versus a 4?
Read on to better understand what the 5 hurricane categories really mean and what impacts each can bring to your home and community. Understanding the details will help you think through how to better prepare for hurricane season.
It’s All About the Wind Speed
The category numbers — 1 through 5 — come from the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Meteorologists rely on this scale to better understand a hurricane’s expected magnitude and predict the damage that will come when the storm makes landfall.
Ratings focus on sustained wind speed for the simple fact that with higher wind speeds come more damage — not only direct wind damage but also storm surges, rain-induced flooding, tornadoes, and more.
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- Wind speeds: 74-95 mph
- Danger level: Very dangerous winds will produce some damage.
- Threat to homes, structures, and property: Winds can damage roof, shingles, siding, and gutters on well-built framed homes. Trees may topple and branches snap off. Protected glass windows generally remain intact.
- Community impacts: Potential damage to power lines and poles, leading to short-term power outages.
- Take note: Injuries to people and animals are limited and typically come from flying debris.
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- Wind speeds: 96-110 mph
- Danger level: Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.
- Threat to homes, structures, and property: Framed homes susceptible to major roof and siding damage.
- Community impacts: Near-total power loss expected with outages lasting days to weeks. Significant structural damage to mobile homes, apartment buildings, and shopping centers. Flooding of low-lying areas is possible.
- Take note: Stock up on filtration systems for potable water.
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- Wind speeds: 111-129 mph
- Danger level: Devastating damage will occur.
- Threat to homes, structures, and property: Major damage and/or removal of roof decking and gables possible on well-built framed homes. Mobile homes and poorly constructed homes are often destroyed. Many trees will be uprooted or snapped, blocking roadways.
- Community impacts: Water and electricity unavailable for days to weeks after the storm passes. Extensive inland flooding is possible.
- Take note: Make sure to be well-stocked with food and water if you choose not to evacuate.
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- Wind speeds: 130-156 mph
- Danger level: Catastrophic damage will occur.
- Threat to homes, structures, and property: Well-built framed houses subject to severe damage, including loss of most of the roof and/or some exterior walls. Shopping centers and apartments also typically sustain severe structural damage.
- Community impacts: Power outages will last weeks to months. Neighborhoods in the strike zone will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Take note: Sheltering in place is typically not recommended, but if you do, ensure you have a good supply of food, water, medications, etc.
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- Wind speeds: 157 mph or higher
- Danger level: Catastrophic damage will occur.
- Threat to homes, structures, and property: Complete or almost-total destruction of framed homes, mobile homes, shopping centers, apartments, and commercial buildings.
- Community impacts: Nearly all trees will be snapped or uprooted, with many becoming airborne and acting as projectiles. Long-term water shortages should be expected, as well as a very long time to rebuild the community. The area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Take note: You should not be anywhere near this storm. Evacuate well ahead of time.
As with any natural disaster or extreme weather event, make sure you stay informed via local news and weather alerts. Listen for and follow evacuation orders.
Read our guides on how to prepare for hurricane season, pack an emergency kit, and what to do after a natural disaster.
Finally, remember that although the best hurricane preparations come well before hurricane season itself, it’s never too late to get informed and prepared.
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 |
If you’re like most boat owners, you probably only use your boat a few months out of the year. And after all those summer trips are done, and your boat’s cleaned up and ready for storage, you might be tempted to cancel the insurance.
After all, if your boat won’t even be on the water, why would you need coverage?
Turns out, there are some compelling reasons to keep your insurance throughout the year, not the least of which is that it can actually save you money in the long run. Here are 4 top reasons.
1. Accidents Don’t Have an Offseason
More than half of the claims are filed for accidents that occur between September and January. The majority of those are for theft, vandalism, fire, and flooding. Boats are typically unattended during this time, which increases accident risk. When you carry boat insurance, these claims are covered by comprehensive coverage, costing far less than out-of-pocket payments would for repair and replacement in the event of an insurance lapse.
2. It May Be Required
If your boat is financed by a lender, you may be obligated to carry insurance year-round. Even if you own your boat outright, some marinas may require boats on the premises to be insured.
3. Don’t Count on Your Homeowner’s Policy
Many boat owners assume that damage to their boat is covered under their homeowner’s policy. Most times this isn’t the case, as the boat would probably only be protected if damage occurred while on the covered property. And even then, a homeowner’s policy might not fully cover the damage and/or leave the owner with coverage gaps (for example, many homeowners policies have length and horsepower limits that apply to boats). Boat insurance policies are crafted to meet specific needs and protect against risks inherent to boating.
4. It Makes Financial Sense
Depending on your insurer, signing up for a full 12-month policy can make you eligible for discounts or loyalty benefits, saving you money over the long term. Also keep in mind that many insurers already adjust the off-season monthly premiums to be lower than the on-season ones, so an annual policy, in the end, does offer better protection dollar for dollar than one for just several months. And don’t forget that as your boat ages you may find it more difficult to secure insurance if you cancel your policy. Finally, if you insure your boat with the same company as your car or homeowner’s insurance, you can most likely get a multiple policy discount.
Just as with homeowners and car insurance, a policy protecting your boat against damage and liability not only provides peace of mind but is a wise financial decision. And given the risks specific to boats, choosing a year-round policy is even smarter.
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 | Good to Know |
Whether it’s a flood, tornado, hurricane or earthquake, a natural disaster can turn your world upside down in a matter of seconds. Besides stress, adrenaline, and fear, there may be injuries to deal with and damage or loss of property. Many people don’t know what to do in the wake of a disaster, which can hinder their coping efforts and recovery.
Here’s a list of the 6 main steps to take immediately following a natural disaster and in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
- Deal with the Immediate Aftermath
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- Make sure all household members are accounted for. If anyone is missing, seek help from first responders.
- Attend to physical injuries or emotional distress. In cases of serious injury, summon professional help.
- If you and your family need to evacuate, follow your family’s evacuation plan, grabbing emergency kits, go bags, and essentials as assigned.
- Notify family and friends that you’re safe. If you can’t connect directly, you can register with FEMA’s emergency family locator online or by calling 1-800-588-9822. See more FCC & FEMA communication tips here.
- Be aware of any new safety issues created by the disaster, such as damaged roads/bridges, chemical spills, downed power lines, and washed-out roads. Inform local authorities if possible.
- Find Temporary Shelter or Housing
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- If your home is damaged and rendered uninhabitable, take photos of the damage, remove any valuables you can, and secure the property. Call your insurance company as soon as you’re able.
- If you need to find an open emergency shelter near you right away, you can text SHELTER and your 5-digit zip code to 4FEMA. You can also use the FEMA Mobile App.
- gov also has shelter resources online.
- If you need to secure a hotel or other short-term housing, check FEMA’s resources for interim housing.
- Remember that COVID-19 safety and health precautions may still be in effect so be sure to protect yourself and your family and stay informed on general guidelines.
- If you have a pet, be sure to ask all sheltering or housing inquiries if pets are allowed.
- Keep all your receipts from temporary housing costs, as you can most likely submit them for reimbursement.
- Emergency Food and Water
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- Listen to local radio or television to find disaster feeding sites.
- Check with local agencies, emergency shelters, and food banks for food assistance.
- If you have to boil or otherwise disinfect water, follow the proper guidelines.
- Seek Disaster Assistance
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- Check local radio and media for information on housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance.
- The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other volunteer organizations also provide assistance, supplies and help with clean-up efforts.
- FEMA helps homeowners and renters who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster. Assistance includes temporary housing, counseling, low-interest loans and grants, and other assistance. Register at gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA. You’ll need your:
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- social security number
- telephone number
- insurance information, address (location of damaged home and current address)
- total household annual income
- routing and account number for bank account
- a description of damage and losses
- Returning Home
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- Wait until your area is declared safe.
- If returning at night, use a flashlight to inspect your home and property. Keep an eye out for animals, including dangerous ones such as venomous snakes.
- Inspect the property and perimeter first, checking for hazards such as gas leaks, downed power lines, and structural damage. Do not enter if you smell gas, see floodwaters, or if there’s fire damage.
- If you do enter your home, you’ll need to be extremely cautious. Follow the dos and don’ts of inspecting your home in FEMA’s guide here.
- Replacing Lost Records & Protecting Your Property
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- Ideally, your important records and financial documents were part of your emergency kit.
- If you need to replace records such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses, marriage certificates or social security cards, follow the instructions at USA.gov here.
- Contact your creditors to inform them of the situation and work with them for current and ongoing payments.
- If the disaster is a declared Federal disaster, you may be eligible for federal income tax deductions. Check with your tax planner.
- If a member of your family is injured and you’re caring for them, check with your employer to see if you’re eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act or disability benefits.
While checklists and logistical aspects all need to be dealt with, also keep in mind the mental toll that natural disasters exert. Seek help if you can, take breaks and walks, and practice self-care. Remember that children are especially affected. Community and support networks are especially important in times like these — lean on them when you need support, and offer help to others when you have some extra energy to give.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety |
An earthquake, flood, fire, or severe storm can strike at any time — and you and your family may not be together when it does.
How will you find each other if separated? What about household members who have medical conditions? And what if your cell phones or networks are out of power?
Crafting an emergency plan before a disaster hits gives you time to discuss your family’s needs and circumstances, review possible scenarios, and decide on the best options together. Schedule a time when the whole family can participate. You may need one or two additional meetings to finalize all the details.
Here’s what you’ll need to cover:
1. Make A Plan of Action
Smart planning entails talking through a number of situations and “what-ifs.” Start by brainstorming around the following (and remember that coronavirus may affect some answers).
- What natural disasters are we most likely to experience?
- How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What are the escape or evacuation routes from our house?
- What is our shelter plan?
2. If Your Family is Separated
Re-opening across the country means parents may be going back to work and kids back to school. Are there other locations, such as after-school programs, childcare, gyms or volunteer sites that family members regularly attend? Consider those when answering the following:
- If separated during an emergency, where should we meet near our home?
- If meeting near home is impossible for some or all family members, what’s our meeting place?
- If we are separated, who is our emergency contact outside of our immediate area?
3. Specific Needs of Family Members
Remember to tailor your plan to address any particular needs of/by family members, such as:
- Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
- Dietary needs
- Medical conditions, disabilities or functional needs, especially those requiring devices and equipment
- Language barriers or limitations
- Ages of all household members, including school-aged children
- Pets or service animals
- Religious and cultural considerations
5. Fill Out the Plan
After discussing the above, it’s time to get it all down on paper. Be sure to capture the following as well.
- All the contact information for each household member.
- Who’s responsible for what during the disaster? Tasks might include things like retrieving the disaster kit, evacuating pets, and fielding disaster updates and alerts.
- Create a personal network of friends, family or neighbors for things you might need help with.
- Make sure you have one or more out-of-town contacts for emergencies.
- Numbers for important contacts such as utilities, financial companies, childcare and caregivers, veterinarians, and insurance companies.
6. Share & Practice
During an emergency, cellular networks and wi-fi may be unreliable, and computers and phones may be lost or out of power. In these cases, having a paper copy of your family disaster plan can save precious time, minimize stress and prevent unnecessary emergencies. So, make sure each family member has a copy and carries it with them in a purse, backpack or work bag (here’s a template plan that fits in your wallet). Have regular family meetings to review the plan and practice. Finally, do a thorough review every 6 months or so, to update information or responsibilities.
7. Resources
Check out these resources to get your plan disaster-ready.
The perfect time to make a plan is right now. Getting all your family members on board and in the know sooner rather than later will ensure that you’re all ready when you need to be.
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.
