Wildfires are an ever-present danger in some areas, but experts offer ways to mitigate risk and improve survival chances. Jon Heggie, a seasoned firefighter with CAL FIRE, emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and staying informed. Travelers should watch for weather conditions such as high heat and winds, which signal increased fire risk, and always have a flexible escape plan. Alerts through local news or apps like AirNow or ReadyForWildfire.org can provide timely information. Heggie also advises travelers to have a survival kit and extra escape routes ready, as well as a mask to protect against harmful smoke.
Lower Death Risk by Drinking Coffee at This Hour
A study from Tulane University reveals that drinking coffee in the morning is linked to a lower risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular disease. The study followed over 42,000 adults for nine years and found that those who consumed two to three cups in the morning had a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those who drank coffee later in the day.
Top 10 Items TSA Caught On Passengers Last Year
The TSA recently shared the “10 best catches” of 2024, showcasing the most unusual and dangerous items intercepted at airports. Notable items included a gun hidden inside a Lego box at Newark, a live snake tucked into someone’s pants in Miami, and methamphetamine concealed in crutches at Portsmouth. TSA also featured a peanut butter jar containing marijuana and a vape pen hidden inside a toothpaste tube.
Norovirus Can Live On Your Clothes for Weeks
Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, has seen a surge in the U.S., with cases rising by 40% compared to previous years. Experts warn that the virus can survive on fabrics for up to a month. Proper hygiene, including handwashing with hot water and soap, is crucial, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective. For fabrics, washing at 140°F or higher, using enzyme detergents, and employing a steam iron or dryer for added sanitization is recommended.
These Workers Got a Big Raise in Retirement Benefits from Congress
President Biden recently signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, eliminating two provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for certain retirees who also received pension income. The law is expected to provide an average increase of $360 per month for affected public employees and their families, impacting around 2.5 million Americans. The change will also lead to lump-sum payments for individuals who were underpaid in previous years. The bill is a response to calls for fairer retirement benefits, especially for public sector workers.
Before and After Aerial Images of the California Fire Disaster
Fast-moving wildfires in California have claimed the lives of five people and destroyed over 1,000 structures, forcing more than 130,000 residents to evacuate. The fires, which rapidly spread around Los Angeles, were fueled by hurricane-force winds that carried embers across neighborhoods, igniting fires in their wake. By Wednesday, six fires were burning from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, with most still uncontrolled. Satellite images revealed the extent of the devastation, particularly from the Pacific Palisades fire, which scorched more than 15,000 acres, leaving the Malibu coastline and nearby buildings destroyed. Even more fire photos.
Trump and Obama Are…Friends? At the Carter Funeral, Maybe
Despite their heated past rhetoric, the two former presidents appeared to be having a casual chat while a choir performed at late President Jimmy Carter’s service on Saturday, which some viewed as inappropriate, especially given Trump’s role in promoting the birther movement. The absence of Michelle Obama from the funeral only adds to the speculation, suggesting she might have preferred to avoid witnessing the interaction.