What to leave and what NOT to leave in your car in cold weather

What to have in your car in cold weather

Cold weather is always a good reminder to make sure you have needed emergency items in your car and that your spare tire is in good condition. Here are some things you may want to keep in your vehicle (more info at Ready.gov ):

• Shovel, scraper, and small broom.
• Flashlight and matches.
• Battery powered radio and extra batteries.
• Water and snack food.
• First aid kit with pocket knife.
• Extra hats, socks, mittens, boots, and blankets.
• Tow chain, rope, and booster cables.
• Road salt and sand.
• Emergency flares and fluorescent distress flag.

When the temperatures plunge, have you ever thought about what NOT to have in your car?

Certain items can break, explode, or otherwise suffer negative effects. Consider excluding these items from your car during chilly temperatures:

Medication: Some medications can lose their effectiveness if they freeze. Liquid medications, like insulin, can separate when they thaw, leading to incorrect or ineffective dosages.

Mobile phones/tablets: These items are susceptible to shutting down in cold weather, preventing the lithium-ion batteries from discharging electricity. They may work again when thawed, or there may be condensation inside the unit that short-circuits the battery. Apple and Samsung both recommend operating devices between about 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drinks/food: Soda, beer, and wine will all expand when they freeze, risking an explosion and a sticky mess—or worse, an unwelcome distraction as you’re driving. Food in cans or glass jars react in a similar manner when left in a freezing car.

Musical instruments: Guitars and other wood instruments can suffer serious damage, which may be difficult or impossible to repair. Warm up instruments gradually if you forget them in a cold car.

How we help protect your online yourMONEY™ retirement account

According to the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study, 62% percent of retirement plan website and app users said security was more important than convenience to their overall digital experience—and it is also one of the greatest drivers of customer satisfaction with retirement platform digital tools.

WEA Member Benefits follows industry best practices to protect the privacy and security of your retirement account(s).

• Your account requires multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log in. MFA means that when you sign into your account for the first time on a new device or app, you will need a second verification method to prove who you are (in addition to your username and password).
• Your account is automatically locked after three unsuccessful login attempts in a row.
• A newly opened yourMONEY account will be automatically locked if you haven’t set up your login credentials and MFA after 60 days.
• We require callers to authenticate themselves prior to discussing retirement account information.
• ACH transactions need to complete a real-time account verification that confirms bank account legitimacy.
• IP addresses are limited to within North America, adding additional protection against breaches.

Smart security practices

1. Use strong passwords
   Create unique, complex passwords for each account.
   Avoid using personal information (birthdays, etc.)
   Consider using a password manager.
2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
   Adds an extra layer of protection beyond a password.
   Use text, email, or authenticator apps.
3. Update regularly
   Keep banking apps and devices updated.
   Install security patches promptly.
4. Watch for scams
   Don’t click suspicious links in emails or texts.
   Verify requests for personal or financial info.
   Remember, banks rarely ask for sensitive info by email.
5. Monitor your accounts
   Check transactions often.
   Set up alerts for unusual activity.
   Report suspicious charges immediately.

If you have any questions about the security of your account, call us at 1-800-279-4030.

Explore your options in yourMONEY

We hope you are finding the new yourMONEY online tool to manage your retirement account with us beneficial. Here are a few helpful functions we’d like to make sure you’re aware of.

If you have any questions about the new yourMONEY platform, call us at 1-800-279-4030.

DASHBOARD

This is the opening screen in yourMONEY.

• Click on the gear in the top right hand corner to access your personal information and beneficiary designations, and to update your password.
• If you are an IRA account owner, set up a recurring or one-time ACH contribution using the Fund My Account tool.

NAVIGATION BAR

Explore toolbar options.

• Manage: Manage your investment and review your transactions.
• Forms and Reports: Access your quarterly statement.
• Plan Selection: Toggle between accounts.

PERSONAL RATE OF RETURN

Review your personal rate of return and investment performance.

Be attentive and alert for deer this fall

Deer crash numbers typically increase in October and November in Wisconsin as more deer move around during peak mating and hunting season. They are most active during the early morning and evening hours.

Statistics

According to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in Wisconsin one person was killed or injured in an deer crash every 12.2 hours in 2024.

• 17,432 crashes involved deer in Wisconsin in 2024.
• Despite increasing innovation in vehicle safety protocols, there was a peak in 2024 with 9 motorists killed and 707 motorists injured in deer crashes.
• Deer crashes accounted for 14% of all crashes and 2% of all fatalities in 2024.
• Motorcyclists are at a greater risk of injury in a crash involving a deer. There is about a 33% chance that a motorcycle deer crash will result in a fatality or serious injury, compared to less than 0.1% in auto or light truck deer crashes.

How to avoid hitting a deer

• Be sure to use your headlights as daylight transitions to dusk and deer become more difficult to see, especially as daylight saving time ends in November.
• Deer are unpredictable and may freeze or change directions. Drive at a safe speed, eliminate distractions and make sure everyone is buckled up.
• If one deer crosses, watch for more. If you see a deer, honk your horn to urge them to move away from the road.
• If you cannot avoid hitting a deer with your vehicle, brake firmly and stay in your lane. Avoid sudden swerving, which can result in a loss of control and a more serious crash.

What to do after a deer crash

If you do end up hitting a deer, get your vehicle safely off the road, if possible.

• If someone is hurt or the deer is in the active portion of the road, call 911.​
• If no one is hurt and your vehicle and deer are off the road, contact local law enforcement.
• Stay buckled up inside your vehicle and wait for help. Getting out of your vehicle and walking along a road is always dangerous.
• Never attempt to move an injured deer.​

Source: Wisconsindot.gov

Sharing the road with child pedestrians

Generally speaking, pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections. Children are often distracted, unpredictable, difficult to see, and are more likely to take risks. The also may ignore hazards and fail to look both ways when crossing the street. Help keep our children safe by keeping these tips in mind when driving.

• Take extra precautions and slow down in school zones and neighborhoods where children are. Speed limits aren’t suggestions. Stick to the posted limits and always be ready to stop.
• Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or a stop sign. By doing so pedestrians are forced to walk around your vehicle which puts them in danger.
• Stop or yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the road within a crosswalk or intersection.
• Be alert for children around school buses and bus stops. If red lights are flashing, you must stop at least 20 feet back. Yellow lights mean you may pass, but expect to see children and proceed with caution.
• Follow directions given by a crossing guard, school patrol officer, or special signs.
• Even if you have the legal right-of-way, don’t honk your horn, rush, or scare a pedestrian in front of your car.
• Be cautious when backing out of driveways, school parking lots, or residential streets. Always double-check for kids walking or biking behind your vehicle.
• Stay off your phone. It can wait. One second of distraction is all it takes to cause a tragedy.

Sharing the road with bicyclists

Bicycles, especially children on bikes, are smaller and less visible on the road and so face unique safety challenges. Here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling in areas where adults and children may be present and riding bikes on the road.

• Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on most roadways as drivers do.
• Check your blind spots when turning, opening your car door, or backing out of driveways. Bicyclists are difficult to see behind cars or other obstructions.
• When passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction as you, slow down and move over if you can do so safely. Wisconsin state law requires motor vehicles to give at least 3 feet when passing a person on a bike. But if you can do it safely, give them same amount of space as you would another vehicle.
• Allow the bicyclist to enter and exit intersections first before making a right or left turn into their path.
• Children riding bikes are inexperienced, don’t use proper judgment, and don’t often know the rules of the road. Exercise caution when sharing the road with young bicyclists.
• Watch for bicyclists turning in front of you. Children don’t often use hand signals or look behind them when turning.

Wisconsin Bike Fed partners with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and works year round to make roads safer for people on bikes. Learn more about their programs and get resources for their “Share the Road” campaign.

Information from the National Safety Council, Wisconsin Bike Fed.

Sharing the road with school buses

Fall is a great time to remind motorists about sharing the road safely with school buses, bicyclists, and child pedestrians. Let’s start with a few helpful tips to keep in mind when sharing the road with a school bus:

• The school bus is one of the safest vehicles on the road. Less than 1% of all traffic fatalities involve children on school transportation vehicles. However, children are more at risk when approaching or leaving a school bus. The school bus loading and unloading area is the most dangerous for students.
• It is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
  • All buses use yellow flashing lights to alert motorists they are about to load or unload children.
  • Red lights and an extended stop sign arm signals that the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Stop at least 20 feet away, in both directions, from a bus when red warning lights are flashing. (The only exception is if you are traveling on the other side of a divided highway.)
• Do not pass a school bus on the right while it is stopped. Doing so is illegal and could have tragic consequences.
• Keep your distance. Children are most likely to be hit or injured in the area 10 feet around a school bus.

In Wisconsin, when passed illegally, bus drivers are authorized to report violations to law enforcement. In 2024, there were 1,276 traffic convictions for failure to stop for a school bus.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Beware of senior scams

Scammers are increasingly targeting retirees, including Wisconsin public school employees. Using sophisticated tactics like impersonating loved ones, pretending to be Medicare agents, or using fake numbers that look official, they pressure victims into quick decisions that can lead to significant financial loss.

Protect yourself by watching for these common schemes

High-pressure threats

Phrases like “You’ll lose coverage” or “Act now” are designed to scare you.

Requests for gift cards or wire transfers

No legitimate organization will ask for these.

Fake caller ID

Scammers can mimic numbers from trusted sources.

Random tech support or prize calls

If it’s unsolicited, it’s suspicious.

Too-good-to-be-true offers

Guaranteed returns or miracle cures rarely deliver—and often steal.

What you can do

• Don’t answer unknown calls.
• Never send gift cards or wire money.
• Verify before you trust.

To report a scam

Federal Trade Commission

• ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• identitytheft.gov

Internet Crime Complaint Center (FBI)

• ic3.gov

Perception survey 2025

In December 2024, we sent a survey to a random list of 10,000 members. We appreciate all who responded—getting your feedback helps us to best meet your needs. Here is what we learned.

First impressions

What first comes to mind when thinking about WEA Member Benefits is:

• Retirement/retirement planning (25%)
• Customer service (24%)
• Products/services (22%)

“Secure, highly knowledgeable staff, SUPER friendly.”

Reputation

Member Benefits has an exceptional reputation among members. Eighty-two percent felt we have a Very Good or Excellent reputation.

Meets expectations

Fifty-seven percent of members feel Member Benefits Exceeds or Somewhat Exceeds expectations.

Lives up to brand promise

Member opinion on whether Member Benefits lives up to its brand promise remains excellent at 85% replying Often or Always.

Financial security

The number one personal financial issue for members every year of our survey is preparing for the future (28%), followed by the economy and politics (20%), and paying off debt (13%).

Customer satisfaction

A vast majority of respondents Agree or Strongly Agree that providing excellent customer service is a top priority at Member Benefits.

“WEA Member Benefits is one of the best in the country. Knowledgeable, safe, and staff is available to support and answer questions.”

Net Promoter Score

The Net Promoter Score, a measure of likelihood to recommend an organization, is trending up from the past two surveys (51%). A score above 50% is considered excellent. According to a recent report, we have a significantly higher average score than the insurance carrier and investment industries have currently.

Top advice from members

The largest percentage of member advice for David Kijek, President and CEO, focused on service and outreach (31%). Suggestions include more in-person visits to schools and personalized communication, and clearer information about available benefits.

A number of respondents gave us kudos and thanks, such as:

“Thanks for all you do to support teachers, administrators, paras, and staff.”

“Thank you for your service, newsletters, webinars and all the friendly staff I’ve interacted (with). I especially have loved talking to staff that were formerly in public education themselves.”

David Kijek adds, “We’re glad to know how much we’ve continued to provide the excellent customer service you value—that is so important to us. We hold your opinions in high regard and will keep working to make improvements so we can best serve you.”

No participants of this survey were compensated for their reviews.

Help keep your teens safe this summer

AAA is reminding parents and teens to be aware of the sharp increase in teen fatalities from auto accidents that happens each year during the “100 Deadliest Days” — the span of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Teen driver statistics

According to a AAA review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,135 people in the U.S. have been killed in a crash involving a teen driver between 2019-2023. Over 30% of those deaths occurred during the 100 Deadliest Days. An average of 8 people are killed per day in teen-involved driving crashes in the summer compared to 7 per day during the rest of the year. 

The National Road Safety Foundation points out several reasons why teen fatalities increase during the 100 Deadliest Days.

• School is out and teens are spending more time behind the wheel.
• The inexperience of teen drivers.
• Distracted driving accounts for 60% of teen crashes. Distraction includes, but is not limited to, multiple passengers, phones, and eating/drinking.
• Speeding is a factor in nearly 30% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers (AAA).
• Drunk driving. Even though the national drinking age is 21, some teens still drink and drive.

Steps parents can take to increase safe teen driving behavior

• Set very specific household rules around driving. Talk with teens early and often about being safe behind the wheel. This can include creating a parent/child driving contract that relates to things like:
  • Everyone buckles up for every trip.
  • Never drive impaired. It’s not only dangerous, but also a crime.
  • Teen passengers are the biggest distraction to teen drivers, and cell phones are second. Set rules covering these and other potential distractions.
  • Follow posted speed limits.
  • Limit nighttime driving, which is riskier for novice drivers. Drowsy driving is also an issue for many teens who don’t get enough sleep.
• Enroll your teen in online and in-person driving classes. Make sure they get at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving under a variety of conditions.
• Be sure you know your state’s laws regarding passenger restrictions for teen drivers.
• Teach your teen defensive driving skills. Making these skills a habit can help reduce the chances of an accident. Pick up tips online or find a formal course.
• Consider a “do not disturb” rule. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also has new research that finds when the “do not disturb” feature on teens’ phones are activated to silence distractions, it can be effective in reducing interactions with their smartphones when driving. Distracted driving is a major safety concern.
• Be a positive example: Maintain appropriate space around your vehicle, adjust your speed to conditions, and adhere to the same guidelines you give your teen.

Helpful resources

• For talking points to use with your teens and more in-depth driving tips, download the free Passport to Safe Driving toolkit from The National Road Safety Foundation.
• For guidance on drawing up a contract with your teen, check out this sample parent/teen driving agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, teens’ inexperience behind the wheel makes them more likely to engage in risky behavior. It’s critical for parents to play an active role in guiding their teens to embrace safe driving behaviors.