Tag Archives: snow

Driving-Car Safety Tips

62922586_bd9aa19227What should you have in the trunk of your car in case of an emergency?

I’ll give you a hint- it’s not a cat. While they are cute, they are not very helpful in a crisis. Below is a list of some more helpful things to keep in the car.

Recommended items to have in the car in case of emergency

  • Cell phone car charger
  • Jumper Cables (be sure you know how to use them)
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Flares & Reflective triangles
  • Bag of sand or kitty litter (to help if stuck in ice, snow)
  • Small shovel, snow brush and ice scraper
  • Extra windshield solvent
  • Blankets and extra clothing
  • Nonperishable food items and water (e.g.. snack bars)
  • List of emergency telephone numbers on a card in the glove compartment
  • Auto club card (AAA or roadside assistance)

Here is another post with a list of what to keep in the car glove box.

It is always a good idea to keep the gas tank at least half full at all times, especially in the winter.

Winter Driving Tips

Driving in the snow and ice can be a challenge even for experienced drivers. If you don’t have to
go out in bad weather, stay home. If you do have to go out, here are some tips from AAA. Check out the full article on the AAA website.
Tips for driving in the snow:
  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. …
  • Drive slowly. …
  • The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. …
  • Know your brakes. …
  • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. …
  • Don’t power up hills. …
  • Don’t stop going up a hill. …
  • Stay home.

Winter Sports and Sports Insurance

Is it risky to do winter sports without the sports insurance?
ice-skate

Yes. If you have to pay your own hospital bills for a broken bone, you might be shocked at how much that would cost. I checked this website for some cost estimates.

Here are a couple examples:

  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (that does not require surgery) it could cost up to $2,500.
  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (requiring surgery) it could cost $16,000 or more.

    • I wanted to make sure everyone understands how the medical coverage works for sports related injuries. There is a list of “high-risk sports/activities” that are not covered with the basic or upgrade medical insurance plans. Those activities are only covered with the Sports Insurance Package (also known as Option A.)

    The Sports Insurance Package was available pre-departure and may also be purchased at any time during your year. It takes effect within 48 hours of your enrollment and it is good for 12 months. The cost will be the same ($75) whether you have a month left or your whole year ahead of you. I recommend you pay for it early on, if you didn’t already purchase it. You never know when an opportunity might present itself and you don’t want to miss out on an adventure. You also don’t want to take a risk on getting injured and being responsible for the bill on your own.

    Below is a partial list of sports that are only covered with the sports insurance package:
    Football, Rugby, Scuba diving, Ski-doo, Wakeboarding, Skydiving, Parachuting, Rock climbing, Zip line, Skate boarding, Rollerblading, Roller skating, Ice Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiles & Snowshoeing. View the full list on page 3 of the insurance brochure HERE (2013 arrival au pairs) & HERE for (2014 arrival au pairs)
    Note: Injuries sustained while partaking in these sports are covered with purchase of the Sports Insurance ONLY.

    How to register for the Sports Insurance
    Download the form HERE and follow the instructions. It takes a few days for your coverage to begin. If you think you will be doing any of these sports, you should get it now.

    Snow Days!!

    snow day by tony crider

    Looking for ideas to keep the kids busy on this snow day?

    Here is a simple snow day game plan…

    1. Play in the snow
    2. Come inside and warm up with hot chocolate (don’t forget the marshmallows)
    3. Do some Snowflake Crafts
    4. Play board games or legos together
    5. Ever heard of Snow Ice Cream?
    6. Look for more fun things to do on the APIA Pinterest Boards
    7. Bake cookies together or make some other fun recipe
    8. Play in the snow again
    9. Warm up inside taking turns on the Make a Snowflake Website
    10. Make a blanket fort

    Stay warm & have fun!

    Winter Sports and Sports Insurance

    Is it risky to do winter sports without the sports insurance?

    Yes. If you have to pay your own hospital bills for a broken bone, you might be shocked at how much that would cost. I checked this website for some cost estimates.

    Here are a couple examples:

  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (that does not require surgery) it could cost up to $2,500.
  • Without medical coverage, to treat a broken arm or leg (requiring surgery) it could cost $16,000 or more.

    • I wanted to make sure everyone understands how the medical coverage works for sports related injuries. There is a list of “high-risk sports/activities” that are not covered with the basic or upgrade medical insurance plans. Those activities are only covered with the Sports Insurance Package (also known as Option A.)

    The Sports Insurance Package was available pre-departure and may also be purchased at any time during your year. It takes effect within 48 hours of your enrollment and it is good for 12 months. The cost will be the same ($75) whether you have a month left or your whole year ahead of you. I recommend you pay for it early on, if you didn’t already purchase it. You never know when an opportunity might present itself and you don’t want to miss out on an adventure. You also don’t want to take a risk on getting injured and being responsible for the bill on your own.

    Below is a partial list of sports that are only covered with the sports insurance package:
    Football, Rugby, Scuba diving, Ski-doo,  Wakeboarding, Skydiving, Parachuting, Rock climbing, Zip line, Skate boarding, Rollerblading, Roller skating, Ice Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiles & Snowshoeing.  View the full list on page 3 of the insurance brochure HERE (2013 arrival au pairs) & HERE for (2014 arrival au pairs)
    Note: Injuries sustained while partaking in these sports are covered with purchase of the Sports Insurance ONLY.

    How to register for the Sports Insurance
    Download the form HERE and follow the instructions. It takes a few days for your coverage to begin. If you think you will be doing any of these sports, you should get it now.

    Au Pair In America partners with AAA

     

    AAA

    The most trusted choice for live-in childcare, Au Pair in America has partnered with AAA, the nation’s most trusted name in driver safety and instruction, to offer a custom course specifically designed for au pairs. This course differs from those offered in your community, in that AAA has taken the best of several of their courses, adapted them to be the most accessible to the au pair population, with special focus on driver and child passenger safety.  Key components of the course include:

    • Driver Safety
    • Child passenger safety (car seats, communication, expectations)
    • Communication and traffic devices
    • Vehicle Awareness (understanding what your vehicle is “telling you.”)
    • Reducing Risks while Driving (includes defensive driving techniques, phone/texting issues, and drinking and driving awareness)

    kids-car-safety-toddler

    This  AAA course designed exclusively for Au Pair In America.  Course includes a combination of lecture, group exercises, video/other media to ensure the maximum understanding to speakers of other languages or newly arrived to the US participants.

     

      young-woman-driving

     

    All Host Families with au pairs arriving into the USA in 2011 will receive more information about this new course and how their au pair can be enrolled!

    ABC’s of Winter Fun

    snowflake

    A is for Art – try drawing, painting or gluing
    B is for Baking – bake a dessert together for dinner
    C is for Clay – Use non-hardening clay or play dough to shape and mold
    D is for Dance – put on a lively tape
    E is for Exercise – be sure to get some everyday
    F is for Friends – invite some over
    G is for Greenhouse – find a local greenhouse to visit to enjoy the sights and smells
    H is for House – make a playhouse from a large appliance box
    I is for Ice skating – take the children to a local rink
    J is for Jigsaw puzzle – be sure to pick one that isn’t too difficult
    K is for Kitchen science – try a safe experiment
    L is for Library – borrow some new books
    M is for Movie – make one with a video camera, or watch one
    N is for Necklace – make one out of cereal or macaroni
    O is for Origami – learn to make simple paper creations
    P is for Puppets – socks make easy and fun puppets – put on a show!
    Q is for Quiet Time – everyone needs some of this
    R is for Reading aloud – choose a good book and a comfortable place to sit
    S is for Seeds and Suet – put out food for the birds and watch them eat
    T is for Tent – make one from old blankets and chairs
    U is for Unplugged – do a day with no TV
    V is for Variety – try something new everyday
    W is for Walk – take one in any weather (be sure to dress appropriately)
    X is for Xylophone – make your own with glasses, water and a metal spoon
    Y is for Year – make a calendar or scrapbook to remember the year
    Z is for Zoo – visit the animals

    Safe Driving in Winter Weather.

    Winter Driving Tips
    You are likely to find ice and snow on the roads in many parts of the country. There are some basic rules to remember to stay safe in the car in difficult driving conditions:

    • Start early and take your time.
    • Accelerate slowly, especially on hills
    • Drive slowly to avoid having to stop while going up a hill, as it will be hard to start again.
    • Don’t make any sudden turns or stops.
    • Be sure that the mirrors and windows are always free of snow and ice.
    • If you skid, try to steer in the direction the car is sliding to regain control.
    • The changes in temperature sometimes cause potholes in the streets. If you don’t see the pothole in time to steer around it, apply the brakes before hitting the pothole and release them just before you reach the pothole. If you keep the brake on as you hit the pothole, it will do more damage to the tire.
    • Try to keep your gas tank at least half full.
    • If your wheels spin on ice, switch to low gear, even on automatics.
    • Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you.
    • Remember that bridges and exit ramps are icier than roads.
    • Ask what kind of brakes your car has and how to use them in case of a skid.

    Wet Weather Driving Tips (from www.nyAAA.com)

    • Summer rainstorms can quickly reduce visibility and create dangerous driving conditions.
    • In stormy conditions, it is more difficult to see other vehicles, road signs and the road itself. It is critical that motorists take steps so they can see and be seen.
    • Drivers should regularly clean their windshield and windows, on both the inside and outside. Drivers who smoke should take extra care to make sure their interior windows are clear of a buildup of smoke residue.
    • AAA also suggests that motorists regularly check that headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.
    • As soon as rain begins, AAA recommends drivers turn on headlights and windshield wipers. Many states require headlights to be turned on when it is raining or if the visibility is reduced to less than 500 feet.
    • When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at a rest area or other protected location. If the roadside is your only option, AAA recommends pulling off as far as possible, preferably past the end of a guardrail. Keep headlights on and turn on emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
    • In addition to reducing visibility, rain creates slippery roads that require motorists to use extra caution. AAA suggests that when driving in rain, motorists slow down and increase the distance between vehicles to compensate for reduced tire traction.