by California Casualty | Safety |
Football season is finally here! If you’re anxiously getting ready to start the season with some pre-game festivities, there are a few important safety reminders you should brush up on before kickoff. Here’s how you, your friends and family can all tailgate responsibly.
Tip #1: Handle raw meat with care.
You may be known for your spicy chicken wings or beefy burgers but make sure you know the rules for handling raw meat.
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- Before the tailgate, store meat on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator or in a meat drawer if you have it. Plan to eat or freeze it within 3 to 4 days.
- On tailgate day, store your meat in leakproof plastic bags or containers, with ice in a cooler.
- Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.
- Wash utensils, cutting boards, and plates that come in contact with raw meat.
- Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw meat and for produce.
- Don’t use the marinade from your raw meat on cooked meat. If you want to use it, cook it to a boil first.
Tip #2: Fire up the grill carefully.
Grilling outdoors is a favorite family activity. But injuries from burns or fires can put a real damper on family fun.
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- Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. If you don’t need it, someone else might.
- Enforce a 3-foot “kid-free” zone around the grill. Never leave the grill unattended.
For propane grills:
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- Be careful not to overfill a propane tank.
- Transport your propane tank safely, so that it is upright and secured in your vehicle.
- Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to make sure there are no leaks. You can do this by making a solution of 50% liquid dish soap and 50% water, and brushing it on the hose connections. If there are leaks, you will see air bubbles when you turn on the propane.
For charcoal grills:
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- Never add lighter fluid to an already lit fire on a charcoal grill. That can cause the fire to flare up and even ignite the chemical in the can or cause a chemical smog.
- While you can use lighter fluid to start a charcoal grill, consider using rolled-up newspaper instead. Or consider a charcoal chimney, which packs the briquettes together for easier lighting.
- Use plenty of water to douse hot coals after you’re done cooking. Give them a stir to make sure there are no lit embers.
- Do not put the wet coal and embers in plastic, paper, or wooden containers after use. They could still be hot enough to start a fire. Wait until they are completely cool and put them in a coal-safe container to transport them home.
Tip #3: More food safety to keep in mind.
A few hours out in the sun could turn a delicious dish into a potentially hazardous one. Protect your family from food poisoning by following guidelines for food safety.
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- When grilling, use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your meat. According to gov, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and ground beef to at least 160°F.
- Nonperishable foods, such as breads, chips, and cookies, can be left out but should be covered for freshness. Condiments like ketchup and mustard are also okay to sit out due to their acid content.
- Perishable foods that typically are refrigerated should not sit out for longer than 2 hours.
- When in doubt, toss it out. If you’re unsure if food is safe to eat, don’t take a chance on it. Throw it out.
Tip #4: Protect yourself from the sun and heat.
Even on a cloudy fall day, you can get sunburned or experience dehydration. Protect yourself and your family.
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- Wear sunscreen whenever you will be outside for an extended period of time. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to protect your head from UV rays.
- Find a shaded area near your tailgate to escape the sun and the heat. Or create your own shaded area with a pop-up tent or beach umbrella.
- Alcohol can dehydrate you. It causes your body to remove fluids. Drink water as much as possible and in addition to the alcohol.
- Be aware of the signs of dehydration: muscle cramps, fever/chills, dry mouth/skin, fast heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, irritability, or a dark urine color. Drinking water is usually the best way to rehydrate.
Tip #5: Appoint a designated driver and drive safely.
Tailgates are all about having a good time, and usually involve alcohol. But drinking impairs driving with sometimes deadly results.
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- Before you even leave, choose your DD — designated driver – the one who will remain sober. If you have a regular group of friends that tailgate together, you can rotate that duty.
- Better yet, plan to tailgate sober. You can always celebrate after the game, back at home.
- As you search for the perfect tailgate spot, watch for children and adults darting in front of your car. Do the same when you exit after the game.
- Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. If you are the victim of a parking lot accident, know your car insurance coverage and alert your insurer as soon as possible.
- If there’s no one who is sober and can drive home, call a cab or ride-share service. It’s far better to get home safely than endanger yourself and others.
Hosting a party instead of tailgating? No worries. Check out our hosting safety guide here.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Consider This, Homeowners Insurance Info |
We don’t think much about our heat, electrical, or plumbing until they stop working…
Like a regular health checkup, a home system checkup includes routine maintenance that can help prevent costly repairs and future emergencies.
Homeowners, follow our checklist to keep your home systems running smoothly all season long.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) System
The HVAC system is responsible for heating and cooling your home. Regular maintenance can help lower your utility bills, increase your system’s lifespan, and ensure you are breathing healthy air.
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- Check the air filter. If it’s dirty, it will make your furnace work harder. Clean or replace the filter every three months.
- Clean the air vents. You can vacuum the vents to help prevent blockages. If you suspect there’s a buildup of dirt and grime, consider scheduling an air duct cleaning.
- Vacuum lint from the clothes dryer vent that leads to the outside of your house.
- Adjust your programable thermostat for heat rather than air conditioning. If your thermostat takes batteries, replace them at this time.
- Cover the outdoor air conditioning unit once you no longer are using it for the season. That will protect it from the weather, dirt, and debris.
- Rotate your ceiling fans’ blades clockwise in cool months and counterclockwise in warm months to keep heat moving in a direction that minimizes the effort of your HVAC system.
- If you haven’t done so this year, schedule an annual professional checkup to make sure your HVAC system is in good working order.
- Even the best furnaces don’t last forever. You may need to replace your furnace after 10-25 years.
Plumbing System
A plumbing system delivers fresh water to your sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and other fixtures. It also takes away water and waste to a sewer or septic tank. Regular maintenance will help prevent issues such as leaks, clogs, and frozen pipes, which can be disruptive and costly.
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- Clean drains in your sinks and tubs by pouring half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar.
- Remove mineral deposits from your showerheads by filling a plastic bag with vinegar. Secure it with a rubber band over the showerhead and leave it overnight. In the morning, you should be able to wipe any buildup away.
- Clean your garbage disposal to prevent it from hosting harmful bacteria or growing mold. This Old House suggests this approach: Pour a half cup of baking soda in the disposal. Wait 30 minutes, then pour in one cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture foam for 3 minutes, then rinse with hot water. Finally, grind up two cups of ice and a cup of salt while running cold water. You also can grind lemon peels at the end for a fresh scent.
- Flush your water heater to remove any mineral buildup. You can find instructions online or call a professional.
- Check your faucets inside and outside to make sure they are not dripping or leaking.
- Check under the sink for any leaks or stains, which could signal water damage or mold.
- Check any exposed pipes in your home for leaks and seal them. Insulate pipes in places that aren’t heated.
- Disconnect outside water hoses to prevent them from freezing. Turn off underground sprinkler systems.
- Clear debris from your
- Call a plumber if there are issues.
Electrical System
An electrical system powers your lights, appliances, and more. Working around electricity requires knowledge and skill to take the proper safety precautions. If you’re unsure of how to do something, consult a trained professional.
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- Inspect your breaker panel. Check for signs of corrosion. Flip the breakers on and off to make sure they move easily and do not stick. (Make sure first to alert members of your household that you are switching off electricity so they can prepare accordingly.)
- Test your outlets. You can buy a cube or block tester at any hardware store. You simply plug it in, and it lights up to indicate common issues. Also, test each outlet for tightness. Outlets may wear out over time. Finally, consider installing tamper-resistant outlets in any areas where children may be able to reach.
- Place your hand on outlets and light switches to check for excessive heat. Also be aware of any “hot wire” smell when a light is on or an appliance is plugged in, or popping and cracking sounds. These indicate that you may need to replace that outlet or switch.
- Look at exposed wires and cables in your basement and other areas of your home. If you notice damage, replace them.
- Make sure exterior outlets are covered so that they are not damaged by the weather and animals.
Security System
Your home security system protects you from threats. No matter what system you have, a semi-annual check can keep it in top working order.
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- Inspect your sensors. Make sure they are firmly attached to windows or doors. Try to set off a motion sensor to ensure it is working properly.
- Replace batteries if your system uses them.
- Check lighting and replace bulbs as needed.
- Make any adjustments needed to the camera angles. This is a good time to clean the lens.
- Trim bushes that have overgrown and might provide cover for a thief.
- Tighten loose screws in gates, door hinges, knobs, and locks.
- Check your warranty or contract to see if you qualify for an upgrade.
Home fires spike in the fall and winter. Being prepared is key and could save your life if you are the victim of an unexpected house fire.
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- If you have not done so already, purchase smoke alarms that also function as carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous, odorless gas that claims over 400 lives each year.
- Install detectors on every level of your home, including inside of bedrooms and in common rooms.
- Test and change batteries in older detectors or alarms.
- Replace them after 10 years.
- Have a disaster plan in case of a home fire and keep all other fire safety materials, like fire extinguishers, in well-working condition.
Take the proper precautions to avoid winter home hazards and keep your home in good working order this season.
For more fall maintenance tips click here.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Nurses |
If a natural disaster strikes your community, what will you do?
As a nurse, your first instinct is to help. Whether you work at a school, a hospital, or clinic setting, your skillset is uniquely valued during a disaster. Here’s how you can help your patients cope after a natural disaster.
What types of natural disasters can you expect in your area?
Different parts of the U.S. are more prone to certain disasters than others, according to Popular Science. You’re more likely to experience wildfires in the western states and snowstorms in the Midwest and northeastern U.S. Tornadoes are common in south-central states while hurricanes often strike along the eastern seaboard. There are earthquakes in the west, and flooding happens pretty much everywhere. Not only do these disasters result in property damage, but they can also cause severe injury and even loss of life. Your nursing skills are much needed to minimize pain and suffering.
Why do nurses play key roles in a disaster?
As a nurse, you are a trusted professional. People look to you for guidance. You not only bring expertise in the medical field, you know how to coordinate care while helping to comfort patients, relieving some of their stress and fear.
In addition, disaster preparedness was likely part of your nursing training. If it wasn’t, or if you need a refresher, consider a disaster certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
What are ways that nurses can help in a disaster?
Nurses play pivotal roles in a disaster, delivering onsite care to the injured. Often working amid chaos and with limited resources, nurses triage patients and administer medical care. If more serious care is needed, nurses help coordinate transport to the nearest hospital. Victims of disaster may experience post-traumatic shock syndrome, and nurses also monitor patients’ mental health and guide them to resources. In addition, nurses help displaced people find temporary shelter and food and get access to prescriptions as needed.
Helping in a disaster is not for everyone. There are potential safety and security threats. There are primitive conditions. There can be a significant time commitment away from your home and family. If you are able to clear your schedule to volunteer, consider the other attributes that will help make you successful in a disaster setting: (1) Your clinical expertise covers a wide range of medical conditions. (2) You are comfortable working in high-stress situations and can work through emotions. (3) You are able to work in rough conditions, perhaps without access to electricity, water and basic supplies. If you have the skills, the time, and the desire, disaster nursing could be right for you.
What is a school nurse’s special role following a disaster?
In addition to helping onsite following a disaster, we can’t forget about school nurses and the roles they play. They deal with the mental and physical effects among students, parents, teachers and staff. For families made homeless by the disaster, or those who need mental health services, a school nurse provides important connections to community resources. Similarly, she connects staff with district resources for mental and physical health.
How can you help your community prepare for a disaster?
You don’t necessarily have to volunteer in a disaster to help your community. You can be there to help prepare for a disaster in advance by assisting hospitals, schools, and towns in the creation of a comprehensive disaster plan.
Nurses can help with community education, leading disaster preparedness clinics, and giving people the knowledge to create their own disaster plans to make it safely through a disaster.
You can utilize resources from trusted organizations in developing the right program for your school, hospital, organization, and community. Consider these resources:
How can you volunteer to help in future disasters?
If you are interested in volunteering your time, make sure you have up-to-date vaccinations for traveling, and be prepared to leave immediately. The following organizations welcome disaster-related nurse volunteers:
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 | Firefighters, Peace Officers |
About an hour after the first plane struck the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, Michael Wright found himself on the 81st floor of the North Tower, trapped in complete darkness and smoke. That’s when he heard the rumble: The South Tower was collapsing.
“I was lucky enough to be next to a first responder,” Wright said. “I can credit him for the fact that I am alive now.”
For John McLaughlin, rescuers found him the next morning, buried in the ruins of building two. “The last bits of rubble were cleared, and they were able to pull me out with nylon straps,” he said.
Survivor Wendy Lanski recalled how after the planes struck, “Police and firefighters and EMS workers were everywhere … [they] were coming up to us, grabbing us in groups, saying, ‘Go out this door, run across the street, cover your head, and don’t look up.’” As she and her colleagues rushed to escape the building, first responders were charging in, intent on saving lives.
Tragically, many of them never made it out. In all, 412 first responders – 343 firefighters, 24 law enforcement officers and 8 emergency medical personnel – were lost when the towers fell. With them, 2,565 people in and around the buildings.
Unprecedented
September 11, 2001, marks the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history, when four commercial planes were hijacked by members of al Qaeda and flown into buildings in New York City and Washington, D.C. The fourth was thwarted when passengers resisted, causing it to crash into a field in Pennsylvania instead of its intended target.
The attack left Americans reeling in shock, horror, and grief. In an instant, devastation rippled out across families, communities, and the nation.
In sharing that heartbreak and devastation, though, Americans came together. Within hours, an incomprehensible tragedy had galvanized a renewed spirit of national unity.
Much of that was sparked by the stories of courage and heroism that had emerged within minutes of the attack. Strangers risking their lives to run back into the towers to save others. Office workers staying behind for friends who were trapped or had disabilities.
And, of course, the hundreds of first responders – the warriors who rushed in to save lives, despite the overwhelming danger. Over the next days and weeks, countless stories like those of Wright, McLaughlin, and Lanski emerged, painting a profound story of the best of humanity.
Remembering the Fallen
Besides being the single deadliest attack in human history, 9/11 was also the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in U.S. history.
As we take time on 9/11 to reflect on the national tragedy that occurred 20 years ago, we will remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice that day. They were fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel, but more importantly, they were husbands, fathers, wives, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, and beloved colleagues.
How You Can Honor Them
Here are some ways you can honor our 9/11 heroes:
- Visit a memorial. There are memorials and monuments at or near the sites of the attacks, as well as across the country. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum also offers an online experience to learn more and pay tribute.
- Help 9/11 responders. Due to the chemicals and toxins released at the attack sites, many 9/11 first responders have since developed or died from illnesses such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and other chronic conditions. Support organizations that are directly helping responders who’ve fallen ill.
- Support your local first responders. By supporting your local heroes, you are giving thanks to all those who answer the call to serve and protect. Say yes to that next pledge or fundraising drive hosted by your community’s firefighter or police department.
If you are a first responder, you can:
- Join a 9/11 memorial stair climb. Every year, thousands meet up to climb the equivalent of 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center towers. Normally held in office buildings, convention centers, and stadiums, this year the stair climb events are mostly virtual. Find one near you.
- Engage with your community. Although your job is serving others, doing so in your off hours – for causes close to your heart or in different areas of interest – will bring you closer to your community and first-responder network. Find a cause that could use your expertise or energy, or educate others about the EMS profession and inspire the next generation of first responders.
- Practice self-care. Learn to be aware of and manage your stress levels. Employ healthy coping mechanisms, take care of your mind and body, and be sure to reach out if you need to talk with someone or get support. Be there for your first responder family, many of whom are at increased risk of suicide.
Although we can’t erase the tragic events that took place 20 years ago, we can honor its fallen heroes by being kind and generous toward our neighbors and finding ways to serve in our communities.
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 |
It’s time to get organized for school lunches. Packing lunches for your kids doesn’t have to be a chore, and it doesn’t have to be time-consuming either. Try these creative back-to-school lunch packing hacks to free up an already busy school morning!
#1. Give the sandwich a makeover.
Sandwiches are a school lunch mainstay, but they can be a bit boring even when you pack your child’s favorite, such as PBJ on white bread. Try repackaging the sandwich in these fun ways:
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- Reinvent your child’s sandwich as a wrap. Use PBJ, meat and cheese, banana and peanut butter, or any filling that your child likes. Roll it up and then slice it. Now it looks like a colorful pinwheel.
- Cookie cutters can transform a traditional sandwich into stars and circles or other fun shapes. Or use them to cut out sandwich ingredients such as cheese or meat. Include crackers so your child and build his or her own sandwich.
- Use a roll, bun, or pita pocket instead of traditional sliced bread.
- Make your own Uncrustables® with a sandwich sealer. You can even freeze them individually in plastic bags and drop them into the lunch box in the morning.
#2. Build a Bento box.
A Bento box is a boxed meal that originated in Japan. It features single-serving compartments for each part of the meal.
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- Buy a Bento box or make your own by filling a container with colorful silicone muffin liners to separate different foods.
- Create a complete lunch with components in each compartment. Include a main protein, a carb, vegetables, and fruits, and as many bright colors as possible. Choose healthy options that your child likes.
- The key is to keep every section separate so that wet food doesn’t mix with dry.
- Kids generally have only about 30 minutes to eat, and probably less by the time they sit down and get settled, so remember not to overpack.
Pro Tip: Store your (clean) bento box in the freezer, which will help to keep everything cool when you grab it for its next use.
#3. Make a kabob.
Kabobs aren’t just for grilling. (Plus, everything is more fun on a stick.) Just make sure that if you’re giving your child a kabob, the stick and the food portions do not present a danger.
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- You can stack meats, cheeses, veggies, and/or fruits on kabobs. You can even create themed kabobs such as pizza, with mozzarella, tomato, and pieces of bread.
- Make sure the pieces are small enough that they do not present a choking hazard.
- Cocktail straws make great (and colorful) kabob sticks for children. You can always pre-pierce the food with a real kabob to create the opening, and then stack it on a cocktail straw.
#4. Replace the ice pack.
Ice packs can take up unnecessary room in lunch boxes. Luckily, there are ways for the lunch box contents to do double duty to cool things down.
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- Freeze your child’s juice box. It will thaw in time for lunch and keep everything cold.
- Use a small plastic bag of frozen berries to keep yogurt cool. Your child can add the berries to the yogurt during lunch.
- Fill a reusable water bottle ¼ full and freeze it on its side. When you’re ready to put it in your child’s lunch box, fill the bottle with water. It will help keep everything cool including the water.
- Yogurt tubes and applesauce packets freeze well and can be used as ice packs.
#5. Use leftovers.
Plan your dinners so that you can repurpose them for lunch. You can get into the habit of preparing lunch when you’re waiting for dinner to cook.
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- Keep food warm with a food thermos. This will work well for macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, Ramen noodles, and other kid favorites.
- Cut up leftover chicken for a chicken wrap.
- Chop extra veggies for lunch when making dinner and store them in bags.
Pro tip: fill your thermos with boiling water in the morning. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Empty it and then fill it up with hot food. It will keep it hotter longer.
#6. Make a school lunch station.
An organized space in your kitchen can help you more easily prepare school lunches. Keep it well-stocked and involve your kids in the preparation.
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- Find a place in your kitchen, pantry, and refrigerator where you can set up bins for school lunches. If you don’t have an obvious place, create one. Consider a rolling cart or an over-the-door shoe organizer.
- Store lunch options for the week in these spaces, for example, yogurts, fruit, cheese, and cut-up veggies in the fridge, and healthy homemade trail mix, chips, and granola in bins on a shelf.
- Ask kids to assemble a week of snack bags to go. Give them 5 empty bags and an assortment of snacks. Place filled bags on a shelf or a basket on the kitchen counter where they can be easily grabbed.
- Include hooks in your pantry or mudroom to keep lunch bags organized.
And of course, we all know that packing lunches at night is WAY easier than getting up and trying to do it in the morning. Just store them in the fridge and give them to your child before they head out the door.
Happy back to school!
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.
