by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
If you’ve ever had your windshield hit by a rock, you know the sinking feeling of watching a crack appear—and grow.
Cracks happen and sometimes they’re unavoidable. But did you know that your windshield is at higher risk for cracks in the winter? It’s true. Knowing the causes of cracks will help you protect your windshield this season. If you do get a crack, we’ve included a guide on how to handle it, which can hopefully save you an expensive repair.
All About Your Windshield
Your windshield is a protective barrier between you and the road ahead. It also provides a clear line of sight. When your windshield cracks, it compromises your safety and can limit your visibility.
Windshields are made of laminated glass, which includes two layers of glass with a piece of plastic in the middle. The layers are fused together, making them stronger than ordinary glass. Even though windshield glass is strong, however, cracks still happen.
Tiny cracks can occur from everyday driving. Cracks happen when your windshield is hit by a rock or debris. The metal frame of your windshield expands and contracts in extreme temperatures. This causes stress on your glass which can crack it over time. Finally, our own human error can cause glass to crack, such as when we pour hot water over an icy windshield. A crack between the two layers of glass can trap moisture between the layers. This can weaken the structural integrity of your windshield and cause cracks down the road.
Types of Cracks
In most cases, cracks or chips smaller than the size of a quarter are able to be fixed. But you cannot let even a tiny crack alone. Don’t ignore these small cracks or chips; they can start out small and eventually get larger, past the point of repair, and cause you to need a total windshield replacement.
Not all cracks are the same, and it’s good to know what kind you have. The type of crack determines how you deal with it.
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- Basic crack – The simplest crack is a line that is not near the edge of the windshield. If the line is less than 1 inch long and doesn’t have other lines extending from it, it can be repaired.
- Floater – A crack that occurs away from the windshield edge is known as a floater. These can spread quickly.
- Edge crack – If the crack is near the edge of your windshield, chances are that the entire windshield needs to be replaced.
- Chip – If a small piece of glass is missing, you have a chip. A chip less than 1 inch in diameter, without any cracks coming from it, can be filled or repaired.
- Star – If your crack looks like a small chip with tiny cracks extending from it, you have a star crack. This type of crack could possibly be fixed but the repair may be visible.
- Bulls-eye – If your crack resembles a circular bulls-eye target, you have more extensive damage than it appears. This type of crack usually requires a full windshield replacement.
How to Avoid Cracks
Remove ice responsibly. In most places in the U.S., you’ll be dealing with icy windshields this winter. You need to clear the ice in order to drive. Glass can be brittle in cold temperatures, so you will want to avoid any sudden temperature changes.
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- Do not throw hot water on your windshield. Hot water will refreeze, and surprisingly, it does so faster than cold water. Don’t use room temperature water either. This will still be a temperature extreme from the icy conditions and can crack your windshield.
- Skip the vinegar and water mixture. Vinegar doesn’t work well when there is already ice there. It also is an acid that can eat into glass causing pits.
- Don’t use a propane torch, hair dryer, or cigarette lighter. These are extreme changes in temperature and can crack the glass.
- Do not use a knife or blade that will chip or scratch your glass.
- Don’t hit the ice. It doesn’t take a lot of impact to cause damage to the glass.
- Do not use keys, snow shovels, or spatulas. They can all leave scratches and grooves.
- Do warm your car up slowly. Use your car’s heater and defrost settings. Wait until your car is warm to turn your car’s defrosters on high.
- Do use a plastic ice scraper. Ice scrapers are among the must-carry items in your car in winter.
- Do use a liquid deicer if you would like.
Avoid flying debris. While rocks and debris can hit your windshield almost anywhere, you can take steps to keep your car away from this potential hazard.
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- Don’t drive over gravel roads, but if you must, keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Don’t follow construction vehicles too closely.
- Don’t drive in hailstorms if you can help it. The best strategy is to find covered parking while it’s hailing. If you must drive in a hailstorm, slow down to lessen the impact.
Park in protected places. Mother nature can be tough on our windshields. Keeping your vehicle in a place with a constant temperature and away from wind, winter storms, snowstorms, and extreme weather can help to protect the windshield.
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- Avoid exposing your windshield to extreme temperatures. If it’s going to be very cold, park your car inside if you can.
- You also can cover your car, which will help to protect your windshield wipers from freezing and cracking. You don’t want damaged wipers to scratch your windshield.
- If you can, park your car inside a garage during the winter months.
Periodically inspect your windshield. You may not even be aware of tiny cracks in your windshield. The sooner you catch them, the sooner you can address them.
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- It’s hard to notice cracks while you’re driving. Make it part of your winter routine to periodically inspect your windshield when you get in or out of your car.
- Keep the windshield glass clean. This will help you to notice small cracks and chips.
- A winter car wash can help, but don’t run your car through one if there are any windshield cracks.
- Replace your wiper blades before winter hits.
- Don’t drive around with a crack. The sooner you take care of it, the less expensive the repair will likely be.
What to Do if You Get a Crack
Drive carefully. Drive over bumps slowly. Don’t whip around corners or cause any vibrations that could make damage worse.
Guard against dirt and moisture. While you are waiting for the repair, keep the crack clean and dry. Dirt and moisture can make repairs more complicated. (Pro Tip: Even window washer fluid can stain the crack so use a drop or two of dishwashing soap on a damp cloth.)
You only have one chance to get it right. DIY options include inexpensive windshield repair kits.
Most kits aren’t high quality and won’t last long-term. Some folks have tried to seal the crack with household items like superglue or nail polish remover. Don’t even consider that. It will prevent you from getting a professional repair.
Contact an auto glass repair specialist. California Casualty works with Safelite on claims for cracked windshields. Many glass repair providers offer same-day service and can come to you. A technician can fix repairable cracks in a matter of minutes. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover the cost of fixing small chips and cracks in your windshield. Even without insurance, a windshield repair is much less than a replacement.
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 |
We love the spooky fun that Halloween brings. Yet sometimes the celebration can be scarier than we like. Mischief night vandalism, pumpkin fires, and even guests who had too much to drink can create frightening scenarios.
Fortunately, your insurance policy can cover many of these Halloween horrors. Read on to learn more, including how you can stay safe and protected this Halloween.
Vandalism or Theft
The night before Halloween brings out some mischief makers who may toilet paper your car or egg your house. Trampled lawns, broken lawn decorations, and shattered windows have also been known to occur before or on Halloween.
Are you covered?
Fortunately, vandalism and malicious mischief are covered perils in most homeowner and renter policies. The policy protects against losses caused by vandals or thieves. If it’s your car that is vandalized or stolen, however, your homeowner’s policy will not cover it. You have to have an auto policy with comprehensive (other than collision) insurance coverage.
What you need to know:
• Your homeowner’s or rental policy covers your home and other structures (such as a detached garage or gazebo) on an open-peril basis. That means it only lists the exclusions, the situations not covered. If it’s not listed, you are covered for it. Vandalism to your home is not excluded; therefore, it is covered.
• Personal property coverage is that part of your homeowner’s or renter’s policy that protects your possessions such as TV, furniture, and clothing. Personal property is covered on a named peril basis, not an open-peril one. With named perils, the policy lists the ones covered. Your policy will pay for 16 different named “perils.” In this case, vandalism is a covered peril. There are dollar limits for certain items such as money, jewelry, and firearms, so check with your insurer. For personal property coverage on a homeowner’s policy, you typically get 50 or 75% of Coverage A, the total amount of coverage for your home. Renters get to choose the amount of personal property coverage.
• For vehicles, comprehensive insurance covers vandalism and theft. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.
• You will have a choice in how you will be compensated in a home policy (not an auto policy.) You can select replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV). ACV is the amount the item is worth, minus depreciation for its age. It will cost a little more for a policy that provides replacement cost since that is higher than ACV. You will get reimbursed minus the amount you have chosen for your deductible, the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company pays a claim. That’s why all of these decisions when you set up a policy are so important.
What else you can do:
• Park your car in the garage.
• Post no trespassing signs or beware of dog signs.
• Keep your yard brightly lit to deter vandals
.• Set up a video alarm system.
• Form a neighborhood watch to look out for mischief makers.
Halloween is a common time for fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Crepe paper, cornstalks, and costumes are highly flammable. Bumping into a pumpkin with a lit candle could have devastating results. Fire damage to your home or car can be extensive and expensive.
Are you covered?
If a fire starts accidentally on your property, you are most likely covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If that fire affects your car, you are covered under your auto policy’s comprehensive insurance for damage or total loss.
What you need to know
• Depending upon the extent of the fire, your house may not be habitable. If that’s the case, you would be covered for any necessary increase in living expenses, such as lodging, food, and gas. Your policy’s living expense coverage will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out-of-pocket.
• If your car is damaged by fire, your comprehensive coverage pays for it. This is coverage that is required if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. Comprehensive covers natural disasters, fires, vandalism, theft, and animals that damage your vehicle. However, if your car was paid off, and you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you would be responsible for the full costs to repair your vehicle.
What else you could do
• Use battery-powered lights in your pumpkins rather than candles with open flames. There are some very realistic flickering flameless candles available.
• Make sure your electronic decorations meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety standards. This is an independent nonprofit organization that tests electrical components for potential hazards.
• Test smoke alarms before the holiday to make sure they are in good working order.
Dog or Cat Bites
Halloween can be a stressful time for pets. Doorbells, lots of strangers, and costumes could excite or frighten your dog. This might cause an otherwise friendly dog or cat to bite.
Are you covered?
You are covered under your homeowner’s or renter’s liability coverage. The policy pays for damages to the injured party. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring. The policy also provides a defense in court, if needed, for the policyholder. This is at the insurance company’s own expense.
What you need to know
• Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. It could be at your place or it could be anywhere in the world.
• If you need more coverage, talk to your insurance advisor about an umbrella policy, which will provide much greater coverage.
What else you could do
• Remove your fur baby from the Halloween chaos. If your dog is crate-trained, he may feel most comfortable there.
• Keep your pet inside the house and give out candy on the porch or at a table at the curb.
Injured Trick-or-Treater
Slips and falls could occur on your property. Other injuries may happen, too. When visitors to your home are hurt, you could be held accountable.
Are you covered?
Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy includes liability coverage. This can be used to cover medical bills when someone is injured on your property. It can also cover legal expenses if they decide to sue you.
What you need to know
• Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured and you’re legally liable. You want to make sure you have enough coverage to protect your assets – a minimum amount is $100,000. Higher limits are strongly recommended and may be increased for a nominal fee.
• Bodily injury or property damage that results from a business in your home is not covered by your policy. You could however purchase an endorsement for your business to get that coverage.
What else you could do
• Make sure your property is well lit.
• Make sure paths to your house are clear.
• Be aware that trick-or-treaters may travel across your lawn. You do not want them tripping over tombstones or other decorations.
Alcoholic Incidents
Just as in the case of a trick-or-treater who slips and falls, an intoxicated guest who injures himself at your party could hold you liable.
Are you covered?
Again, your liability coverage will cover medical bills and legal expenses. Your policy also provides a coverage called “Medical Payments to Others.” The policy includes $1,000 but, for an additional premium, it can be increased to $3,000 or $5,000. This coverage will pay the necessary medical expenses to a person at the insured’s home with the permission of the insured. The insured doesn’t have to be liable for this coverage to pay out.
What you need to know
• Some states follow a “social host liability” law. If you host a party, and one of your drunken guests leaves and causes harm to someone else, you could be liable.
• You may be able to purchase social host liquor liability insurance. This is a short-term policy to cover a party where you are serving alcohol.
What else you could do
• Plan ahead for guests to stay at your place or arrange a safe ride home for them.
• Do not serve underage party guests. You could face fines and even criminal charges.
• Hire a professional bartender. They typically carry their own liability insurance.
• Stop serving alcohol at a designated time.
Finally, an annual review of your homeowner’s policy and your auto policy will ensure you are fully covered in any situation.
Happy Halloween!
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 |
It’s never a good sign when our cars start to screech, thump, or grind…However, while we may not be excited to hear these sounds, paying attention to them can help us take care of the problem before it gets worse- keeping us safer and maybe even saving us some money.
We compiled a list of common car noises and what they could mean. Read on to find out what your car is trying to tell you.
Banging
A loud bang Like a firecracker could mean that your vehicle’s fuel is burning at the wrong time. It could be that the fuel-to-air ratio has more fuel than it should or there’s an issue with the spark plugs. While this is not an emergency, over time it could damage your exhaust system, so get it checked out.
Clicking
If you hear clicking sounds as you turn the steering wheel, it could be from your CV (Constant Velocity) joint. The CV needs grease or it becomes dry. You may just need to replenish the grease, or you might have to replace the shaft boot if it’s torn and leaking grease. If the damage is extensive, you may have to replace the whole CV joint.
Growling or Grating
A low growl or grating sound when you step on the brakes could mean your brake pads have worn away. Brake pads push against metal rotors or drums. When they’re worn away, they can start to damage other parts and become a costly repair. You’ll want to take care of this as soon as possible.
Hissing
A hissing sound could indicate a fluid leak such as radiator coolant leaking onto the engine. If hissing occurs when you speed up, it could be a vacuum leak from a small hose around the engine’s air intake. You’ll need to replace the hoses or other components that are leaking.
Humming
If you hear a low drone or humming sound that increases in volume when accelerating, check your tires. Their tread could be worn-out or wearing unevenly. The wheel bearing in your tires also may be damaged, which is a serious issue. Your tires also may need an alignment and some air. Have tires and bearings checked and, if needed, replaced as soon as possible.
Knocking or Pinging
A knocking or pinging sound under your hood that increases as you accelerate can occur when fuel in your engine detonates at incorrect times. Sometimes this is the result of using fuel with too low an octane level. Other times, it is more serious. There may be a worn crankshaft bearing or a piston that needs replacing. Address this sooner rather than later.
Rattling
Rattling, vibrating, or squeaking sounds when you drive over a speed bump or pothole could indicate a problem with your suspension. There could be bad bushings, the cushions that help absorb road bumps. Try performing a bounce test. Step outside the car and press down firmly on the front corner. If you hear the sound, you will want to get it checked out. If your car is rattling when the car is idling, it could mean a damaged heat shield in your exhaust system. Check that out, too, to make sure everything stays cool when you’re operating your vehicle.
Roaring
Your car’s muffler is designed to muffle the roaring sound made by your engine. However, if there’s a crack in the exhaust system, the gases that cause the roar can escape before they reach the muffler. Deadly carbon monoxide gas can even leak into the cabin. A missing catalytic converter also can cause this sound. Get this sound addressed right away.
Pro Tip: Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem and they are expensive to replace. Consider getting your VIN number stamped on the catalytic converter or installing an anti-theft device.
Rumbling
A low-pitched engine rumble with vibrations can indicate an exhaust leak in a gasket, flex pipe, resonator or muffler. A dirty fuel injector could cause a rumbling sound. (Try adding a fuel injector cleaner to your gas tank). A dirty air filter could be another cause, so try replacing that part. Your oxygen sensor could be creating the wrong mix of fuel and oxygen. Finally, the sound could be caused by worn spark plugs that fire inconsistently.
Scraping
A rock or other debris stuck in your brake rotor could cause a scraping sound and cause damage over time. Get that removed before it becomes a problem.
Squeaking or Squealing
Squeaking or squealing could be caused by a number of things. If the sound happens when you brake, you may have worn brake pads, improperly cut brake rotors, or glazed brake pads that get too hot. You also may have broken anti-rattle clips or incorrectly installed insulation shims. If you hear loud squealing after you start your car, but then the sound gradually fades, it may be a serpentine belt that is failing. If you hear the squeal when you turn on the air conditioning, it may need a serpentine belt adjustment or replacement. Squeaking or whining when turning the steering wheel could be a power steering issue. There may be air in the fluid and adding more fluid could help. However, if you hear a high-pitch whine when you make a turn, the pump could be damaged. Get these sounds checked out for your safety.
Thumping
When you brake and hear a thumping sound, that means potential damage. A thumping in the rear could be rear brake drums and thumping in the front could be rotor damage. Rotor damage can be caused by a car not being used, and just sitting outside and rusting.
Washing Machine Sound
If your car sounds like a washing machine on the high-spin cycle with loose change inside, pull over as soon as safely possible. This likely means a loose lug nut is inside your hubcap. When that happens, the tire could fall off or you could have a blowout. Pull over as soon as you safely can. Jack up the car and use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts. Fill the tire if the pressure is low or swap it out for the spare tire. Call roadside assistance if needed.
Whirring
If your car whirs like a helicopter and gets louder as you travel faster, it’s most likely a worn-out wheel bearing. You can check this while driving. Turn the wheel to the left and then to the right and see if the noise disappears briefly. Wheel bearings should be replaced as soon as possible.
Figuring It Out
If you are able to do so safely, record the sound your car is making using your phone or other device. Then play it for your mechanic. This will help to pinpoint the exact sound you are hearing.
Finally, if your noise isn’t listed here, or you’re not sure about what sound you hear, it’s always a good idea to consult a trusted mechanic. This will help to find any problems and fix them before they become expensive issues.
Paying attention to your car’s dashboard lights and sounds will help you keep it well-maintained. Protect your vehicle with the right insurance and keep up with auto recalls 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 | Homeowners Insurance Info |
It takes just about 30 seconds for a small fire to turn into a major blaze. That same fire can destroy your home in minutes. Spending some time to fireproof your home, inside and out, can help to protect it. Fireproofing can also buy you precious time if you need to escape your home and get to safety.
Whether it’s a fire that accidentally started in your home or a wildfire in your area that could affect you, the following guide lists ways to reduce the risks.
Inside Your Home
The kitchen is a common place for fires to start while we’re cooking.
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- Clean the grease and oil on your stovetop and around your stove. These oil deposits are fuel for a fire.
- Avoid storing things above or around the stove that can catch fire, such as pot holders, paper towels, and wooden spoons. Make sure flammable cleaning chemicals are stored safely away, too.
- Stay in the kitchen when you’re cooking. Don’t leave your home with the oven on.
- If a fire occurs in the kitchen, cover the flames and remove it from the heat. Don’t douse it with water. That can cause an explosion of oil. See our blog for tips on how to prevent and handle cooking fires.
Electrical outlets can only handle a certain amount of power. Overloading them can lead to a fire.
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- Don’t overload outlets. Limit the use of extension cords. Don’t plug too many appliances into one outlet.
- Unplug appliances (coffee maker, toaster) when not in use.
- Plug large appliances directly into wall outlets, not into extension cords.
- If you’re constantly tripping the breaker or blowing a fuse, you’re either overloading your outlets or you may have something wrong with your electrical system. Get it checked out.
Space heaters can sometimes spark a fire. Position them carefully.
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- Place your space heater on a hard non-flammable and level surface.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
- Avoid putting heater cords where they can be pinched by furniture, under rugs, or carpets.
- Turn off the heater and unplug it when you leave the room or go to bed.
Pro Tip: Choose a space heater with an automatic shutoff safety switch if it is overheated or tipped over.
Dryers are filled with dust, fibers, and lint that is fuel for fires.
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- Clean the lint filter in your dryer before each use.
- Check the air vent pipe at least once a year and remove built-up lint.
- Clothes stained with chemicals or cooking oil should not be put into a hot dryer, even after a wash cycle. Use the lowest setting.
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are your best defense in the event of a fire.
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- Install a smoke detector in each bedroom and in areas outside bedrooms. Make sure there is at least one on every floor.
- Test batteries every month. Change batteries twice a year. Replace smoke alarms at least every 10 years.
- Get a fire extinguisher and keep it in an easily accessible location. Make sure it is an ABC-rated extinguisher that is good for fires involving combustible materials, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.
If you’re planning a home improvement project, consider fire doors and fire-resistant flooring.
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- Fire doors can hold flames and smoke back, giving you time to escape.
- Synthetic and wool carpets spread fire. Fire-resistant carpets slow down the spread.
- You can also treat your carpet with flame retardants.
Outside Your Home
Depending upon the material, roofs and siding can catch fire. Chimneys also can ignite.
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- You may not have a choice in the material of your roof. But if you do, choose fireproof options such as tile, metal, or concrete.
- Similarly, choose materials like stucco or stone for siding. If you must use wood, paint it with a fire-resistant coating.
- Embers can enter through openings. Cover soffit vents and gable end vents with 1/8-inch wire mesh.
- If you have a chimney, get it professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. The buildup that sticks to the inner walls is flammable.
Clogged gutters filled with leaves, branches, and other debris are flammable.
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- Clean your gutters regularly and consider gutter guards to keep debris out.
- Choose metal gutters rather than vinyl ones that can melt during a fire.
Windows can break when exposed to extreme heat.
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- Install dual pane window glass, which is thicker and can last longer than traditional glass in a fire. These windows are also energy-efficient and can save you money.
- Windows are usually framed in wood, which can be a way for fire to enter your home. Instead, frame windows in metal.
- Replace nylon window screens, which may melt, with metal screens.
- Consider nonflammable shutters, which are similar to hurricane shutters.
When doing home improvement projects, choose materials that are fire-retardant.
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- Replace wood decks with tile, concrete, brick, or stone.
- Use fire-resistant materials, when possible, with your projects. Examples include gypsum boards, perlite boards, calcium or sodium silicates, treated fibers (cotton, hemp, flax), treated lumber, brick, concrete, and cement.
Fire prevention starts in the yard. Create a border around your home that is fireproof.
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- Get rid of flammable vegetation and replace it if desired with fire-resistant plants. Examples include California lilac, ornamental strawberry, French lavender, California Fuchsia. These plants are high in moisture content.
- Similarly, plant fire-resistant trees such as cherry, birch, and poplar.
- Replace mulch with gravel. Mulch is highly flammable while gravel is not.
- Consider paving with stone or concrete to create an additional barrier.
Trees could fall and carry the fire danger right to your home.
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- Trim trees near your house so that fiery branches will have fewer chances to drop on your roof.
- Downed power lines are electrical fire hazards. If your trees are growing between the power lines, report them to your power company, which may come and trim them for you.
Water can be effective in slowing down a fire.
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- Invest in fire sprinklers which release water when they detect fire. (These are also available for the interior of the home.)
- Wet down your deck, bushes, and grass if you are anticipating a wildfire danger.
Make sure you have home insurance that protects against damage caused by accidental fires and wildfires. The right insurance provides peace of mind in the event of a fire.
If you’d like to learn more, see our blog about fire zones and what they mean for your home.
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 | Educators |
Students learn best when they feel safe, comfortable, and valued. But for students who are being bullied, that’s not the case. Bullying is distracting and anxiety-producing. It affects student self-esteem. It creates an unstable environment for the whole class.
As a teacher, you work hard to create that safe space to learn. Here are some strategies that you can incorporate into your teaching and into your classroom to help keep it that way, and prevent bullying before it starts.
Talk with students about bullying.
Most students know the term “bullying,” but the definition can be confusing. Is name-calling considered bullying? How about gossip? Teach your students that bullying involves words or actions that hurt others intentionally, and that often are repeated. Read and review examples of bullying. Teach kids safe ways they can stand up for others or share that they are being bullied. Your school’s guidance counselor can be a great resource and may even teach the lessons.
Pro tip: Assign a creative writing piece about bullying, such as a poem speaking out against it or a story or skit teaching others to help. Assign an art project about bullying. Display the posters around the classroom and school.
Watch for gateway behaviors.
Behaviors that exclude another student or defy authority are often the actions that can escalate into bullying. These include eye-rolling, staring at others for extended periods, teasing or name-calling, and sarcasm. Laughing when students get hurt or encouraging others to laugh also are concerning behaviors. Finally, excluding or ignoring classmates, refusing to work with certain students, and ignoring teacher or staff instructions are actions that can lead to bullying if not addressed. Make sure that students know that these behaviors are unacceptable in your classroom.
Look out for cliques.
You work hard to foster a sense of community in your classroom. Cliques can undo your good work, and isolate students. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on them. Rotating seating can help. Use teacher-selected groups so that students get a chance to work with everyone. Remember that students don’t learn to be inclusive on their own, so you will need to teach them.
Look for silent signs of bullying.
When a student is being bullied, there may be subtle shifts in behavior. You may notice changes in the child’s schoolwork or class participation. You may observe signs of anxiety or depression. Maybe there are injuries, torn clothing, or damaged property. If you see any red flags, take the time to talk one-on-one with the student. Determine if there is a potential bullying situation, and then take appropriate action.
Listen to students.
Take every student complaint seriously. You may be the first, and only, trusted adult to be told this information. Don’t take the chance that it’s nothing. Intervene thoughtfully with both the victim and the bully separately. Remember that the bully needs guidance too. Know your students’ personalities. What may be a joke to one student could be humiliating to another.
Pro Tip: Create safe and confidential ways that students can report bullying.
Be visible and close by.
You can’t be everywhere all the time, but when you are working, you can put yourself in places to observe potential bullying situations. Stand outside the class in the hallway during class changes. Walk by the bathroom during high-use times, or by out-of-the-way corners, when your schedule allows. Sometimes the presence of an authority figure can help prevent poor behavior.
If you see bullying, intervene right away.
Avoid thinking that “kids will be kids.” That’s not an acceptable reason for bullying. When you see concerning behavior, stop the interaction. Remember that bullying is not the same as conflict. It is an unbalanced situation. Talk to those involved privately and separately. Follow your school’s protocol for bullying. Re-establish your classroom as a safe space. Keep an eye on those involved to help prevent future situations.
Be aware of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying can happen outside the classroom and affect what happens in the classroom. Teach students how to protect themselves from cyberbullying. Tell them not to share their passwords. They also should not post anything online that would hurt someone or even share it privately with a friend (as that can be shared with all). Tell students to talk to a trusted adult about any messages that make them feel sad or scared.
Many schools have zero-tolerance policies on bullying with severe consequences such as suspension and expulsion. That can make staff and students less likely to report bullying behavior. Talk with your administration about any concerns you may have, and keep lines of communication open with students, parents, and staff. You can be a caring role model in creating safe spaces for all to learn, grow and find their full potential.
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.
