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How to Flatten the COVID-19 Curve

How do we “flatten the curve” of COVID-19? That is the most important thing any American can focus on right now. As this virus ravages the world, we need to work together to help the healthcare system fight it. 

First, let’s start with what it means to “flatten the curve.”

What Does it Mean to Flatten the Curve of COVID-19

When government and healthcare officials talk about “flattening the curve,” they are essentially saying we need to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Think about it like this- assume there are two scenarios.

  • Scenario 1 is where 10,000 people get the Coronavirus within 2 weeks
  • Scenario 2 is where 10,000 people get the Coronavirus over 2 months

In the first scenario, the healthcare system will be overwhelmed. They just don’t have enough beds in the hospitals to take care of all those people, plus people experiencing “usual” healthcare issues such as heart attacks, car accidents, etc. 

This leads to many people not getting the care they need and finding it more difficult to recover.

Scenario 2 doesn’t overwhelm the hospitals. People can be treated and sent home without running out of beds. Everyone is able to get the care they need, so more people are able to live. 

Scenario 2 is the one with a “flatter curve” because there wasn’t as large of a spike in cases, and is what health experts are trying to get our help with. 

How to Flatten the Curve

The number one thing we can do to flatten the curve is practice “social distancing.” This refers to intentionally staying home and avoiding interactions with people. The fewer people we interact with, the slower the virus spreads. Here are some actions you can take to flatten the curve even further:

1. Workout from home rather than going to public places such as a park. It is okay to go on walks around your neighborhood, but just be sure to practice social distancing and do not touch anything. If you have to touch something, (crosswalk light etc.) don’t touch your face until you can return home to wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Only go to the grocery store when it is absolutely necessary. While we may be accustomed to going to the store for just a few items, make sure to use most or all of your current groceries before venturing out. Limit your trips by making a list or meal plan before you go and getting all necessary ingredients. 

Note: As you know, it is difficult during this time to find everything we need at the grocery store. Keep a few alternatives in mind that you can get if you can’t find exactly what you were looking for.

As an alternative, there are many meal delivery services that deliver groceries right to your doorstep. While these options may be a little more expensive, it can be worth saving a trip right now.

3. If you are experiencing any symptoms, do not leave your home at all. It is best to quarantine yourself for at least 7-14 days and 72 hours past when your symptoms have subsided. 

4. Do not visit your friends at their homes. Many people are still visiting friends and family and think it is safe to do so because they are at home as well. Limit this as much as possible because this still facilitates the spread of germs.

5. Above all, stay home. This too will pass and we will eventually be able to get back to normal life. The more we stay home, the faster this will be over with. Together we can flatten the curve.

Courtesy of Cuselleration

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Spring Cleaning Tips to Avoid Home Insurance Claims

Are you and your family in the spring-cleaning mood? You’ve probably already started on clearing out your closets and decluttering your rooms, but what about the lesser-thought-of chores, like cleaning out your gutters and checking for any damage? If you want to keep your home in good shape and prevent any future insurance claims, take a look at these 6 spring cleaning tips.

 

  • Check your HVAC

 

After a winter where you probably used your home’s heater pretty consistently, it’s important to check and change your HVAC filters to prevent a build-up of dust. Not properly maintaining a clean HVAC can result in physical illnesses, a higher energy bill, and a shortened life-span of the entire appliance. Make sure this is one of the first spring-cleaning chores on your list to help keep a healthy home and a happy family.

 

  • Repair your driveway

 

Cracked sidewalks and driveways, broken bricks and stones, or holes in your yard can be a tripping hazard that could potentially cause injury to you, your family, or your guests. To avoid paying out-of-pocket for someone else’s medical bills, keep an eye out for any tripping hazards. Similarly, watch out for any loose nails or screws on your deck that could have been exposed by rotting wood. It’s easy to forget to look at the floor, but doing so could protect your loved ones from some painful injuries!

 

  • Watch out for the windows

 

If an earthquake or other weather-related event hit your home in the past, it’s possible that your windows and doors were harmed in the process. Double check the caulking and seams around your windows and doors for any cracks. If cracks are present, moisture could be entering your home and causing damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, and appliances. This damage could show up in the form of insurance claims and home repair bills, so catching it early is essential.

 

  • Replace the batteries in your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors

 

Every 6 months or so, mark your calendars to check the batteries in your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. While these likely go unnoticed during the year, it can be incredibly damaging to your home if they are not functioning properly in times of need. Instead of being oblivious when real damage is being caused to your home, make a point to switch out these batteries every spring and fall and help protect your family from danger.

 

  • Clear out your gutters

 

While we may not have traditional falls and winters in Orange County, our home’s gutters are still susceptible to becoming clogged with leaves and other debris collected throughout the year. If clogged, even the few showers of rain we receive in Southern California can back up your gutters, causing overflows and potential water damage to your home’s roof. Clean these out at least every spring, if not more, to help prevent making any insurance claims on a damaged roof!

  1. Keep an eye out on your home’s roof and walls

Similarly, any number of things can occur and cause potential water damage to your home’s exterior. If you notice water stains on your walls and ceilings or see any sagging spots on your roof, it’s likely your home has water damage and needs repairing immediately. Also keep an eye out for missing shingles, holes in the siding, or signs of damage caused by critters.

If you’re hoping to avoid paying a high repair bill or filing an insurance claim for damages, keep these 6 chores in mind when making your spring-cleaning to-do lists, and click here to receive a quote on our homeowner’s insurance policies. If you do happen to notice any damage on your home incurred over the last few seasons, give our team at Partners Direct a call and we’ll be happy to assist you with any insurance issues you have.

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