runaway barges
Two Dozen Runaway Barges Force Bridge Closures in Pittsburgh

On Saturday, a large-scale barge breakaway forced the temporary closure of two bridges on the Ohio River. The bridges were undamaged and reopened shortly after, authorities said. 

The Pittsburgh area experienced an unusually heavy rainfall event on Friday night, lifting the Ohio River and creating stronger currents. 26 barges broke away from a fleeting area and drifted downstream, damaging two marinas and piling up against the Emsworth Lock and Dam. 

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man in airport with mobile device
Personal Security Tips for Using Public WiFi Networks

The convenience of public WiFi networks is undeniable. However, these networks can often be a hotbed for potential cyber threats. Here’s how you can navigate this landscape while ensuring your personal security.

1. Recognize the Risks

Before connecting to a public WiFi, it’s crucial to understand the inherent risks. Adopting good cybersecurity habits can shield you from many common threats.

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Staying warm in the winter!

The wind is shaking the windows and howling through the fireplace. You look outside and it is not inviting. The chatter in the house is restless and you want everyone to feel safe and warm regardless of the mayhem outside.

The West Coast is getting snow and the weather patterns are heading to the heartland. Anyone in the East is already well aware that when it snows – it snows hard. Even the southwest is experiencing cold weather. We are well past the “winter is coming” phase – it is here, regardless of what the calendar says.

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Non-Lethal Defense Options for Survival Situations

A Post-Apocalyptic World Needs Laughter, Not Casualties!”

Picture this: you’re hunkered down, waiting out an emergency response situation that has turned your quiet suburban neighborhood into a scene from “The Walking Dead.” But you’re not worried about zombies. No, your concern is more grounded in reality – intruders. What you need are non-lethal defense options that will ensure your safety while keeping the body count at zero. And let’s face it, we’re not all Bruce Lee or Lara Croft. So, let’s dive into some semi-serious, semi-hilarious, but wholly practical methods of non-lethal defense.

  1. The Trusty Stun Gun: A classic non-lethal option, stun guns deliver a high-voltage, low-amperage shock, resulting in temporary immobilization. Remember, though, stun guns require you to be up-close and personal, so maybe practice your ninja moves in your spare time.
  2. Pepper Spray: Dinner Seasoning Turned Defense Tool: A staple in many women’s purses, pepper spray is a potent, pocket-sized protector. Just ensure you’re upwind when you deploy it, or the joke’s on you.
  3. Tactical Flashlight: Your Shining Knight: These aren’t your ordinary flashlights. They’re extremely bright, temporarily blinding anyone on the receiving end. Some even come with a built-in stun gun or a beveled edge for striking. It’s like a Swiss Army Knife, but flashier.
  4. The Personal Alarm: Your Screaming Sidekick: These little devices emit a high-pitched siren that can disorient an attacker and attract attention. They’re like carrying around your own personal banshee.
  5. The Slingshot: A Trip Down Memory Lane: Don’t laugh, a well-aimed stone from a slingshot can be an effective deterrent. Bonus points if you can nail the classic “Dennis the Menace” smirk while you’re at it.
  6. High-Decibel Whistles: The Sound of Safety: This one’s for all the musicians out there. A loud, ear-piercing whistlepiercing whistle can disorient an attacker and alert others. Who knew your band camp days would come in handy during a readiness situation?
  7. The Walking Stick: The Ultimate Multi-tasker: A good walking stick can help you navigate rough terrain, poke around for danger, and provide a means of self-defense. It’s like your loyal canine companion, but less furry and more wooden.
  8. Wasp Spray: A Sting Operation: It sprays up to 20 feet and causes intense eye pain and temporary blindness. Just remember, this is a last resort option. We’re not condoning the casual use of insecticides on humans.
  9. The Power of Words: Your Ultimate Weapon: Communication can often deescalate a situation before it turns violent. A well-placed compliment or an unexpected joke can throw an aggressor off balance. “Nice mask, it really brings out the color of your… crowbar?”

In the end, preparedness is about more than just “being ready.” It’s about retaining our humanity, our empathy, and yes, even our sense of humor, in the face of adversity. So, arm yourself with knowledge, a dash of wit, and these non-lethal defense options, because the best preparedness tool is the one that keeps you and those around you safe without resorting to lethal force.

Neighborhood Watch

Are you part of a neighborhood watch? How did you get it started, or find out about it? If you aren’t part of one, there’s no better time than the present to join or start one in your neighborhood. By now, we all know that we are our own first response. The next closest person to you is your neighbor, so it makes sense to get to know them. If there is ever an emergency, you may have to depend on each other for help.

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Your 5 senses are your best DEFENSES

We have five senses that everyone is very familiar with – touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. According to ancient Egyptians we as a species have 365 senses. Regardless if you just opened up a new tab to Google that, I want to focus on an additional sense we have all used at one point in our life – intuition.

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family emergency planning
Stop the Bleed Class Saves A Life

One of our friends shared this amazing story this week. With his permission, we share it here.

“We may not be doing everything right and I’m sure there’s lots more to work on, but the stop the bleed classes we had earlier this spring saved Carl’s life Saturday.

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Winter Power Outages

The snow and ice storm that shut down the state in February 2021 was one of the worst in decades and caught everyone off guard. “The storm’s “severity and its reach across the whole state of Texas and the length of it did catch lots of us all by surprise, myself included,” said Monty C. Dozier, director of the disaster assessment and recovery program at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. via: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/01/10/texas-winter-weather-how-to-prepare/

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