by California Casualty | Calcas Connection, Good to Know |
If you’re in the market for a used car or truck, be aware that water-damaged vehicles could soon be coming to your community. While most will arrive from areas deluged by tropical storms and hurricanes, others can come from flooding in other parts of the country. The U.S. Justice Department and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners warn that crooks often ship these flooded vehicles across the country to unwitting buyers, and any used vehicle in any part of the country needs to be checked for water damage.
Carfax estimates there are now more than 325,000 water-damaged vehicles on American highways. They’ve been found from California to Maine and Minnesota to Florida. In fact, the cities where the most flooded cars have washed up are Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Chicago. The states with the most flood-damaged vehicles are Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Florida and Kentucky.
A waterlogged vehicle can have chronic issues that can last for years. Water fouls fuel lines, destroys electronics, and rusts engines, brakes and other important parts.
You should always test drive and inspect any used vehicle you plan to purchase. Here are some signs a vehicle has suffered water damage:
- A musty odor or heavy aroma of cleaners or disinfectants to mask mold odors
- Water marks or dirt in the dashboard, carpets or trunk
- Rusty door hinges and truck latches
- Corrosion around bolts or screws
- Silt or mud under seats, glove compartments or window wells
- Electronics that flicker or don’t work
- Fog or moisture in interior lights or the dashboard
When test-driving a used vehicle, experts say you should:
- Turn on the ignition and check all instrument panel lights and accessories
- Test the interior and exterior lights, air conditioning, windshield wipers, turn signals, high beams and heater
- Turn on the sound system and check door speakers, which often become damaged in water
- Look at the engine oil – when mixed with even small amounts of water it turns murky and looks like a melted chocolate shake
- Inspect the air filter for water stains
If you suspect you unknowingly bought a water-damaged vehicle, the Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of resources for used car buyers who fear they are victims of fraud.
You can get a free vehicle history check from Carfax or through vendors approved by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
TAKEAWAY:.
Learn more about avoiding flood-damaged vehicles at https://www.carfax.com/press/resources/flooded-cars
by California Casualty | Behind the Scenes, Calcas Connection |
Kim, Tanya, Kelly, Bianca, Linda, Lori and Nancy
With almost 100 years combined insurance industry experience, California Casualty’s Agency Services team can help you with your specialty insurance needs, such as earthquake, flood, pet insurance, personal umbrella, or antique and collectible car insurance. It’s a one-stop shop for your insurance needs.
Our Agency Services team members are a diverse group of personalities. From the world-traveling Tanya and the outdoorsy Kelly, to Nancy, who is the vegetarian military mom, this group of individuals finds ways to have fun while providing you exceptional service.
Lori S. is the team manager of the group. She has nine years of insurance experience, seven-and-a-half of those with California Casualty. She takes great pride in educating people about the insurance Agency Services offers.
Lori values time with family members. “Coming from a large family helps me manage our fun, exuberant group. It has also taught me how to relate to others. I will do whatever I can to help customers and keep them with California Casualty,” she said.
Lori also helps organize the many Agency Services potlucks and celebrations, because everyone in the group considers themselves a “foodie.” The lunches provide a time for everyone to catch up with each other, building teamwork and unity.
Tanya C. has worked in insurance for 20 years, and has the longest tenure with Agency Services, starting when it was created, 16 years ago.
A travel aficionado, Tanya says seeing and experiencing other parts of the world allows her to connect with people who have different perspectives. “It helps me relate and build rapport,” she said.
Tanya credits her travel experiences and her ability to relate to others for her long run with Agency Services.
Tanya is also the “green chili” champ of the group, having won numerous Agency Services and California Casualty chili cook-offs.
Kelly D. has been at California Casualty since she was a teenager. In her 15 years with the company, she has worked in underwriting, sales, customer service and Agency Services.
Kelly and her family are avid outdoors people, and she often goes camping, hiking or exploring with her husband and daughter. That time away helps her recharge, enabling her to be a better agent to others.
“I try and make sure people understand what they are getting, what it will do and won’t do. I don’t want to sell something they don’t need.” she said.
Kelly loves that California Casualty is a family-owned business that appreciates the people it serves, and is very proud of the company’s disaster call-out efforts. “I was talking to a police officer in South Carolina after the hurricane who was so surprised and thankful that we were checking on him. I told him that we care about protecting him just as he was protecting his community.”
Kelly likes to show off her culinary expertise at potluck time. While she’s perfected many dishes, one of her favorite creations are her home-made cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. “They are light, fluffy, and not-too-sweet heavenly deliciousness,” she added.
Nancy N. is the quiet one. She’s also considered the flood insurance expert of the team. She has 13 years experience in insurance, seven of those in Agency Services. She considers herself a “sports and military mom,” supporting and traveling with her military family that includes three children who are all very involved in a variety of athletics. “All this has taught me how to deal with a multitude of interesting situations. That helps me address the many needs of our clientele,” she said.
She added that she especially loves working with first responders, who often don’t take care of their own insurance needs because they are too busy helping others. “I believe in helping them quickly and efficiently and giving them the insurance they need to protect them and their families.”
Being the vegetarian of the group, Nancy brings healthy choices to their various food events.
Kim H. has been employed in insurance since 1985, with the last eight years at California Casualty. She’s licensed for property and casualty, health, life and commercial insurance.
She is a devoted grandma who likes to tackle home improvements. After a recent fall that resulted in a broken wrist, her four-year old grandson now calls her “Grandma Owie.”
Kim also spends many evenings playing softball.
Working in specialty products, Kim tries to put herself in other people’s situations. “I was a mother with teens and understand the difficulties of insuring them, and the high rates that come with that. I think it takes empathy, understanding and compassion to do this job well,” she said.
With a broad understanding of insurance, Kim is dedicated to counseling the people she works with, and believes in follow-through to the end. “I make sure that everything gets done by reassuring the client, and then confirming with them when the paperwork is completed.”
While she may have great follow-through with clients, Kim likes to take the easy way out by bringing Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef to the luncheons.
Linda T. is the team’s administrative assistant. She’s been with California Casualty almost nine of the 30 years she’s been in the insurance business.
Besides handling reports, paperwork and other duties, Linda takes great pride in doing important follow-up with clients on policies and renewals.
Linda works with customers to make sure they have the appropriate insurance, reminding them to pay before renewal and helping them get refunds. “I try and do as much as I can in my administrative role to free up our licensed agents to do their important work.”
Linda is devoted to golf, both as a sport and working weekends at a golf course. She likes to say that she serves people at both jobs. She likes to bring sports-related food to the team’s potlucks, like chips with homemade salsa or BBQ wings.
Bianca O. oversees the operations of the Agency Services Department, in addition to managing an inbound customer service team. In the 18+ years that she’s worked for California Casualty, she’s had the pleasure of working in sales, customer service and Agency Services.
When Bianca isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Getting to know the ladies in Agency Services, and sharing various meals and gatherings, has been a delight for Bianca. “The team’s wealth of knowledge and ability to change focus with each incoming call is extraordinary,” she said.
With a husband who is a bakery chef, Bianca likes to put the “sweet” in the Agency Services potlucks with a variety of scrumptious deserts.
Agency Services – Ready to Serve You
With wide-ranging backgrounds and years of expertise, if you need specialty insurance, our Agency Services department can provide it. Lori, Tanya, Kelly, Nancy, Kim, Linda and Bianca are ready to help you, and they might even share their favorite recipes.
TAKEAWAY:
Meet the team and contact California Casualty’s Agency Services for your specialty insurance needs at 1.877.652.2638 or at agencyservices@calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Are you prepared for hurricanes, tornadoes and fires? If your home was threatened would you know what to do? This is the season and at the very least, all of us should:
- Prepare an emergency kit
- Have a family evacuation and communications plan
- Stay Informed via the Internet, radio, TV or with a NOAA Weather Radio
- Keep your car’s gas tank full in case of evacuation
- Stay away until law enforcement or other agencies say it’s safe to return
- Know what your home insurance policy does and does not cover
- Complete a home inventory
Unfortunately, no matter how prepared we all are disasters happen. It’s important that you follow these important steps to avoid identity theft or fraud if your home is damaged or destroyed:
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
- Secure the property from further damage or theft
- Contact creditors, banks, or appropriate agencies to report important documents (social security cards, tax returns, birth certificates), credit cards or banking papers that might have been scattered or lost in the disaster
- Check your credit report to make sure nobody is using your personal information
- Beware of “fly-by-night” work crews and contractors
- Be skeptical of contractors encouraging you to spend large sums on temporary repairs
- Attain recommendations and check the Better Business Bureau before hiring any potential contractor
- Review the contract thoroughly and get written estimates
- Avoid dealing with contractors that request money up front
- Never pay a home contractor in cash – only pay by credit card or personal check
- Do not sign over your insurance settlement check
- Don’t be pressured or fall for “one-day-only” offers
- Be cautious if approached by housing inspectors claiming to represent FEMA or the SBA
- Keep or document receipts and other expenses if you are evacuated or forced to find another place to live because of damage to your home or apartment
by California Casualty | News |
Get ready, El Niño is back. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says continued heating in the Pacific Ocean means a strong event this fall and winter. Wind conditions and several tropical cyclones are indications of an intensifying effect which could lead to one of the strongest El Niño’s in a long time.
NOAA and other climate watchers say while every El Niño is different, these are some general things we can expect:
- Cooler, wetter weather in the southern U.S. with possible heavy storms and flooding
- Wetter weather for Southern and Central California with intense rain and possible flooding and mudslides
- Drier, warmer weather in the Pacific Northwest and Central U.S.
- Slightly warmer weather in the Rocky Mountain Region, but with strong snow storms and blizzards (some of the biggest blizzards have come during past El Niño years)
- Warmer and drier on the East Coast
- Less Atlantic hurricanes but more Pacific cyclones and hurricanes
Here are some tips before the wild weather blows in:
- Make sure your vehicles have comprehensive coverage for damage from weather, flooding, mudslides, falling objects (rocks and trees), etc.
- Check your auto’s tires to make sure they will provide traction in rainy, icy or snowy weather
- Inspect the roof of your home to make sure it’s ready for the onslaught of heavy rain, snow or ice
- Make sure your gutters and downspouts channel water away from your home
- Trim branches and trees that could blow onto your roof or home in a heavy storm
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that over the past five years, damage from wind and storms has been the number one cause of damage claims to homes, with the average payment just under $8,800. Before El Niño takes aim at your home, they recommend you:
- Review your insurance to make sure you are covered for storm loss
- Purchase flood insurance (which is not included with most homeowners insurance) if you live in a flood prone area
- Talk with your insurance company to make sure you have the adequate limits and deductibles
- Take an inventory of all the possessions you own
No matter the weather, California Casualty is ready to help with your storm insurance preparations. Contact an advisor today for a policy review or comparison at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com.
Sources for this article:
https://www.oc.nps.edu/webmodules/ENSO/NA_EN.html
https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html
https://mashable.com/2015/07/09/strongest-el-nino-on-record/
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/homeowners-and-renters-insurance
https://www.pciaa.net/pciwebsite/cms/content/viewpage?sitePageId=42247
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/homeowners-and-renters-insurance
https://www.knowyourstuff.org/iii/login.html
by California Casualty | Firefighters |
By Mark Goldberg, Communications Specialist with California Casualty
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. A lot of people don’t like talking about it, but it’s time more of us did.
The topic got a lot more personal for me this July when a good friend and retired firefighter, Tim Casey, took his life. Tim had written for the California Casualty blog about his life as a firefighter and the scars (both physical and mental) he carried from his 30 years as a first responder (read here).
I knew Tim had his struggles; he admitted that he was a recovering alcoholic, haunted by the things he saw on the job. He battled PTSD and the desire to drown those images in a bottle of booze. But it appeared things were looking up for Tim. He was engaged to a wonderful woman, was very involved in spreading awareness about first responder suicides and was teaching at one of the local universities. The last time I talked with Tim he seemed up-beat and happy; but I guess the demons were stronger than I or many others knew.
His funeral was moving, but it left me feeling sad and empty. I came away determined to do what I could to help carry on Tim’s mission to alert others about the growing epidemic of firefighter and first responder suicide. Unfortunately, I feel a lot like Sisyphus, struggling to push a giant rock up a hill. Here’s why:
- A new study from Florida State University found half of the 1,000 firefighters they surveyed said they had suicidal thoughts at one or more points in their career. Approximately 15 percent reported one or more suicide attempts.
- A January, 2015 article in USA Today cited National Fallen Firefighters Foundation statistics that a fire department is three times more likely to experience a suicide in a given year than a line-of-duty death. They added that PTSD, depression, substance abuse and suicide are still too common.
And that’s a problem; firefighter ranked number one in CareerCast’s annual survey of the most stressful jobs in 2015, just ahead of soldiers. CareerCast described the profession as, “dangerous in ever-changing conditions, with work not limited to battling blazes; firefighters also assist with medical emergencies and natural disasters.” I can only imagine how the searing image of injury and trauma can impact a person.
And that daily stress, combined with limited opportunities to talk about it, is taking a toll – as evidenced by the number 336. That’s the number of active and retired firefighters in the U.S. who are known to have taken their lives since 2012. It’s what many in the profession call “the hidden dirty secret.”
It was a little discussed topic by fire departments until Captain Jeff Dill created the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Dill started the nonprofit after hearing about the emotional impact the World Trade Towers disaster had on firefighters in 2001, and talking with first responders about lack of mental health resources for those returning from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Captain Dill thinks the number of firefighter suicides that get reported is only the tip of the iceberg. He formally began the nonprofit in 2011 to directly educate firefighters/EMS personnel and their families about behavioral health issues such as depression, PTSD, anxiety and addictions, as well as firefighter suicides.
We recently had a chance to talk with Chief Dill about the FBHA and the mission of suicide prevention among the men and women who protect us. Dill also knew Tim Casey.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and FBHA.
I am a recently retired fire officer with over twenty-five years in the fire service, Master’s Degree in Counseling and founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA) I can tell you from experience that looking into ourselves is very difficult.
FBHA is the only known organization that tracks and validates firefighter & EMT suicides in the U.S. We never use names or organizations unless families give us permission plus we take the information known and present workshops across N. America to educate our brothers and sisters.
How does FBHA reach out to Fire/EMS?
We help fire/ems departments learn how to recognize when a coworker is struggling and how to reach out to that person. We had two themes for our workshops until recently. The two were “Challenge With Compassion” and “Be Direct”. The premise was if you see someone struggling, acting different or hear things from them then you need to Challenge with Compassion and Be Direct in your approach. We know that people actually see us better than we see ourselves so listen to them when they tell you “you’ve changed”. I have added the term that so many people have now heard this past year in our workshops and that is we must do an “Internal Size-Up”. This simply means, what is going on in your life? Could these issues become monumental to the point that we become depressed, anxious, create suicidal ideations or become addicted to some type of vice? At times we subconsciously begin to act in ways that only others can see. So when someone says to you “what is going on with you?” please do not take offense, take a look at your life!
Why is it so hard for first responders to ask for help?
In every workshop we deliver we talk about Traditional Brainwashing. This quite simply means we become a product of our training, experiences and historical beliefs. From our first days in either fire or EMS academies we are taught everything to become confident and competent firefighters and EMT’s. Yet, the greatest error is the lack of behavioral health. The instructing of horrific things you will see and how they might play out in your life for a lifetime. The stress, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, PTS and relationships that might go south leading to a high rate of divorce are all real issues we face yet never taught because it is a negative for our traditions! We are afraid to talk about it because we are taught not to.
When things are going rough for you then the greatest thing you can do for yourself is to listen. When people, who see us from a different point of view than ourselves, notice that something is different then maybe it is time to look at our lives by performing an Internal Size-Up. This means seek professional help, talk to a chaplain, peer support or just a friend.
We, in the fire and EMS service, must remember we are human beings first. We are performing to standards that the general public will never understand. We are seeing things the general public will never see. So listen to others because maybe they are seeing things in us we will never see!
Stay safe!
We thank Chief Dill for his words and his time.
So, what can we do? First, take the time to ask questions and offer help to a first responder who appears to be stressed, depressed or hurting. In one of his articles for California Casualty, Tim said if someone had really taken the time to press him, to ask him what he was feeling, he probably would have cracked and exposed his hurt.
Slowly, more and more resources are being created to help firefighters deal with the stress of the job. The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance is a great first-step, with information and links to support agencies. The National Volunteer Fire Council and the National Fire Protection Association also dedicate numerous resources to linking firefighters in crisis with agencies that can help. Some of those are:
- Emergency Ministries – providing chaplains for first-responder counseling and support, emergencychaplain.org
- Rosecrance Florian Program – offering substance abuse treatment and PTSD support for firefighters and paramedics, https://www.rosecrance.org/substance-abuse/florian-firefighter-treatment-center
- NVFC Fire/EMS Helpline, 1-888-731-FIRE
- North American Firefighters Veteran Network – 24 crisis line for addiction, anxiety, stress and more, firefighterveteran.com
- American Academy of Experts in Trauma Stress – collaborating with organizations to meet the needs of victims and survivors, https://www.aaets.org
- The Code Green Campaign – advocating for mental health awareness and educatio for first responders on how to provide care for themselves and their peers, https://codegreencampaign.org
- The Sweeny Alliance; Grieving Behind the Badge – committed to providing emergency responders and their families training programs, educational material and grief support related to post-traumatic stress and suicide prevention, https://grievingbehindthebadgeblog.net/
In 2004, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) invited fire organization leaders to a summit on preventing line-of-duty deaths. A document titled “16 Firefighter Life Safe Initiatives” was drawn up to promote health, safety and cultural changes in the firefighting community. Number 13 calls for better access to psychological support and counseling for firefighters and their families addressing the occupational stress they face, and to counter the growing incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases.
The goal of organizations like the NVFC, NFFF and the FBHN is to raise awareness of the problem and to find support for every firefighter and first-responder in need. But, if we don’t talk about the problem, we can’t solve it.
If you know a first responder, maybe someone you love, start the discussion. Ask them what they are feeling, how they are dealing with the stress of the job, and offer help. If you’re thinking there’s not a good time to bring up the subject, remember that this is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Too many good men and women, our protectors, are ending up as statistics in the battle against suicide.
Jeff Dill, Founder of Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance – NPO (FBHA)
FBHA was established in 2011 to educate firefighters and fire officers on suicide awareness and prevention. He travels the country discussing the data collected on the number of firefighters and EMS personnel who tragically have taken their lives. Through FBHA workshops, attendees are educated through role-play, discussion, and communication skills on how to recognize signs and symptoms of those in distress.
Jeff holds a Master’s Degree in counseling, and recently retired as a Captain from Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, Illinois. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, National Board of Certified Counselors, International Association of Fire Chiefs, and a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
Jeff also sits on numerous committees including the Florian Program, IAFF, National Volunteer Fire Council, NFPA, as well as a consultant for the Western Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Coalition.
Sources for this article:
https://www.everyonegoeshome.com/2015/09/09/new-suicide-study/
https://grievingbehindthebadgeblog.net/2015/08/23/addiction-suicide-firefighter-sweeney/
https://www.nfpa.org/newsandpublications/nfpa-journal/2014/may-june-2014/features/special-report-firefighter-behavioral-health
https://www.everyonegoeshome.com/16-initiatives/13-psychological-support/
https://www.firerecruit.com/articles/1260782-Quantifying-firefighter-suicides
https://www.firerescue1.com/health/videos/584520–Mental-health-and-firefighting/
https://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/most-stressful-jobs-2015
https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=Lisa+Ling+Videos-+Firefighter&fr=yfp-t-901-s#id=39&vid=6cff4bcc54de59233b0cc03a05d12cd6&action=view
