Charging Your Phone During a Power Outage
The power’s out and your phone is dangerously low. What can you do to keep its charge for as long as possible, and how can you possibly recharge it when there’s no electricity? Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we’ve researched the top ways to do so.
After all, your smartphone is more than just a fun accessory and helpful convenience. It can give you access to local emergency updates and severe weather alerts. It also is your primary way to communicate with family and friends during an emergency.
Follow these tips to keep your phone charged during a power outage.
#1. Plug into your laptop.
Your laptop has USB ports that can charge cell phones. If your laptop is fully charged, you can power a phone for hours. Turn on the laptop but don’t unlock your screen. Plug your phone into the laptop USB port. (Note that if you have an iPhone, you may need a USB-C to USB adapter to match the port.)
#2. Use a portable charger or power bank.
You may have one on hand, or if not, you can pick one up. Most drug store chains sell them in addition to electronics stores. The portable chargers and power banks do need to be charged to work but they hold their charge for months, so you can charge one and put it in your emergency kit. Solar chargers are popular options; the advantage is that they can charge with the sun. But they vary widely in power capability so do your research.
#3. Plug into your car.
Most newer vehicles have USB ports where you can plug your phone. If not, you can buy an inexpensive USB car adapter that plugs right into your car’s dashboard in the space commonly known as the cigarette lighter. Simply turn on your car, and plug in your phone. This works even if you’re out of gas.
#4. Use an inverter.
Another way to charge from your car is to use a power inverter. This tool converts the 12-volt direct current in your car’s battery to the 120-volt alternating current for your phone. It’s a process similar to jump-starting your car. Do this outdoors and not in the garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes. You connect the inverter to your car’s battery using alligator clamps, with the positive red cable on the positive battery terminal and the negative black cable on the negative battery terminal. Then plug your phone into the AC plug on the inverter, and start your car. You’ll be drawing power directly from the battery, so you’ll need to run your car afterward to recharge your battery.
#5. Use your car battery jump pack.
If you have a car battery jump pack – considered one of the must-carry items for your car — you may have a way to charge your phone. These jump packs usually come with USB charging ports.
#6. Try a crank-powered phone charger.
Crank-powered chargers are mechanical devices that harness your own physical power. You turn a handle, which spins a magnet, creating a magnetic field. It takes a lot of effort to generate enough to power your phone, but it’s a low-cost alternative that can be very effective.
#7. Use a Biolite CampStove.
A Biolite CampStove is a portable wood stove that actually generates electricity. If you have this camping appliance, you can cook your meals and charge your phone.
#8. Go to a place that has power.
If it’s not a region-wide power outage, you can drive to a place that has power, such as a coffee shop, restaurant, or store where you can plug in your phone. If your office or your school has power, try those places.
#9. Conserve your phone’s battery.
You don’t know how long the power will be out. That’s why the first step is to ensure your phone isn’t using any more battery than necessary. Here are some ways to do that.
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- Dim the brightness of your screen. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Display & Brightness. Drag the slider to dim it. On an Android, swipe down from the top to see the Notification Shade. Depending on your phone, you may have to swipe twice. Tap and hold the brightness slider and drag it to the right level.
- Put your phone into Low Battery Mode. On an iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down to Battery, and select Low Battery Mode. On an Android, swipe down from the top menu for the Power Saving icon.
- Shut down any applications running in the background. On an iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, pausing in the middle. Then, swipe right or left to find the app you want to close. Swipe up on the app to close it. On an Android, go to Settings, then Apps. Choose the app that you’d like to stop and then tap Force Stop.
- Turn off your phone’s WiFi location services and Bluetooth. On an iPhone, you’ll find that at Settings and Wi-Fi, and at Settings and Bluetooth. On an Android, swipe down from the top, and look for the Wi-Fi icon below the date. Select it and then tap the toggle switch to turn it off. For Bluetooth, go to Settings, then Apps. Find Bluetooth and tap the toggle switch to off.
- Put your phone into Airplane mode, which may disable WiFi and Bluetooth. This will prevent you from calling or texting, and also receiving calls and texts, so you will need to take it off for communication. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Airplane mode, and enable it. On an Android, swipe down from the top of the screen two times to open Quick Settings. Look for Airplane mode and tap the toggle switch. (Pro tip: Phones being charged while they are in Airplane mode tend to charge faster.)
- Don’t use your phone to play music, podcasts, or games to pass the time. This will only drain your battery.
- If you won’t be using your phone for hours, shut it off to conserve the battery in the long run.
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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.
Preparing for Winter Storms
When the temperatures dip low, wind speeds hit high, and precipitation is in the forecast, you could be in the path of a winter storm. These powerful acts of nature have the potential to cut off power and trap you and your family in your home for days, and that’s not all… Winter storms have also been associated with hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even heart attacks.
Being well prepared is your best defense. Follow this guide so you can weather winter storms safely.
Know what to expect when
The National Weather Service issues severe weather alerts for winter storms. While the exact amounts of snow vary based on where you live, here are some general definitions.
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- Winter storm watch – Conditions are right for hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It doesn’t mean it will occur, but a winter storm is possible.
- Winter storm advisory – Usually issued within 36 hours of an expected storm, an advisory lets you know to anticipate snow, sleet and/or freezing rain.
- Winter storm warning – Expect snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain and/or hazardous winter conditions within the next 12-24 hours.
Get ready
Your primary concerns during a severe winter storm are the loss of heat, power, and communications, having enough food and supplies, and protecting your home from possible storm damage. Stock up on supplies, take protective measures for your home and create a disaster plan to share with everyone in the family. That may include planning for evacuation if needed.
Stock up and charge up- Building your emergency kit.
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- Stock up on food that requires no cooking or refrigeration. Make sure you have a manual can opener if you’re planning to open cans.
- Include baby food and diapers if needed.
- Buy cases of bottled water to use in case the pipes freeze. You can use this for brushing teeth, flushing toilets, and bathing. Make sure you have at least 3 gallons of water per person. You can also fill the bathtub with water as an extra source.
- Make sure you have enough prescription medications, and any toiletries needed.
- If you have pets, stock up on food for them.
- Gather your flashlights and extra batteries. Collect candles and matches.
- Pull out the battery-powered radio for weather updates. You can also use it to play music to pass the time.
- Make sure you have lots of blankets and warm clothes for each member of the household.
- Charge all of your devices ahead of the storm. Charge any portable battery backups. Determine how you will charge your phone during a power outage.
Protect your home
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- Protect your pipes from freezing by covering them with insulation.
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- Make sure your home’s furnace is in good working order.
- Check for drafts and use these winter window hacks to keep your home warm and toasty.
- Know how to turn off your utilities, such as gas lines or water, in an emergency.
- Consider buying emergency heating equipment such as a wood or coal-burning stove or electric or kerosene heater. Review all safety precautions, and be careful of fire hazards when storing fuel.
- Consider installing a portable generator. Review generator safety and never run a generator in an enclosed space.
- Make sure your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors are working. If you’ll be using your fireplace or wood stove for heat, they should be near that area. Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case, or try this way to put out fires without an extinguisher.
- Test your snow blower and have it serviced if necessary.
- Take a walk around your house and identify any trees that could fall. If there’s time, trim them back.
Be prepared to leave if needed
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- Service your vehicle and make sure you’re prepared for winter. Have a mechanic check your antifreeze, windshield-washer fluid, defroster, wipers, battery, brakes, and tires.
- Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use.
- Stock your car with these must-carry items.
- Research local shelters and warming stations in your area in case you need to evacuate your home.
- Prepack a bag for each member of the family, including pets.
Once the Storm Arrives
During the storm…
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- Limit your time outside. Hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers.
- Do not attempt to travel during treacherous conditions. You could find yourself in an accident or stranded on the road.
- Stay tuned to emergency weather alerts.
- Check on neighbors if they’re older or have young children who are more at risk in extreme cold.
After the storm…
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- Avoid driving until conditions have improved. Follow winter driving safety guidelines.
- Keep a supply of kitty litter and/or ice melt to clear sidewalks.
- Be careful to not overexert yourself. It’s common for heart attacks to be brought on by overexertion from shoveling or clearing snow.
- Assess any damage to your home or property and alert your insurance company. You have home insurance for a reason. Put it to work if you need it.
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.
How to Jump Start Your Car
Car batteries don’t last forever. Luckily, if your car won’t start due to a dead battery, there’s an easy fix. You can jump start it.
Jump starting a car transfers the battery power from a live battery in one vehicle to the dead battery in another. It does this by creating a circuit, most commonly using jumper cables. Jump starting isn’t a permanent fix, but it will help you get to where you’re going. And then, you can schedule a follow-up with your mechanic to check your battery and replace it as needed.
It’s not difficult to jump start a car, but you do need to know how to do it properly. If you do not connect the cables in the right way and in the exact order, you could be in for trouble. Follow this process to successfully jump start your car — or someone else’s — this season.
1. Park so that your car’s engine is next to the other car’s engine without touching. In most cases, your cars will have to be facing each other in order for the jumper cables to reach.
2. Place both vehicles in park or neutral. Shut off the ignition. Put on the parking brake.
3. Pop the hoods. Locate the batteries.
4. Get out the jumper cables. Note that they have red and black clamps.
5. Attach one of the red clamps to the positive terminal on the dead battery. Look for the big plus sign or the letters POS to make sure it is positive. Sometimes the positive terminal is also the larger one. (Always connect the dead battery first. Otherwise, you could be feeding energy in the cables and cause a safety hazard.)
6. Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal on the battery of the working battery.
7. Clamp the black negative to the negative terminal of the working battery.
8. Attach the last black clip to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery. You can find such a surface on one of the metal struts that holds the hood open.
9. Start the working vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes.
10. Try to start your vehicle. If it doesn’t start right away, give it another minute and then try again.
11. Remove the cables in the reverse order that you connected them.
12. If the jump start works, don’t shut off your vehicle. Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. And always remember to thank the person who helped you!
If you want to jumpstart your car on your own, you can buy a battery jumper pack. Most people consider this one of the must-carry safety items for your car in the winter. A battery jumper pack is a portable battery with cables that can jump-start your car without the need of another vehicle. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carefully follow the directions. The procedure varies from device to device.
If you feel unsure or unsafe at any point, call for 24/7 roadside assistance. You can also call if the jump start does not work and you need a tow.
Do’s and Don’ts of Jump Starting
Now that you have the basics down, it’s good to review some safety do’s and don’ts.
Do…
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- Read your owner’s manual on jump starting. In some cases, jump starting may void the warranty. In other cases, there may be jump start lugs where cables need to be attached. The manual will detail any special instructions.
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- Make sure the battery on the good Samaritan’s vehicle has at least as much voltage as your own. Otherwise, serious damage could occur.
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- Check that the clamps on the jumper cables are rust-free.
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- Check that the battery does not have corrosion or rust. You can clean corrosion and dirt with a wire brush. (Corrosion will sometimes prevent the battery from charging.)
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- Unplug accessories like cell phone chargers. The power surge from the jump start could cause them to short out.
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- Turn off headlights, hazard lights, turn signals, and the radio in both vehicles.
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- Use rubber gloves and safety goggles if you have them for extra safety.
Don’t…
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- Lean over the battery of either car.
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- Smoke while jump starting a car.
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- Jump start a battery if it is cracked, leaking or the fluids are frozen. This can lead to an explosion.
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- Ignore the warning signs:
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- Slow starting engine
- Dim lights and electric issues
- Check engine light is on
- Corroded connectors
- Rotten egg smell
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And don’t forget! AutoZone offers free battery testing so you can feel confident that your battery is fully charged.
Finally, remember to turn your lights off. We all know how that typically ends.
Safe travels.
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.
What Do the Lights on the Dashboard Mean?
Whether it’s a minor problem or a major issue, you can count on that light on the dashboard illuminating. Our cars warn us when something isn’t right, and that’s good because there are some warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Knowing the meaning of your dashboard lights will help you know if it’s a situation that requires immediate attention—or if it can wait. Here are some important lights and what they mean.
Airbag Warning
The airbag warning light looks like a passenger with a large ball on his/her lap. It is normal for this light to turn on when you first start the engine. If it stays lit, however, there could be an issue. Your car is safe to drive, but you will want the airbag checked so that it will deploy during an accident.
Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator
Today’s newer cars require that you step on the brake to start the engine. You also need to step on the brake to shift out of neutral into reverse or drive. This foot-shaped light is a reminder.
Check Engine
This light looks like a miniature engine. It comes on when there is anything amiss with your car’s motor and emissions system. Some cars have two stages of a check engine light: illuminated (less serious) and flashing (serious warning). It could mean:
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- Loose gas cap
- Faulty oxygen sensor
- Catalytic converter issues
- Mass airflow sensor
- Worn-out spark plugs
- Loose wire
If you’re driving and everything seems fine, don’t panic. Pull the car over and check the gas cap. If that’s not the cause, then schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If the check engine light is on, and the car starts making strange noises or driving erratically, pull over and get it towed to your mechanic. That could indicate a more serious issue.
Battery
This light that resembles a battery is a warning that something could be wrong with your car’s electrical system. It doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s an issue with your battery. It could be:
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- Corroded cable or wire
- Alternator
- Battery
- Electrical components
Get to a mechanic soon to resolve this issue. A battery light is a warning that your car could break down.
Brake System
This light is usually an exclamation point in a circle. It illuminates for several reasons.
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- Failing to release the parking brake
- Low brake fluid
- Worn brake pads
- Trouble with anti-lock brakes
An illuminated ABS (anti-lock brake) light can indicate a problem with the wheel speed sensor or other connections or wiring. If your brake light is lit, and the parking brake is not the issue, bring your car in for a professional checkup as soon as possible.
Coolant Temperature
This light resembles a thermometer and if it comes on, it means the temperature of your coolant is too high. There are several possible causes.
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- Broken water pump
- Low coolant levels in the radiator
- Leaking or burst coolant hose
- Damage to the radiator
A high coolant temperature can cause your car to overheat and break down. It also can permanently damage your engine. Pull over and let the car cool down. Adding coolant can temporarily fix the problem but get your vehicle checked by a mechanic before you drive it further.
Distance Warning
If you’re driving a newer vehicle, you may see this light when you’re coming too close to the car or something – or someone — in front of you. The light resembles two cars about to hit each other and is a warning to slow down.
Door Open
An image of a car with doors open indicates that one or more of your doors is not fully closed. This may include your trunk or rear hatch. Closing the door should make the light go out, and have you on your way.
Frost Warning
This light, which resembles a snowflake, comes on when temperatures outside are below freezing. It will stay on as long as it’s cold, to remind you that ice could form and you should use caution.
Lamp Out
Resembling a sun with an exclamation mark, this light comes on when a bulb in your headlights or tail lights burns out. Replace it as soon as possible so your car is visible to other drivers.
Low Fuel
A gas tank appears when your fuel level is low. Get to a gas station as soon as possible so that you don’t run out of gas.
Oil Pressure Warning
This light that resembles an oil can could simply be telling you that you need more oil. But it also could indicate something more serious:
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- Leak in the engine
- Blown piston ring
- Broken oil pump
If the light doesn’t go off after you’ve added oil, then get your car checked out professionally. Do not ignore this light and drive for an extended period of time—or you could damage your engine.
Traction and Stability Control
When the roads are slippery, your car’s traction control light may blink. That simply means that it’s doing its job and there’s no cause for concern. This light, which looks like a car with skid marks, can stay on. If that happens, it means there’s a problem with your system and you should have it checked. Also, if this light turns on during dry, sunny conditions, there may be a repair or adjustment needed.
Transmission Temperature
This gear wheel image with a thermometer lights up when the temperature is too high inside your gearbox. Heavy towing can cause this issue. Otherwise, it’s likely that your transmission fluid level is low or your transmission has worn out. Get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
When any one of your tires is low, your TPMS system kicks in. The light looks like a tire that’s a bit deflated with an exclamation mark. Don’t drive on severely underinflated or overinflated tires; you won’t have enough traction and you can damage your tires. Adding air to deflated tires should get the light to go off, but if you have persistent problems, have your tires checked by a professional.
Washer Fluid
If your washer fluid is low, you’ll see this light, which resembles a windshield being squirted. While you don’t have to rush to get new fluid, it’s still a good idea to get some as soon as possible. Dirt, snow, and ice can quickly build up on your windshield, making it hard for you to see.
Car Diagnostic Tools
You can buy a tool that helps you diagnose the specific problem that’s causing your dashboard lights to illuminate. Auto Zone offers this Fix FinderSM Service for free. If you are doing it yourself, make sure that you know where to plug it in and how to read it. Some car diagnostic tools require you to enter your car’s make and model, VIN, and other information. You can then decide if it’s something you can fix or an issue that your mechanic needs to address.
Importantly, you will want to address any issues in a timely manner. Ignoring them can create more expensive repairs and dangerous conditions down the road.
Check our other blog for maintenance mistakes that can cost you. Your car is one of your greatest investments. Keep it well maintained and protect it with the right car insurance.
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.