by California Casualty | Firefighters, Peace Officers |
Studies have shown that first responders are at a much greater risk to develop post-traumatic stress disorder than the general public due to their exposure to high levels of physical and emotional stress. Sadly, throughout their career, many first responders will develop anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues, that are oftentimes linked to suicide.
Mental health, a once-taboo subject for departments, is now becoming more normalized with the aid of department programs, advocacy campaigns, and initiatives that help educate and bring awareness to PTSD, depression, and other types of mental health issues commonly found in first responders.
September is Suicide Awareness Month. Do your part in helping decrease first responder suicide by learning how to spot the early signs of PTSD in your first responder friends, family members, or colleagues.
Early signs of PTSD to look out for include:
Intrusive Memories
- Memories of the traumatic event
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares or upsetting dreams
- Emotional reactions triggered by a reminder of the traumatic event
Eluding & Avoiding
- Not speaking of the event
- Avoiding people, places, or activities
Behavioral Changes
- Irritability
- Lack of Interest
- Feeling detached
- Memory problems
Physical Reactions
- Easily startled or frightened
- Trouble sleeping and concentrating
- Exhibiting self-destructive behavior
- Always being on guard
Over time, these symptoms can differ and vary in intensity.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these signs of PTSD or other mental health issues, you are not alone. Please reach out to a mental health professional. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to a professional, start by reaching out to a close colleague, family member, or friend.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
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 |
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer – celebrated across the country with boating trips, long camping weekends, and backyard grilling and pool parties. But it also marks one of the year’s deadliest times on the road.
If you and your family are planning to travel by car this holiday weekend, use these defensive driving techniques to stay safe out there.
7 Principles of Defensive Driving
1. Be aware of your surroundings – Avoid tunnel vision, making sure to keep track of any pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, or cars around you. Maintain an awareness of the road in front and behind, as you’re susceptible to the ripple effects of traffic events such as rear-endings, collisions, and other unexpected road emergencies. Also, stay alert to the weather — rainy, snowy, icy, foggy, and windy conditions can change from minute to minute.
2. Anticipate bad moves by other drivers – Assume other drivers are going to do the wrong thing. For example: turning without signaling, changing lanes into a blind spot, or crossing multiple lanes to make the off-ramp. Most of the time, they won’t make the dangerous move, but if they do, you’ll be prepared.
3. Avoid distractions – Distracted driving comes in 3 flavors: visual, manual, and cognitive. The first takes your eyes off the road; the second, your hands off the wheel; and the third, your mind off the road. Cellphones, passengers, snacking, daydreaming and GPS controls are common culprits. Before you set off on the road, make sure your phone’s tucked away, food’s already eaten, and kids are strapped in and occupied. Stay focused on the road while driving and remember you can always pull over if you need to.
4. Leave yourself an out – Especially on busy highways, try not to get boxed in by cars on all sides. Always leave yourself an out in case you need to move to safety quickly. For instance, if your tire blows, a deer jumps out in front of you, you encounter debris on the road or the car in front of you collides with another, you may have to change lanes, pull over or reduce speed – fast.
5. Be seen – One of the most dangerous places on the road is in another driver’s blind spot. Always position yourself where you can be seen. Use your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and when posted signs require them. Also know that if your car’s color doesn’t stand out, other drivers may not see you easily. Position yourself strategically and remember you can always use your horn as a last defense.
6. Follow the laws – Control your speed and follow all traffic laws. Knowing right-of-way rules will keep you safer at every intersection. Maintain safe distances from other vehicles and don’t tailgate. Finally, make sure you and your passengers wear seat belts at all times. By following the rules of the road, you can proactively reduce the chances of getting into an accident.
7. Expect the unexpected – In the spirit of principle #2, remember that anything can happen at any time on the road. And when it comes to car accidents, it’s often the unexpected that’s the catalyst for a crash. For this reason, the best offense is defense — and solid defensive driving skills.
You can’t control road conditions, weather, or random chance, but you can control how you react to all of them. Make safety a matter of habit, and always respect other drivers and the law.
Finally, consider defensive driving courses – either for you or your young driver. No matter the driver’s experience level, these courses are designed to help drivers anticipate situations and make safe, well-informed decisions.
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 | News |
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature our Email Marketing Specialist, Torrie Willett
Torrie has been with us for two years and is based in our Kansas Office.
Let’s get to know Torrie!
What made you want to work in Internet Marketing at California Casualty?
I wanted to manage all aspects of email marketing and this cool girl named Demian (who is now my work best friend) made such a good impression on me in the interview, I knew I would fit right in in the Internet Marketing department!
What is your favorite part about your job?
I’m very passionate about email marketing, especially to our niche audiences here at CalCas. In my position, I get to be the lead for all email efforts and challenge myself with every new campaign.
A few added bonuses include my awesome co-workers in our Internet Marketing Department and our tradition of getting Greek food every Thursday.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
Teamwork really does make the dream work and there is always knowledge to gain.
Also, salt n vinegar almonds are the best flavor – we like to snack…..a lot.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
Try new restaurants with my hubby
Snuggle with my pooch
Go to brunch with my girlfriends
And enjoy lots of red wine underneath the pergola on my patio!
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I have a yellow lab named Harley Jane…I love red wine…I am a foodie…I love to cook…I am tiny and my work friends (Matt) never let me forget it.
If you want to learn more about Torrie or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with her on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
by California Casualty | Behind the Scenes |
It’s no secret; we have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a series we created to highlight some of the talented individuals who are dedicated to making California Casualty a great company to do business with and a terrific place to work.
From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, underwriters, partner relations, insurance consultants, and beyond; we are one big family working together for a common goal – to serve you, our policyholders.
Below are just a few of our extraordinary team members who are continuously working to make sure our customers (and fellow employees) have a great experience with California Casualty.
Customer Care Specialist, Lori Ryan:
What made you want to work in Customer Service at California Casualty?
When I was applying for my job at California Casualty, I saw an exciting opportunity to work for a company that had “big corporation pay”, with the feel of a smaller “mom and pop” company, that was really focused on customer satisfaction and employee retention.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I enjoy the different ways in which I can impact my customers, whether it’s counseling them on coverage limits or just making the whole experience of dealing with insurance more enjoyable.
I LOVE working for California Casualty because I love our customers. We have such a unique and amazing customer base with our group members. I get to hear their stories of heroism, compassion, and commitment to community, all while helping them navigate and understand their insurance needs and how to protect their assets.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
I like to thrift shop and enjoy painting and repurposing old furniture.
I’m a transplant from Texas who is addicted to coffee and makeup.
I love my job so much, I commute 45 miles to work (one way) just to get here! During that drive, I like listening to podcasts about History, True Crime, and Philosophy
To read Lori’s Employee Spotlight click here.
Talent Acquisition Specialist, Cal Turner:
What made you want to work in Human Resources at California Casualty?
I wanted to work in this position because it makes such an impact on the company. Finding and selecting the right employees for all of our different positions is very challenging yet very rewarding. When you work hard with a candidate, build relationships, get them engaged in our organization and then watch them grow into their role and become a success, it is very rewarding.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I have many favorite things about my company. I am a proud employee – in staffing, you have to be. A HUGE part of your job is selling the company to candidates who have never had any contact with us what-so-ever, and you have to truly love the organization you represent. Luckily, I work for the BEST business and it is very easy for me to do.
One thing I love about my company is all the different levels of management and how there is no division within the rest of the company. Everyone from the CEO to Executives to Upper Management are all warm and approachable people. We are all on the same playing field and it becomes obvious as we get to know each other. It is great to be in a company where everyone is connected that way.
I love the people I work with and the audience we represent. All of them. These are some of the best people in the business, and I love to see all the positive attitudes and appreciative people that I interact with each and every day.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
I like to run, do yoga, watch movies, and cook!
I have two awesome daughters who are also brilliant. One was passionate about becoming a lawyer and has recently passed the bar. She is now a Public Defender for the State of Colorado. My oldest daughter is a CPA for a respectable firm in Downtown Denver. I am very proud of both of them. They are the best thing I have ever done in my life.
To read Cal’s Employee Spotlight click here.
Personal Insurance Consultant, Kevin DeSousa:
What made you want to work as an Insurance Consultant at California Casualty?
I really just enjoy talking to people. It especially feels great when you’re also assisting a customer with a life necessity such as insurance.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Besides knowing that we’re helping our teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses! I enjoy really getting to know our customers, I talk to each person on the phone like I’m talking to one of my family members. I don’t want to under-insure my family and I also don’t want to over-insure my family; I want to make sure that everyone is paying for what they need to help take the best care of themselves as possible.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
I enjoy my family and my church family. Anytime we can all get together that is a good day!
I love going camping and enjoying the wilderness, I would say I go fishing, but I have yet to catch anything this season, so we’ll just skip that….
I also enjoy working on updating my house and working in my yard with my small farm.
To read Kevin’s Employee Spotlight click here.
Social Media Marketer, Chloe Biancarelli:
What made you want to work in Social Media at California Casualty?
Well, when I first started at California Casualty I had taken a job as an Administrative Assistant for our Service Department.
I had big plans to work a more low-key job while I got my Masters in Marketing, and then I discovered that there was a Marketing position open here, and I had some experience, so I interviewed for it and the rest is history. Now, I’ve fallen in love with my job and I cannot imagine myself anywhere else.
What is your favorite part about your job?
There are so many things that I love about my job. Our audience, the creative freedom, my work family, all of it!\
There is no better feeling than giving back to the heroes in our community, my mom is a dispatcher, so I grew up always being around first responders and going to the sheriff’s office (I still do). AND my aunt and my brother’s girlfriend are also both Teachers. Any profession that puts someone else before themselves, will always have my gratitude and respect. I feel so good knowing that we are putting these heroes, and their needs, first here at CalCas – as they do for others.
Another reason I love my job is the complexity I have as a marketer. Social Media Marketing is often confused with just posting on Facebook and Instagram, but it’s SO much more. Aside from normal social duties, we run mini-campaigns, research and write blogs, communicate with our insured, partner with groups and individuals, strategize creative brand initiatives, sponsor events, design graphics, do video and editing, run our HR Linkedin account, and so much more. Every day is different, and because social is ever-changing, our calendar could literally change at the flip of a switch and you just have to roll with the punches. I love it!
And lastly my work family; we have our own little group of “creative weirdos” in the marketing department here at California Casualty. They make, even the most stressful day, enjoyable. AND we all are absolutely obsessed with our dogs – dog people are the best kind of people.
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!
I’m from Southeast Kansas, and I went to college at Pittsburg State University (Gooooo Rillas!).
I’m engaged and getting married in November! My fiancé surprised me by proposing in Seattle last fall in front of the Space Needle AND hired a photographer to capture the whole thing.
I LOVE Christmas and I’ve been to Rockefeller Center at Christmas time – it was amazing.
I will dance terribly to any song that is playing 100% of the time.
To read Chloe’s Employee Spotlight click here.
In our growing company of 700+ individuals, Employee Spotlights are posted weekly. Check them out for yourself by following us on LinkedIn at @California Casualty.
by California Casualty | Good to Know |
Whether it’s a flood, tornado, hurricane or earthquake, a natural disaster can turn your world upside down in a matter of seconds. Besides stress, adrenaline, and fear, there may be injuries to deal with and damage or loss of property. Many people don’t know what to do in the wake of a disaster, which can hinder their coping efforts and recovery.
Here’s a list of the 6 main steps to take immediately following a natural disaster and in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
- Deal with the Immediate Aftermath
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- Make sure all household members are accounted for. If anyone is missing, seek help from first responders.
- Attend to physical injuries or emotional distress. In cases of serious injury, summon professional help.
- If you and your family need to evacuate, follow your family’s evacuation plan, grabbing emergency kits, go bags, and essentials as assigned.
- Notify family and friends that you’re safe. If you can’t connect directly, you can register with FEMA’s emergency family locator online or by calling 1-800-588-9822. See more FCC & FEMA communication tips here.
- Be aware of any new safety issues created by the disaster, such as damaged roads/bridges, chemical spills, downed power lines, and washed-out roads. Inform local authorities if possible.
- Find Temporary Shelter or Housing
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- If your home is damaged and rendered uninhabitable, take photos of the damage, remove any valuables you can, and secure the property. Call your insurance company as soon as you’re able.
- If you need to find an open emergency shelter near you right away, you can text SHELTER and your 5-digit zip code to 4FEMA. You can also use the FEMA Mobile App.
- gov also has shelter resources online.
- If you need to secure a hotel or other short-term housing, check FEMA’s resources for interim housing.
- Remember that COVID-19 safety and health precautions may still be in effect so be sure to protect yourself and your family and stay informed on general guidelines.
- If you have a pet, be sure to ask all sheltering or housing inquiries if pets are allowed.
- Keep all your receipts from temporary housing costs, as you can most likely submit them for reimbursement.
- Emergency Food and Water
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- Listen to local radio or television to find disaster feeding sites.
- Check with local agencies, emergency shelters, and food banks for food assistance.
- If you have to boil or otherwise disinfect water, follow the proper guidelines.
- Seek Disaster Assistance
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- Check local radio and media for information on housing, food, first aid, clothing, and financial assistance.
- The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other volunteer organizations also provide assistance, supplies and help with clean-up efforts.
- FEMA helps homeowners and renters who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster. Assistance includes temporary housing, counseling, low-interest loans and grants, and other assistance. Register at gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA. You’ll need your:
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- social security number
- telephone number
- insurance information, address (location of damaged home and current address)
- total household annual income
- routing and account number for bank account
- a description of damage and losses
- Returning Home
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- Wait until your area is declared safe.
- If returning at night, use a flashlight to inspect your home and property. Keep an eye out for animals, including dangerous ones such as venomous snakes.
- Inspect the property and perimeter first, checking for hazards such as gas leaks, downed power lines, and structural damage. Do not enter if you smell gas, see floodwaters, or if there’s fire damage.
- If you do enter your home, you’ll need to be extremely cautious. Follow the dos and don’ts of inspecting your home in FEMA’s guide here.
- Replacing Lost Records & Protecting Your Property
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- Ideally, your important records and financial documents were part of your emergency kit.
- If you need to replace records such as birth certificates, driver’s licenses, marriage certificates or social security cards, follow the instructions at USA.gov here.
- Contact your creditors to inform them of the situation and work with them for current and ongoing payments.
- If the disaster is a declared Federal disaster, you may be eligible for federal income tax deductions. Check with your tax planner.
- If a member of your family is injured and you’re caring for them, check with your employer to see if you’re eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act or disability benefits.
While checklists and logistical aspects all need to be dealt with, also keep in mind the mental toll that natural disasters exert. Seek help if you can, take breaks and walks, and practice self-care. Remember that children are especially affected. Community and support networks are especially important in times like these — lean on them when you need support, and offer help to others when you have some extra energy to give.
