by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info, Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety |
There’s a reason why a tornado strikes immediate fear for those in its path. These violent storms can flip cars, uproot trees, and destroy entire properties. Their powerful winds can even lift objects hundreds of feet off the ground and leave complete devastation in their wake.
Here’s what you need to know to keep your home, your vehicle, and your family safe from tornadoes and high winds.
What is a tornado?
A tornado is a spinning, funnel-shaped cloud usually formed as part of a thunderstorm. Tornadoes can be over a mile wide and as much as 50 miles long. Their narrow funnel shape extends from sky to ground with winds that can reach speeds up to 300 mph. (To put that in context, the average car can be moved by a 90-mph wind.)
While certain regions of the country have been dubbed “Tornado Alley,” it’s not true that tornadoes are prone to occur in those places. Tornadoes can occur anywhere and anytime and have been reported in all 50 states.
How do we predict tornadoes?
Tornados, and their paths, are notoriously difficult to predict. Even meteorologists who study the weather don’t know for sure how they form. However, the National Weather Service is able to track conditions that can contribute to tornadoes—and issue tornado watches and warnings as needed.
A tornado watch means to prepare for severe weather. A tornado warning means that a funnel cloud has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.
What are the warning signs of a tornado?
By the time you see warning signs, that means a tornado is well on its way. You’ll need to act fast. Here are just some signs to look for:
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- Large hail without rain
- Dark or greenish sky
- An approaching cloud of debris
- A loud roar like that of a freight train
- How do you prepare for a tornado?
You can take the steps to protect your home, your car, and your family right now.
1. Sign up for severe weather alerts. You can get critical and timely information from local media broadcasts and the emergency alert system on your TV or desktop and mobile devices. In addition, your local utility company, township, city, or state may offer free alerts. Check with your electric or gas company, and with city hall or municipal government.
2. Develop a family disaster plan. Your plan of action will identify where you and your family will shelter in place, and what to do if you get separated. It also will address any special needs of family members and your pets.
3. If there is not a safe space in your home to wait out a tornado, research local public shelters. For example, if you live in a mobile home, tornadoes can easily turn over mobile homes. Plan to go to a public shelter.
4. Gather emergency supplies in case you need to shelter in place. Keep them together in an easily accessible place. Include water, nonperishable food, and medication. Pack a first aid kit.
5. If there is a tornado watch, store items like outdoor furnishings that could become flying debris. Make sure cars are parked well away from trees.
How do you stay safe during a tornado?
If you’re home…
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- Go immediately to a safe place such as a basement, storm cellar, center hall, or small interior room in your home. Choose the lowest floor possible and avoid windows. Also, avoid places where heavy items like refrigerators may be directly above you. If a tornado strikes, it could come crashing down.
- For added protection, get under a table. Cover yourself with thick padding such as blankets or even a mattress. This will help in case the ceiling falls in.
- If the power goes out, use flashlights rather than candles if you need a light. An open flame can create a fire hazard if gas lines are damaged by severe weather.
- Have a weather radio or your phone tuned into local weather. Tornadoes can be accompanied by flooding. Know when the tornado is gone and it is safe to emerge.
If you’re driving…
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- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car. Pull over.
- Tune into your local weather radio station, or if you are traveling, call the weather emergency number listed on the signs along the highway.
- Park in a low, flat location. Avoid bridges or overpasses.
- If you can, leave your car and get to safety inside a sturdy building.
- If you cannot find adequate shelter, then stay in your car with your seat belt buckled. Put your head down below the windows. Cover your body with a coat or blanket and your head with your arms.
What do you do after a tornado?
Once it is safe to venture out, it’s time to inspect the damage. Wait until daylight and make sure to look around safely. Stay clear of fallen power lines. Stay out of damaged buildings. Make a plan to clear away debris and downed trees from your yard.
If your home, car, or property suffered damage from the tornado, you will want to take the following steps:
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- Secure your property from further damage.
- Take photos to document what has happened.
- Alert your insurance company, determine if you are covered for the damage, and file a claim.
You have home and car insurance for a reason. Put it to work if you need it. Make sure you and your family are fully protected in the event of a tornado, and any damage that follows, such as flooding. Call a California Casualty agent today at 1.866.704.8614 or visit our website www.calcas.com.
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 |
You’re ready for a new car—or a new used one. But starting your car search at the dealership puts you at a serious disadvantage. Before you start the process to make such a significant purchase, do your due diligence.
Here’s what you need to do before you look for your next car.
1. Know what you want.
Chances are you already know what you’d love in a new (or new to you) car. You also know what you need. Separate those into two columns: the list of essentials and the list of “nice-to-have” features. Do you drive long distances? You need a car with good gas mileage. Do you have a family of 7? You need enough seating. Do you drive in the snow? All-wheel drive could be a necessity. Do you have the latest smartphone? Bluetooth could be important to you. Knowing what you want in a car is the first step in your car buying journey. Knowing what you need gives you a baseline for your search.
2. Know what you can afford.
A car out of your price range is the wrong car, no matter how many boxes it checks. You need to be able to afford not only the cost of the car but the cost beyond the sticker price. This includes car insurance, registration, taxes, and fees, as well as gas and regular maintenance. Take some time and do a budget on what you can comfortably afford to spend monthly on a car. A good guideline is to spend no more than 20% of your net monthly income. Importantly, keep this number in mind, but keep it to yourself. A car salesman can tempt you with payments stretched out over a longer-term in order to meet your monthly number, but you’ll end up paying more over time.
3. Used or new?
There are pros and cons of buying a new versus a used car. A new car offers the latest technology, including safety features. It’s also under warranty, so if something goes wrong, it’s covered. However, new cars quickly depreciate in value. Used cars depreciate more slowly and are less expensive to start. With a used car, you’ll likely to get outdated technology and less fuel efficiency. There also is the potential for costly maintenance and repairs. If you’re buying a used car, look into pre-certified used options which will come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
4. Buy vs. lease?
Owning your vehicle is the goal for most people; after all, you have something to show for your payments over time. However, leasing can be the right option in some circumstances. A lease is a rental agreement where you pay for use of the car for a specific period of time and then return it or have the option to purchase it. Leasing allows you to drive a car under factory warranty and have the newest technology every few years. It also comes with a lower monthly payment. However, there are mileage restrictions with leases and fees if you end the agreement early. You also don’t have a car to show for it at the end of the leasing period. Buying not only ensures you have a car, but it also allows you to resell it. Plus, after finishing the financing obligation, you’ll be in the coveted spot of having no car payment—at least for a while.
5. Find your current car’s trade-in value.
If you’re going to be trading in your car, knowing its worth will put you in a stronger bargaining position. Check the Kelley Blue Book. Type in your car’s year, make, mileage, and get an estimate of your car’s worth in your region. Use this amount in your negotiations with dealerships and private parties when you trade-in your car as part of the sale.
6. Find potential new and used cars.
There are only so many makes and models in your price range that will fit your needs and wants list. Preview the list before buying so you can start to narrow down your top choices. Read expert reviews, recalls, and road tests. Check out articles like popular cars for parents or if you know your teenager will also be spending time behind the wheel, best cars for teens. Look for used cars within your budget on sites like J.D. Power, Carvana, or CarMax. Note that while you can buy a used car online, you can only buy a new car at a dealership. In the U.S., dealers have the exclusive right to sell them.
7. Think about the best time to buy a car.
You may need a car now. But if you have the luxury of time, you may be able to wait for special pricing, rebates, or promotions—including student or veteran discounts. If you’re not in a hurry, a good time to buy a car is generally between October and December. That’s when dealerships need to make space for new models. They also have year-end quotas to meet. No matter what time of the year, avoid weekends when dealerships are most busy. A weekday will give you more attention and more time to negotiate.
8. Know your financing options.
You may have enough saved to buy your car outright. If not, you have two choices for financing it: direct lending and dealership financing. Independent lenders like your bank may offer a lower interest rate. Dealers however could offer incentives like 0 percent financing. (You may need to qualify with a good credit score.) To put yourself in the strongest possible position to bargain, get preapproved for a car loan. Then, dealerships will treat you as a cash customer rather than a monthly payer.
9. Check your credit score.
Your credit score could determine the interest rate on your loan. Check your score so there are no surprises. You can get a free credit report from each of three nationwide credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
10. Research dealerships.
Just as you will research your car, you’ll also want to learn about the places where you might buy it. Read dealership reviews to get a sense of how happy customers are. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Identify a few dealerships in your region, not just one. That way you can compare prices and experiences.
11. Organize your paperwork.
When you’re ready to buy a car, you’ll need your driver’s license, payment method, and proof of insurance. If you’re financing through a dealership, you’ll also need proof of income and employment. Make sure these papers are in order and ready to go when you need them.
12. Call your insurance company,
When you buy your new car, your dealership often calls your insurance company during the purchase process. That doesn’t give you time to consider the rates for the make and model that you’ve chosen. Give your agent a call ahead of time. Get a cost quote. That way, there will be no surprises when you’re ready to buy.
Happy searching!
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 |
Have you spent years dreaming about a home makeover? Or find yourself sitting on social media watching others DIY thinking ‘why can’t I do that?’ You CAN! Believe it or not, you don’t have to be a design expert to create a cozy corner, a relaxing vibe, or a stylish space in your home. Here are some quick and easy DIY room makeovers for your home that you can do this spring to give your space a nice little refreshing update- on a budget.
Bedroom
– Choose a color scheme. Pick two main colors and use them to choose varying textures and patterns which will add visual interest. This will help tie together the look of your room, whether it’s a bedroom or other room in your home. Best colors for bedrooms are cool, relaxing tones. Think shades of blue and muted greens.
– Showcase your headboard. The bed is the focal point in your room. Give it a little drama with the right headboard. For an easy fix, use a curtain behind your bed as the headboard. Make your own fabric headboard with material that matches your color scheme.
– Remember the fifth wall. Who said ceilings need to be white? In bedrooms, we spend our share of the time staring at the ceiling. Paint the ceiling a color, and see how it transforms the space.
– Hang drapes from floor to ceiling. Go a few inches above your window to add height, and have the drapes go down to the floor for an elegant feel.
– Get fancy with hardware: Chances are that your nightstands and dressers have traditional knobs. Change them out for tassel hardware or other fancy options.
Living Room
– Create a gallery wall. Choose the photos that represent wonderful moments in your life, and images of the people who are most important to you. For a cohesive look, choose the same color frames. Make it a statement wall by painting it a color that’s different from the other three walls.
– Include a hobby piece. Do you love to travel? Perhaps you play guitar. See if you can incorporate some of your favorite past times in the décor. A surfboard shelf, framed albums, a world map, or a guitar hung on your wall not only is a decoration, but a reminder of your happy place.
– Wallpaper a wall. Removable wallpaper lets us change our style without the long-term commitment. Choose a vibrant pattern in your color scheme for one focus wall. The wallpaper becomes the art and sets the tone for the space.
– Add wainscoting to your wall. This decorative trim transforms a room with its elegant accent pieces. You can even use the trim as a guide and paint the wall different colors above and below.
– Conceal the clutter. Use baskets or decorative boxes to store magazines, electronics, and loose items that you use regularly. Place them on a bookshelf to keep them out of the way.
– Add an area rug. It doesn’t matter if you have a carpet already in your living room. You can still add an area rug on top. Choose a pattern in your color scheme and it becomes artwork for your floor.
Kitchen
– Add a backsplash. It creates a beautiful focal point behind the stove and in other places above the counters. There are so many options available, from glass mosaics to tile to peel-and-stick. You can find online tutorials on how to install a backsplash from the major retailers and home improvement sites.
– Upscale your knobs and handles. Give your drawers and your cabinets a fresh look by changing out the knobs and handles. It’s a lot easier than painting cabinets, though you can do that, too.
– Install a pot rack on your wall. It’s an easy way to display your cookware while freeing space in your cabinets for other utensils.
– Add under cabinet lighting. You don’t need to be an electrician to install this type of lighting, which is self-adhesive and comes in strips that can be trimmed to fit your space. It plugs into a standard outlet and some models come with dimmer switches.
Bathroom
– Upgrade that mirror. You don’t have to spend a fortune to switch out your plain bathroom mirror for one that will be a focal piece. You can add your own frame. You can also reimagine the space with a find from the local thrift shop. Don’t hesitate to add paint for that special look.
– Paint your bathroom vanity. A little paint can transform an old vanity into a beautiful piece. Switch out the knobs and drawer hardware for an even newer look.
– Change out your towel rack. You can find many towel racks at your local home improvement store. If you have the time, consider making your own to highlight your own personal style.
Not sure where to start?
– Create a mood board. Collect images of items that you like. You can do this on Pinterest or on a PowerPoint or Word document. You can even do it old school and paste the pictures on a board.
– Find your color scheme in a favorite piece of art. See if those colors will work for your room, and of course, make sure that the art piece is part of the décor.
– Move furniture around. Take out a piece of furniture. See what works and what doesn’t for your space.
For more spring DIY décor inspo, check out our Pinterest Board- Staycation DIYs! Be sure to follow us for every new DIY we discover.
Happy decorating! 🙂
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 |
No matter the situation, it’s stressful to be in a car crash. It’s even more nerve-wracking if the other driver refuses to stop. In a hit-and-run, you’re left all alone with all of the damage—and if you can’t find the other driver—the cost.
A hit-and-run is defined as a collision where at least one driver leaves the scene without sharing information or offering help. In most states, this is against the law, but it happens more often than you think- every 43 seconds someone is the victim of a hit-and-run. If there’s damage to your car, a hit-and-run could be a misdemeanor but if there’s also injury, it could be a felony.
So what do you do if a hit-and-run happens to you?
Step #1: Safety comes first. Check for injuries and that you’re in a safe location.
If you’re hurt and need immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. If your car is in a dangerous location, and could be hit again, move it out of harm’s way.
Step #2: Look for a witness.
Look for a witness. If witnesses are nearby, ask if they’d make a statement. Take their contact information to share with police. (This is good advice for any type of accident.)
Step #3: Write down as much information as you can. Take photos.
Take a moment and write down what you remember about the accident, including the most important thing—the license plate number if you saw it. That will help the police to locate the vehicle. Also include information about the other car, such as the vehicle’s make and model, color, and direction of travel. If you saw who was driving, include a description of that person. Then, take photos of the damage to your car and the place where the accident occurred.
Step #4: Stay where you are and call the police.
In some states, it’s legally required to call the police. You’ll want to do so even if it’s not and even if the damage wasn’t serious. The police need to get out there immediately to make a report from the scene of the accident so that they can help to track down the other driver. In addition, your insurance provider will likely ask for a copy of the police report. Police reports document any physical evidence such as tire marks as well as any witness statements.
Step #5: Call your auto insurer.
Let your insurer know about the accident and file a claim. Calling your insurance company will allow you to find out coverages available, limits, and deductibles. If you don’t have a body shop, they can often refer you to one in your area. At California Casualty, we call these “GRN’s” – Guaranteed Repair Network. These approved independent facilities meet the company’s strict customer service and quality standards. Your insurer will let you know about the repair process and will share information on whether your policy covers a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Step #6: If you need a tow, call roadside assistance.
If your car is damaged to the point where it cannot be driven, have it towed to your body shop.
Know your towing limits. Some coverage will take your car to the nearest place of repair. You may have to pay out-of-pocket if you to tow your car further. Finally, before any work can be done to repair your car, you will want to verify the process with your insurance company.
Who pays for repairs from a hit-and-run?
If you’re able to locate the other driver and he/she is insured, you will be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. If that’s not the case, you have a couple of options. These vary by state and are also determined by how your insurance company handles hit-and-run accidents.
Collision Coverage
Your collision insurance kicks in if you don’t have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. If your car is totaled, collision coverage offers either “actual cash value” for your vehicle or the amount necessary to repair or replace the vehicle with another of similar kind and quality—subject to the deductible. There are certain cases where the deductible could be waived; check with your insurer. Collision applies both to accidents with other drivers and collisions with objects such as a fence or mailbox. It also covers vehicle rollovers. Unlike liability insurance, collision coverage is not usually required—unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have, especially in the event of a hit-and-run.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage
One reason that a driver might run from the scene of an accident is if he or she does not have car insurance. If that’s the case, even if the police identify the driver, you cannot file a claim with his/her insurance company. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage, you can use that to pay for repairs. These are optional coverages in the majority of states. In some states, you are not allowed to carry collision and UMPD at the same time. Also, sometimes UMPD has a policy maximum, or cap on the amount it will pay. If you have UMPD/UIMPD, and it isn’t enough to cover the total cost of your car, your own collision coverage will help.
Having the right coverage is important for protecting your vehicle and keeping you from having to pay thousands in the event of an accident that is not your fault. Schedule an annual review with your insurer to make sure you are fully protected. Then, stay on top of your coverage by managing your account online.
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 |
This article is written by former New Jersey first grade teacher, Felicia Niven.
If you’ve ever played music in your classroom, you know it can transform the mood in a minute. Music is the language everyone speaks- even kids. We instinctively react energetically to lively tunes, and relax when soothing classical is played. In fact, music is a powerful tool in classroom management as well as learning.
How can you implement using relaxing music to improve student behavior and engagement in your classroom? Read on.
Studies show that music has real physical effects.
It’s no coincidence that music affects our mood. Studies have shown that music stimulates endorphins and improves our sense of wellbeing. It lowers our heart rate and reduces stress and anxiety. In one study, students who regularly listened to a half-hour of quiet morning music got less upset than their peers. Another study found that background music helped students stay on task, self-monitor their behavior, and improve their motivation.
Music helps in learning.
Music promotes brain plasticity, the ability of our brains to change and adapt to new things.
It stimulates both the left and right sides of the brain. The left side is more verbal and analytical. It responds to the sequence of sounds organized in a pattern. The right side is more emotional. It taps into feelings, visualization, and imagination. Using music as part of your lessons, or transitions between, adds another layer to learning for your students.
Ways to Use Music in Your Classroom
Incorporating music will take a bit of a learning curve if you haven’t done it already. Remember to listen to any tracks before you use them so there are no surprises. Determine how you’re playing the music (e.g. Smartboard, CD player, computer, iPad). You’ll want to practice with your students in the same way that you teach them beginning-of-the-year routines so they know what is expected. Trust us, the benefits will be worth the effort.
Here are some tried and tested ways that teachers are using music in the classroom.
1. Set the tone at the start of the day.
Imagine entering a room filled with relaxing background music. It automatically sets the tone for quiet voices and the behavior expected. Play music as you’re setting up for the day and keep it on as students come in. Turn it off when it’s time for the pledge of allegiance and the official start to the day.
2. Schedule a meditation moment.
Give your students a different kind of brain break—a guided meditation to music. It’s one way to keep mindfulness in the classroom, and it helps students calm themselves and focus.
3. Use music for transitions.
Transitions can be tough, especially for students who don’t have a clear concept of time. Choose a short piece of music to signal transitions. Teach students to put away their things or clean up by the time the song ends. While not necessarily relaxing music, TV theme shows are often a good length for transition pieces.
4. Make it memorable.
Memorizing a long list of facts, from state capitals to multiplication tables can be grueling. Put it to a familiar tune and you’d be surprised at how much fun students can have. This works for grammar and vocabulary, and dates in history, too. Add some period music and explore the context of historical songs for an immersive classroom experience.
5. Foster cultural connections.
Music is a wonderful way to connect to different cultures. Find and play the heritage songs from your students’ unique backgrounds. Add a cultural connection to your lessons or transitions with music and open up your students’ world.
6. Calm students after lunch/recess.
Calming music helps students wind down quickly after high-excitement activities. It immediately captures their attention, reminding them that the classroom is a quieter place. Plus, music is a nice alternative to raising your voice.
7. Have students “free write” to classical music.
Help students to explore their creative side by tapping into the thoughts that classical music inspires. Not only are they listening, but they are processing and reflecting on what they are hearing.
8. Incorporate brain breaks with music with movement.
Have students create lyrical movements inspired by music. Invite students to dance for a brain break. Have students take turns creating simple movements to the beat, such as clapping, snapping, and tapping. Wind down with relaxing music that segues into the learning activity.
Where to Find Relaxing Classroom Music
The good news is that you don’t need a big budget to incorporate music in your classroom. With a little time, you can find plenty of free options as well as subscriptions.
Amazon Music Unlimited offers plenty of instrumental tracks. This subscription service lets you try it for free for 30 days.
Apple Music is a music streaming service. This is another subscription service but Apple usually offers a teacher discount. You can test it out with a free 3-month trial.
Pandora offers a free version of its music streaming service with advertisements. You can listen offline and search and play songs on demand.
Spotify is a great resource for classroom playlists. Check out California Casualty’s Spotify playlist of soft, mellow music you can play in the background of your classroom to increase focus and promote calmness.
YouTube has the advantage of being free. Choose ones without distracting images if you’re playing them on a SmartBoard and make sure to skip the ads. Try out some of these popular music videos:
Finally, teachers know the best resources. Check with colleagues to find their “go-to” source for classroom music
Do you have another way to use music in the classroom or a good source for relaxing music? Share your ideas with fellow educators in the comments!
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
