by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Extreme weather events are becoming more severe and frequent. If you live in a region that gets snow and ice, these events can easily cause damage to your home, racking up losses and repair costs.
Here are some of the common ones to prepare for, coverage considerations, and how to prevent damage in the first place.
Frozen Pipes
One of the most common sources of wintertime home damage is water damage from frozen pipes. Losses are usually covered under your homeowner’s policy; however, keep in mind that some claims are denied if negligence is found (e.g. proper home temperature wasn’t maintained).
Protect against water damage:
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- Add extra insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces where pipes may be exposed to the cold.
- During especially chilly spells, turn faucets on just enough for a very slow drip.
- Shut off water to outside hoses and store them inside to protect them from extreme temps.
- Read our post for more tips on preventing frozen pipes.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof and refreezes before siphoning off. Once formed, they continue to grow with further melt/refreeze cycles. Over time, ice dams can damage your roof, sometimes springing leaks that let water into your home. While your homeowner’s policy should help cover damage to your roof and home (check your policy for coverage limits and details), it probably won’t cover damage to any personal belongings.
Protect against ice dams:
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- Remove snow from your roof regularly.
- Ventilate your attic so that hot air doesn’t get trapped, warm a spot on your roof, and melt snow that can easily become an ice dam.
- Turn down the heat in your home so as to prevent the roof warming that produces ice dams.
- Check out our post on winter roof care for more ice dam-prevention tips.
Hail Damage
Roofs and windows are especially susceptible to hail damage. Make sure you understand your coverage and any hail exclusion that may apply. After a storm, inspect your roof for damage right away – remember, if damage goes unnoticed it can cause roof leaks months later that may not be covered.
Protect against hail damage:
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- Have your roof inspected every year in the fall and repair or replace missing or loose shingles or tiles.
- If your area is especially prone to hail storms, look into installing hail-resistant asphalt shingles.
Wind Damage
Severe storms oftentimes bring severe winds. Although sometimes damage can happen with wind directly hitting your home, usually the real danger lies in what the wind can blow into or onto your home.
Protect against wind damage:
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- Keep up with trimming trees and branches that are leaning, weak, dead, or otherwise compromised or a threat to your home. Check out the top 7 signs of tree health issues here.
- Inspect your home’s exterior for loose siding, gutters, and shutters.
- Read all our tips on prepping for severe storms.
Injuries From Ice
Black ice is a slipping, injury, and accident risk wherever it forms – on roadways, driveways, walking paths, porches, decks, and steps. If a visitor slips and sustains an injury on your property and decides to sue, are you protected? Liability coverage is usually included as part of homeowners insurance and would kick in, in this case, to help with the person’s medical bills as well as your legal costs. That said, check with your agent to review your coverage limits and conditions.
Protect against black ice:
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- Be vigilant about snow shoveling so that snow doesn’t melt and refreeze on high-(foot)traffic areas.
- Clear your gutters so that water goes down the spout like it’s supposed to, instead of onto walking paths.
- See our article for more black ice safety tips.
Roof Collapse
Roofs can collapse if the weight of ice or snow on them is too much to bear. Insurance may help cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged or destroyed roof. And if your house is uninhabitable as a result, it may cover additional living expenses and/or hotel. Check to make sure you understand what your policy covers, as well as all limits and terms.
Protect against collapse:
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- Have regular annual roof inspections so you are aware of and can fix any issues that can cause structural vulnerabilities, weak spots, or problem areas.
- If snow is piled too high for you to remove, or if your home is taller than a single story, look into hiring a professional snow removal service.
- If you already have ice dams, get them removed professionally asap – ice dams can cause serious and costly damage.
Wintertime damage to your home can happen before you’ve even had time to think about it – and by then, it’s usually too late and you’re looking at losses, repairs, and the claims process. Protect your home before the storms roll in by making sure you’re covered and – even more important – have the kind of coverage you need.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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, Safety |
When temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, snow and ice are soon to follow. If you live in a snow-prone area, it’ll soon be time to pull out the shovel, gloves, and boots and prep yourself for the snow shoveling season.
Here are some tips to stay ahead of the snow, protect yourself from injury, and make this necessary chore a little less taxing.
Before Shoveling: Prepare & Plan
- Warm-up – Do some basic stretches to limber up and prevent injury.
- Wear layers – Layers will keep you warm while allowing for full movement.
- Start early – Shovel new snowfall before it melts and refreezes into a slipping hazard.
- Make a plan – Before removing the snow, figure out where you’re going to move it to.
- Choose the right shovel – Make sure your shovel fits your hands and frame. Choose from ergonomically-designed models that can reduce bending and strain.
- Consider wax – Coating your shovel blade with wax (car wax is fine) will prevent heavy snow from sticking and freezing to the blade. This works best on metal shovels.
While Shoveling: Technique & Habits
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- Push, don’t lift – Pushing snow is easier on your body than lifting it. In times where lifting is unavoidable, be sure to:
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Position your feet hip-width apart and use your legs for leverage.
- Avoid twisting with a loaded shovel.
- Keep your shovel close to your body — This will help prevent injuries.
- Keep it bite-sized – Shovel smaller loads rather than large ones. Also, focus on the powder rather than heavy ice.
- Change up your grip – To prevent blisters and strain, switch up left- to right-handed shoveling. Also change it up with palm under/ palm over.
- Take breaks – Especially if the snow is wet, be sure to hit pause every 20 or 30 minutes.
- Stay hydrated – In cold weather, it’s easy to forget to hydrate, so be sure you have water available and remember to drink it.
- Shovel snow while it’s falling – You’ll lighten your workload if you periodically remove snow while it’s falling.
Managing the Yard
While shoveling, keep your yard and home exterior happy by keeping these tips in mind.
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- Don’t let snow pile up – If branches are weighed down with snowdrifts, gently brush the snow off to prevent branches from bending under the weight and snapping. And when you’re shoveling near them, remember to not dump the snow on plants.
- Make a windbreak – If it works for your yard, you can deposit each shovelful of snow to form a barrier that shields shrubs and plants from wind damage.
- Clear snow from the dryer vent – A blocked dryer vent is a fire hazard and can put your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your vents are clear of snow build-up.
- Keep the fire hydrant clear of snow – If you have a fire hydrant at the front of your yard, make sure part of your maintenance is to keep it clear in case fire crews need to locate and use it.
- If you park in the driveway – Clear a path to the driver door first, so that you don’t have to trudge through the snow to get to it.
As long as there’s snow, there will be snow shoveling. By using the tips above, you can make this task a bit easier and prevent injuries in the process.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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 |
If anyone deserves a supersized, overflowing stocking this year, it’s teachers. These heroes of the (virtual) classroom have been going above and beyond, keeping our kids on track and learning during an unexpected pandemic – no small feat!
Give them the big thanks they deserve by making this year’s holiday gift extra special. Personalize it if you can (ask your child if they remember their teacher mentioning any favorite pastimes, hobbies, or likes). If you don’t have much information to go on, practical gifts are always appreciated – especially by teachers and administrators who juggle so much every day.
Start with any clues your child might have, check out the list below, and then build from there!
1. Handwritten card or note – A thoughtful, heartfelt holiday card and message from your child will make their teacher’s year. These are often the gifts that stay with educators for years to come.
2. Gift cards – You can’t go wrong with gift cards. Target, coffee, Amazon, gas, Apple, restaurants, iTunes – the list is endless. They’re a super practical gift that will definitely get used!
3. TpT e-card – Help educators take a lesson planning load off this holiday by giving them a gift card for their Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) account. Shop and send it in seconds here.
4. Office supplies – Besides needing supplies to keep classwork and lessons organized, many teachers secretly adore creative, whimsical, and cool supplies. Check out sticky notes, to-do list pads, novelty paper clips, themed stickers, daily planners, and more.
5. Customized stationery – There are all kinds of online services that let you customize paper goods and stationery items such as notepads, note cards, letter writing paper sets, address labels, pencils, thank you notes, and stickers.
6. Coffee – Educators may be one of the most caffeinated of professionals. How about getting them a gift certificate or subscription for a new roast to change up their morning ritual? If this one seems a little expensive, don’t worry a few bags (or Kcups) of their favorite cup of Joe should do the trick 😉
7. Mug or tumbler – Help teachers stay hydrated (or caffeinated!) all day long with a quirky, contemporary, or inspirational mug. Teachers are famously oftentimes mug collectors, so this is a pretty safe bet.
8. Fun, festive or teacher-themed socks – There are a million and one different novelty-themed socks online. These won’t break the bank (or break on the way to school with your child) and offer the warmth of the hugs that we can’t share today. Plus, sizing is a no-brainer!
9. Snacks – Teachers barely get enough time to finish their lunches – even ones who work remotely. So, you can never go wrong with snacks. Don’t worry, they aren’t picky – chocolate, popcorn, candy, chips! Let’s load those snack drawers.
10. A nice pencil pouch – A high-quality zipper pouch is the perfect organizer for highlighters, markers, pens, pencils, and correction tape. There are a ton of great designs out there too – good luck trying to choose!
11. A charging station – We’re all living on our devices right now – and running down batteries quicker than ever. Keep your child’s teacher charged for the day by gifting a portable charger, charging station, extra charging cords or USB power bank.
12. Tech gadgets – Make teachers’ remote work lives a little more enjoyable with gadgets such as an iPhone or IPad tripod, ring light, or universal cable.
And what not to get….
As you narrow your list, here’s a gentle reminder of some things to leave off of it. Though well-intentioned, the following presents either aren’t very practical or are gifted so often they end up collecting dust in closets or cupboards.
- “World’s Greatest Teacher” clothing, cups, posters, etc.
- Ornaments and other holiday knick-knacks
- Stuffed animals
- Jewelry
As with all gift-giving, thoughtfulness counts more than anything else during the holidays. A little brainstorming with your child could well result in the perfect gift – and extra holiday cheer to fuel their teacher for the New Year ahead.
Happy gifting and happy holidays!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We do not take ownership of any photo featured in this article; all photos have been linked to their owner. California Casualty specializeas in 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 the most wonderful time of the year! The excitement of the looming Winter Break can be felt in every classroom, and what better way to celebrate than with some fun and festive Bulletin Boards? It’s officially to de-stress and have fun creating some winter bulletin boards for your kids and classroom.
We’ve pulled together our favorite ideas for Winter, Christmas, and more below. Check them out! And for all the teachers teaching remotely, you don’t miss out on the fun! Use these ideas for your Zoom backgrounds, or even create (fake) bulletin board on a blank wall at home!
1. School Door…or Gingerbread House?
Go big or go home, right? You could even put kid’s names or pictures on the gumdrops!
2. Take an #sELFie
Literally, the cutest thing we have ever seen. Take student #sELFies and send them to parents as Christmas cards!
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Throw it back to your childhood, with a classic Snoopy bulletin board. You can even add each child’s name or photo on the lights, like they have below.
4. A Kindness Christmas Tree
Make a countdown until break and reveal a new kindness quote each day.
5. Frozen-Themed
Winter isn’t complete without Olaf in your classroom!
6. Under Elf Surveillance
This elf can be on mask duty in the hallway OR or classroom duty, just put it on your door.
7. ….Or You Could Use a Different Elf
You could use so many different sayings on this Buddy the Elf Bulletin Board.
8. Wall of Joy
We’d be lying if we didn’t tell you this one was our favorite. Put this in the hall and have each child write what brings them joy 🙂 (for sanitary reasons, be sure to have them use their own writing tool)
9. Rudolph ft. DIY Christmas Ornaments
Have kids make their own ornaments! Want something a bit more simple? Just showcase the ornaments hanging from the top of the bulletin board instead.
10. Reading Makes You Bright
We love the symbolism! Except in the photo, all of the snowflakes are the same…So, be sure to have your students each make snowflakes to hang on your board!
11. Don’t be a GRINCH be Kind
Because who doesn’t love The Grinch?
12. Oh Deer! Christmas is Almost Here
Each child can make their own unique reindeer.
13. Chillin’ With My Snowmies
You could leave it as is, or for a larger board have each student make a snowman or Santa-gnome!
14. If Santa Was Stuck In My Chimney…
You can’t beat a funny holiday writing prompt!
15. A Tree Made of Border
So we know this technically isn’t a bulletin board, but what a cool idea to make a tree out of extra border paper!
16. Fa-la-la Singing Reindeer
Holiday cuteness overload
17. Learning is a Gift
A classic, that is easy to create and really make your own. Put subjects or children’s names on the presents!
18. Loco for Cocoa
Another easy writing prompt idea, kids can write their perfect hot cocoa recipe and decorate their own mug.
19. Stockings Hung By The Chimney With Care
Keep it nice and cozy this winter with this cute classroom fireplace. Kids can even make their own stockings and hang them up for Santa!
20. Teacher-Elves in a Snow Globe
Don’t be afraid to make a silly bulletin board like this, it’s guaranteed to make your student’s day!
21. Fal la la la llama
Because Christmas doesn’t always have to be able elves and reindeer.
and, last but not least, our honorable mention…
Frosty’s Baby Picture
A true work of art.
Head over to our Pinterest for more Christmas & Winter Bulletin Board options! Don’t forget to give us a follow at California Casualty to stay up to date on every new idea we discover! Scan our Pincode with your Pinterest camera to follow:
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. California Casualty does not own any of the photos in this post, all are sources by to their original owners. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info, Safety |
Did you know that cooking fires in residential buildings happen more often on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year? Or that peak timing for fires is from 10am – 4pm — right when everyone’s preparing their turkey day feasts?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is by far the number one contributing factor of cooking fires and fire deaths.
The following tips from NFPA will help you avoid the common pitfalls and serve up a holiday full of delicious dishes, happy memories, and a safe celebration.
Remember to:
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- Stay in the kitchen when cooking as much as possible:
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- If you’re frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food and need to leave the kitchen for even a short time, turn the stove off until you return.
- If baking, simmering, or roasting, check it regularly, stay in your home, and use a timer to remind you when it’s close to done.
- While cooking turkey, check on it frequently, and do not leave your home.
- Test your smoke alarms a few days before the holiday to make sure they’re working.
- Keep oven mitts, food packaging, towels, and any other flammable materials away from your stovetop.
- Keep the kitchen floor free of tripping hazards.
- Don’t use the stove or stovetop if you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
- Be mindful of children:
- Keep them at least 3 feet away from the stove.
- Make sure knives, electric cords, and matches/lighters are out of reach.
- Ensure they stay away from hot food and liquids.
- Never leave them alone in a room with a lit candle.
Prevent a Fryer Fire
Deep frying turkeys is all the rage — and unfortunately causes plenty of fires and injuries every year. If you plan to fry this year, follow these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:
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- Only use a unit specifically made for frying turkeys — don’t try to adapt cookware you already have.
- Only use the fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface that is a safe distance from anything flammable. Remember that fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil. Maintain a 3-foot zone free of kids and pets to protect against injuries.
- Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before frying it — a partially frozen bird will cause hot oil to splatter.
- Ensure that you use the correct amount of oil. An overfilled fryer will spill over when the turkey is placed inside.
- Do not leave the fryer unattended. A 15-pound turkey will take about 45 minutes to cook, so prep in advance so that you can stay outside the whole time.
- Use gloves and have extra potholders and supplies nearby. The pot, lid, and handles of the fryer can get very hot.
In Case of Emergency
A small grease fire can erupt suddenly — even despite best efforts at prevention. Here are some basic steps from the NFPA if one erupts on your watch.
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- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- If on the stovetop, smother flames by putting a lid or baking sheet over the pan, taking it off the heat, and turning the burner off. Leave the pan covered until completely cooled.
- Do NOT pour water on a grease fire — it will make it worse or even spread the fire. A lid or cooking sheet is best; pouring baking soda or salt on small flames can also help extinguish them.
- When in doubt, get out of the house. Close the door behind you and call 911.
The holidays are busy. Between cooking and hosting time and focus can feel scant. To let you focus on cooking — safe cooking, that is — enlist the whole family to help. Tasks such as shopping, decorating, and cleaning can be delegated. While in the kitchen, make sure someone else is on point for entertaining and taking care of things in the rest of the house. Finally, prepare activities (games, puzzles, books, etc.) ahead of time for children so that they’re occupied and out of the kitchen.
And most important: enjoy that precious time with your family — over a delicious, beautiful meal!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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.
