by California Casualty | Firefighters |
Firefighting is a hot job no matter when you do it. But during the summer months, with all that extra heat and humidity, it can be brutal. How do you keep your cool — and cool down? Read on.
A blazing fire can be 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. In your heavy gear, the perspiration builds up and your core temperature can be as high as 160 degrees. After 20 minutes, you’re exhausted. Couple that with a hot summer’s day and it seems like there’s no relief in sight.
Here are some “do’s and don’ts” to help you cool down and stay safe on a hot summer’s day on and off duty.
Do: Stay hydrated.
Water is your drink of choice. (Or try coconut water which contains potassium, a great source of electrolytes.) Drink water whether you are thirsty or not. And drink it three days leading up to your shift—because it will help keep you hydrated. When you’re fighting an active fire, your body will evaporate 1 liter of sweat for each hour of work. Make sure to replace that loss by drinking electrolyte beverages as soon as you are able.
Don’t: Drink caffeinated beverages, sugared drinks, or alcohol.
Caffeine constricts blood vessels which makes you warm. Coffee, tea and caffeinated beverages are a diuretic, which means they cause you to urinate. Sugary drinks actually make you thirsty and can provide a crash in energy. Alcohol causes dehydration. Drink it the night before your shift and you will feel the effects the next day.
Do: Eat for the heat.
That means light healthy meals so your body doesn’t have to work as hard to process them. Include foods that help replenish electrolytes that are lost through sweating. These include watermelon, peaches, apricots, and radishes. Leafy greens also contain a large percentage of water, which helps keep you hydrated.
Don’t: Eat a heavy meal.
It takes a lot of energy for our bodies to digest a steak dinner. When our body breaks down protein, it creates heat. You don’t have to eliminate meat altogether; just take it easy and substitute more carbs.
Do: Stay physically fit.
When you’re in shape, you have a lower heart rate and body temperature. This allows you to adjust to heat stress twice as fast as your fellow Americans who are unfit.
Don’t: Push your physical limits.
It takes time to acclimate to working in the heat. Start gradually and increase over time. It takes about 10-14 days to get used to it. Listen to your body. It will tell you when you’re ready for a break.
Don’t: Run the air conditioner on the way to the fire.
The temperature change from cool to very, very hot can affect your body. Instead, keep the windows open and the air blowing but the air conditioning off on the way to a call.
Do: Use ice, water, and cooling technology.
Set up a bucket filled with ice water so that you can immerse your hands and forearms. Put a damp towel in the freezer and wrap it around the back of your neck when you need relief. Apply cold pressure to other pulse points: your wrist, chest, temples. Spritz yourself with a garden hose; dribble water down the back of your neck from your water bottle. Try a cold pack vest if it fits under your gear. But stay away from misting fans in a humid environment. They’re good for dry environments, but in high humidity, these fans can increase the chance of burns.
Don’t: Ignore the symptoms of heatstroke.
More than 700 people die each year from the heat. If you are feeling warm, light-headed or experiencing muscle cramps, get out of your jacket to let the heat escape. Apply icepacks to your forearms.
If you experience any of the symptoms of heatstroke, seek help immediately:
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- Body temperature above 103 Fahrenheit
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Red, hot and dry skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion
For more information on First Responder heat stress prevention, click here.
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, Safety |
Late summer riding beckons; open roads, open skies, long days, and beautiful sunsets. The flipside? Extreme heat. And also a transition period of reacquainting yourself with the roads and traffic. Use these tips to keep your bike and yourself cool and safe.
For Your Bike
Keeping your ride cool and running smoothly through the summer usually entails a little extra maintenance. Here are some of the priority areas to fitness-check before setting out.
- Tires – Tire blowouts are usually caused by underinflated, rather than overinflated, tires. Make sure to inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. And remember that high external temps cause tire pressure to increase due to expanding gas. Check them each week and adjust as necessary. Also keep an eye on the tires’ condition, looking for any cracks, punctures, bulges, or worn tread.
- Fluids – Check oil, brake, coolant, hydraulic fluids, and their reservoirs for debris, condensation, and discoloration or changed consistency. Get them changed if they’re due. Check the water pump and hoses regularly for leaks, cracks, and tears. Pro tip: cover your radiator to keep the engine cool (and protect it from dirt, bugs and UV rays). On the hottest days, avoid stationary idling to prevent engine overheating.
- Gas tank – If your bike has been sitting all winter with fuel in the tank, it might not start up. Drain the tank — if there’s any brown grit in the fuel, your tank has probably rusted. You can take it to a mechanic or DIY by flushing with acid remover. After cleaning, treat the new gasoline with a fuel stabilizer.
- Electrical connections – If your electrical connections aren’t secure, the moisture from humid environments can short the connection and stop your bike from functioning. Inspect all wires and connections to components (including battery) and fasten any loose ones. If they’re corroded, it’s best to replace them.
For You
Riding in extreme heat can increase your chance of health risks, overheating, and accident risk. Follow these tips to stay safe and comfortable.
- Hydration – Staying hydrated is one of the best preventive measures for summer riding. Drink water at every stop and consider purchasing a CamelBak for extended rides. Avoid alcohol, as it can easily dehydrate you.
- Sun safety – Even if it’s overcast, you’re still getting hit by UV rays. Wear sunscreen and reapply to exposed skin as often as possible.
- Clothing – Safe riding means extra layers, even in the summer heat. Here are some hacks to keep you cool in your gear.
- Form-fitting sportswear can keep your body temperature down – look for moisture-wicking fabric.
- A lightweight base layer under your jacket and pants can prevent discomfort and keep you dry.
- When leather pants are too hot, check out specialized jeans that have Kevlar fabric lining and other safety components. Never wear shorts.
- Opt for ventilated summer-weight boots, which allow airflow to cool the feet and ankles.
- Mesh-backed gloves will let you grip the handles while allowing for ventilation – as well as hand protection in case of a fall or skid.
- There are options for jackets that protect while keeping you comfortable in the heat. Ventilated jackets with mesh panels allow for aeration, and many perforated leather jackets come with zip vents, which help you release body heat.
- A proper helmet – required by law in all but 3 states – is safety rule number one. Investing in a breathable, lightweight and ventilated helmet will keep your head (and by extension, your body) cool and protected. The best ones are usually carbon fiber.
Get Re-Accustomed to the Road
If you’ve been traveling mostly by car and are just getting back to the roads on 2 wheels, give yourself some time to re-adjust. You no longer have the wrap-around metal protection of a vehicle, and you may need to fine-tune your reaction time for sharing the road with cars.
Most motorcycle accidents are attributed to unsafe lane changes, car doors, speeding, sudden stops, left-turn accidents, and lane splitting, among others, so make sure you’re visible to the cars around you.
Finally, know the signs of heat stress (check out our article here). It can come on suddenly, so knowledge and prevention are your tools to stay cool 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.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Living with roommates can be a blast—movie nights, shared snacks, and someone to laugh with after a long day. But let’s be real: it’s not always sunshine and chore charts. From thermostat wars to mysteriously disappearing leftovers, sharing a space can get tricky fast. The good news? With a little planning and a lot of communication, you can dodge the drama and keep your living situation friendly, functional, and maybe even fun. Here’s how to avoid the most common roommate conflicts before they turn into full-blown feuds.
Establish House Rules
The first step to peaceful cohabitation? Set clear expectations from the start. A simple conversation can go a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings down the road—but make sure to take the next step. Create a written roommate agreement that outlines house rules everyone agrees on. Be specific:
- Chores – Who does what, and how often? A calendar or app can keep things fair and consistent.
- Quiet hours – When is it okay to play music, watch TV, or take phone calls? Is soft music acceptable during quiet time?
- Guests – Are overnight visitors okay? How often? Are parties allowed, and if so, what’s the protocol for notifying roommates?
- Shared vs. private items – What’s okay to borrow, and what’s off-limits? This includes food, clothing, toiletries, and electronics.
- Thermostat settings – Agreeing on a temperature range can prevent passive-aggressive battles over the A/C or heat.
- Pets – If pets are allowed in your apartment, will you have one? If so, who will be responsible?
And don’t forget the basics of roommate etiquette: knock before entering someone’s room, always ask before borrowing something, and treat common areas with respect.
Manage Shared Expenses
Money issues can drive a wedge between even the closest roommates. Avoid awkwardness by deciding up front how bills and expenses will be handled.
- Will one person be in charge of collecting and paying rent and utilities, or will everyone pay their share directly?
- Are you sharing groceries, or keeping your food separate?
- Will you pitch in together for shared items like cleaning supplies and toilet paper?
Apps like Splitwise and Splittr can make cost-sharing easy and transparent, so everyone feels they’re treated fairly.
Keep Communication Open
Good communication is the key to any successful relationship—including with your roommates. Make it a priority to talk face-to-face about anything important. Texts are convenient, but they can easily be misread or misunderstood.
Establish a culture of respect and openness by:
- Scheduling regular check-ins or house meetings.
- Creating a safe space where everyone feels heard.
- Practicing active listening—that means making eye contact, withholding judgment, and reflecting back what you hear before responding.
Remember, it’s not just about speaking your mind—it’s also about listening with empathy.
Respect Differences
Roommates often come from different backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems. While these differences can enrich your living experience, they can also be a source of confusion or tension if not approached with understanding. Take time to learn about each other’s customs, holidays, and values. A little curiosity and compassion can help you avoid unintentional disrespect and build a more inclusive and harmonious home.
Handle Conflict the Right Way
No matter how well you plan, conflicts will arise. Maybe one roommate hogs the TV every night, or political debates get a little too heated. Whatever the issue, address it early—before frustration turns into resentment. Here’s how to resolve conflicts respectfully:
- Don’t avoid the issue. Delaying only makes things worse.
- Use “I” statements. Instead of “You never clean up,” say “I feel overwhelmed when the kitchen is messy.”
- Take responsibility. Be mindful of personal patterns that could be adding fuel to the fire. Reflect on how your actions may have contributed to the problem.
- Work together on solutions. Brainstorm, compromise, and find common ground.
You don’t have to agree on everything—or be best friends—to be great roommates. But a little kindness, accountability, and flexibility can go a long way.
Don’t Forget the Renter’s Insurance
Even the most harmonious households can face the unexpected—like a kitchen fire that damages your personal laptop. That’s where renter’s insurance comes in. Renter’s insurance is like homeowner’s insurance but for tenants. As a start, it protects your personal belongings (that’s right, your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your belongings) but that’s not all. It’s an important safeguard if you’re found at fault for property damage or injuries at your place (and even around the world). It also can help if you don’t have access to your apartment or home due to a covered loss. Renter’s insurance policies offer (1) personal property coverage, (2) liability insurance, and (3) additional living expenses when your apartment or home is uninhabitable. It’s an affordable way to protect yourself—and your roommates—from unexpected financial stress.
Drama-free roommates and worry-free coverage? Yes, please. Contact your insurance provider today—and happy renting!
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 | Pets, Travel |
Whether your pet is a seasoned jetsetter or a first-time flyer, navigating air travel with a four-legged friend takes planning, patience, and know-how. From booking the right seat to ensuring a smooth security check, here’s how to make flying with your pet a paws-itively stress-free adventure!
Cabin or Cargo? Choosing the Best Travel Option
Your pet’s size will determine whether they can fly in the cabin with you or if they must go in cargo. Cargo is not for every pet, and if you must consider it, make sure to check with your vet that it is safe for your pet’s breed, age and health.
Carry-On Pets:
- Pets in the plane’s cabin are limited to cats and small dogs meeting size requirements.
- Your pet must remain in a carrier under the seat in front of you for the flight.
- Some airlines allow you to purchase an extra seat for your pet carrier. You still will need to keep your pet in the carrier, and you also will need to place the carrier under the seat during takeoff and landing.
- Choose a window or aisle seat which will have the most room to stow your pet’s carrier under the seat. Avoid emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats.
- A pet fee applies. Check with the airline for the exact amount.
Cargo Travel:
- Larger dogs must fly in cargo, which is the space at the bottom of the plane where luggage is stored.
- While cargo is ventilated, it is not temperature controlled, and airflow is not the same as in the cabin. Pets may not be allowed in cargo during extreme heat or cold.
- Short-nosed breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats are at higher risk for breathing issues and should never fly in cargo.
- Pets must be placed in cargo-approved kennels. Check your airline for specifications.
- While most pets travel safely in cargo, poor ventilation or mishandling can pose risks.
- Most airlines are required to report on companion animal safety. Check your airline’s safety record before booking your pet in cargo.
- A pet fee also applies.
Service Dogs:
- Service dogs are an exception to the pet traveling policies. They are allowed to be out of a carrier but must not block the aisle. Generally, they are not allowed on seats.
- To qualify as a service dog, they must be fully trained and certified to assist a person with a disability.
- Emotional support animals are considered pets and not service dogs. They must follow standard pet travel guidelines.
- Service dogs will usually fly free of charge.
Booking Your Flight
- Research quarantine, vaccine, and other restrictions for your destination so you will have the right paperwork.
- Always communicate with the airline in advance. You don’t want any surprises.
- Book direct flights. There is less chance of handoffs going wrong.
- For cargo, if traveling in the summer, pick early morning or evening flights to avoid the hottest parts of the day. In winter, book midday flights to avoid the cold.
Prepping Your Pet for Takeoff
Before your trip, make sure your pet is in tip-top shape for travel. Here’s how:
- Vet Visit: Schedule a checkup to ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly. Some destinations require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
- Skip Sedatives: Tranquilizers can affect breathing. Ask your vet for guidance on whether you should use them. You also can consider pet calming chews with melatonin or chamomile. For nervous cats, try pheromone sprays to help ease anxiety.
- Microchip & ID: Make sure your pet’s microchip info is up to date and their collar includes both your home address and temporary travel address.
Helping Your Pet Adjust to Air Travel
Crate Training: Get your pet comfortable with their travel carrier well in advance. Reward them with treats and praise.
- Crowd Exposure: Airports are busy and noisy! Take your dog to a crowded, dog-friendly area to get them used to similar sights and sounds.
- Practice Security Checks: TSA requires pets to go through security outside of their carrier. Practice taking your pet in and out calmly.
Packing List: Don’t Forget These Essentials
Proof of vaccinations and vet contact info
- Microchip number and pet license
- Airline-approved carrier (waterproof & spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down)
- Collapsible water bowl
- Small bag of food in case of delays
- Treats and chew toy (helps with pressure changes)
- Poop bags and pet wipes for clean-ups
- Extra collar and leash
- A recent photo of your pet (for ID purposes)
Pro Tip: For pets traveling in cargo, freeze water in the collapsible water bowl. This will help prevent spills. By the time your pet is thirsty, the water will have defrosted. You can also attach a water bottle dispenser.
Airport Tips: Navigating the Terminal with Your Pet
Strange sounds, sights and smells can be challenging even for the most well-trained pet. Changes in diet and water also can affect your pet. Here are some ways to navigate specific issues with traveling.
Skip Breakfast? A light stomach may help prevent nausea—check with your vet.
- Pre-Flight Potty Break: Ensure your pet relieves themselves before heading to check-in.
- Cargo Flyers: Label crates with LIVE ANIMAL in large letters and add arrows to indicate the upright position. Attach a photo of your pet, and line the bottom with towels. This will help absorb any liquids if there are accidents. You will be dropping off your pet at the check-in counter along with your luggage.
- Cabin Flyers: Be prepared to remove your pet from the carrier for TSA screening. Once through security, locate pet relief areas before boarding.
- Alert the Flight Crew: If your pet is traveling in cargo, notify a flight attendant so they’re aware. They should be able to confirm that your pet is safely on board.
- Meet Your Pet: The airline will direct you to a place where you can meet your pet and show them some love following your flight.
Are you flying with small children, too? Check out our blog on Flying with Kids.
Travel with Peace of Mind
Finally, don’t forget to protect your fur baby with pet insurance for added peace of mind, and to save on your vet bill. Remember, you can easily add pet insurance 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 | Auto Insurance Info, Helpful Tips, Safety |
As temperatures drop and roads become icy, taking steps to winterize your car ensures you stay safe and stress-free. From checking your battery to swapping out wiper blades, preparing for the season is all about protecting yourself and your ride. Ready to keep your car in peak performance through the cold months? Let’s get started!
Take care of your tires.
You depend on your tires to grip the road. Make sure they’re in the best condition to help you maneuver safely.
- Check the tread. Tread gives you traction, and worn tread will take longer to stop on slippery roads with ice and snow. Put a penny into one of the grooves with Lincoln’s head facing you and upside down. If you see all his head, your tread depth is dangerously low. Replace your tires.
- Rotate your tires. Tires don’t wear evenly. The front tires usually have more wear on the outside edges, because they lean when you turn right or left. The front tires also hold the weight of the engine. To help your tires wear evenly, you need to rotate them every 5,000-7,000 miles.
- Align your tires. If you’ve ever taken your hand off the wheel while driving, and notice your car veering toward the side, you need an alignment. You need to align your tires to keep them pointing straight ahead. You can easily knock them out of alignment by going over a pothole. If you don’t align your tires, you can experience steering problems, poor fuel economy, and uneven tire wear.
- Consider snow tires. If you live in a place where snow is heavy, you may wish to switch to snow tires. Their softer rubber remains flexible in cold weather and helps them grip the road. Their wider grooves also are better at repelling water and gaining traction in snow.
- Check your tire pressure. As the weather changes, you will notice corresponding changes in your tire pressure. That’s because air expands as it gets hotter, which raises the pressure. It contracts as it gets colder, which lowers it. In cold weather, tire pressure can decrease about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. That’s why it’s important to check your tire pressure when the weather changes, in extreme heat and cold, and adjust as needed.
Take care of your fluids.
Cold weather affects your car’s essential fluids.
- Change your oil. Cold weather thickens engine oil. That makes it harder for parts to turn. It also puts a strain on the starter and the battery. Choose a lighter weight oil for winter. Check your owner’s manual for the proper oil weight.
- Top off coolant (antifreeze) Coolant prevents your engine from overheating or freezing. Check the reservoir tank (not the radiator) and ensure the level is between the “min” and “max” lines. Use the correct coolant specified in your owner’s manual, as using the wrong type can damage the engine. Mix coolant with water in the ratio recommended in your manual.
- Refill windshield fluid. We use our windshield wipers a lot in the snow and rain. Make sure you have enough wiper fluid. Use a formula designed for low temperatures to avoid freezing. Keep an extra gallon in your car for emergencies.
- Change differential fluid if needed. This fluid helps to lubricate the gears and helps the wheels rotate at different speeds. It should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles as the fluid breaks down over time.
Take care of your car’s components.
Cold weather can wear down critical parts of your vehicle. Getting your vehicle checked out with routine maintenance helps you stay on top of things.
- Test your battery. Cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions in the battery, reducing power. Check for corrosion and ensure it holds a charge. Replace old batteries to avoid breakdowns.
- Inspect belts and hoses. Cracks or wear in belts and hoses can lead to failures in cold weather. Address any issues immediately.
- Check your brakes. On slippery winter roadways, your brakes must be in good condition. Check and make sure your pads are not worn down. Otherwise, it will take longer to stop and could cause an accident.
- Check your spark plugs. Worn spark plugs can make your car more difficult to start in the winter. Look for signs of wear like carbon buildup, a damaged ceramic insulator, or oil deposits. Check your owner’s manual for recommended replacement intervals.
- Change your wiper blades. Snow, salt and slush builds up on your windshield. Your wipers need to work well. If your wipers look dry and feel brittle, if they make noise, or if they leave streaks, you will want to replace them. You can also get winter wipers which have a rubber edge and are heavier than regular wipers. A heavier weight makes the wiper motor work harder so make sure to remove them come spring.
- Change the cabin air filter if needed. A dirty filter can cause your HVAC system to perform poorly. It can slow down defogging of your windows, and not screen airborne contaminants. Change the filter at recommended intervals.
Equip your car with emergency essentials.
Winter driving can be unpredictable, so pack for the unexpected.
- Stay warm. Include hand warmers, blankets, and a winter emergency kit.
- Be ready for snow and ice. Make sure you have an ice scraper and snow brush.
- Bring along cat litter. Keep a bag of cat litter to sprinkle if you get stuck in the snow or on a slick patch. The extra weight will also increase your tire’s grip on the road.
- Stay fueled. Fill up your gas tank every time it hits the halfway mark. That way if you’re stranded, you’ll have gas to run the heat and keep you warm until help comes.
- Stock up. Keep bottled water and snacks handy. In case of a breakdown, that will help.
Finally, protect your vehicle with the right insurance for added peace of mind. Safe travels this season.
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.
