Latest news with #safetytips
CBS News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CBS News
Heat advisory in effect for North Texas due to dangerous temperatures
A Heat Advisory is in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday due to dangerous heat. High temperatures will reach into the mid-90s, which is typical for this time of the year. However, a dense plume of tropical moisture is lingering across the area. The heat, combined with the high moisture content, is causing the heat index values to reach up to 107 degrees on Saturday afternoon. The heat and the moisture will not only spike the heat index values, but they will also promote the opportunity for storms Saturday afternoon. Heat-driven storms will be likely across North Texas, and the highest chance of rain will be along and to the east of I-35. Not everyone will see rain, but those who do may get brief heavy downpours and frequent lightning, but no severe weather is expected. Storms will fizzle out by sunset. A ridge of high pressure will move into the Plains over the next several days, resulting in an increase of the actual temperature outside and a decrease in the humidity levels. Some of the hottest high temperatures of the year will be in the forecast next week. It has been 337 days since DFW has seen a triple-digit day; that streak will likely be broken soon. Some ways to beat the heat are to take frequent breaks in the A/C, wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, as well as drink plenty of water. Stay safe.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Instagram Adds More Protection Features for Young Users
This story was originally published on Social Media Today. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Social Media Today newsletter. Meta's expanding its protections for teen accounts once again, with some new features on Instagram that aim to raise awareness of its various blocking and reporting tools, and make it easier for youngsters to avoid potential harm. First off, Meta's adding a new 'Safety Tips' prompt within chats, which will provide a quick link to tips on how to spot scammers and take extra care when engaging with strangers. As you can see in this example, teen users will also be able to immediately block any account via quick links, while Meta's also added more information as to when the account was created for context. Meta's also added a combined block and report option within DMs, as another means to simplify the process. As per Meta: 'While we've always encouraged people to both block and report, this new combined option will make this process easier, and help make sure potentially violating accounts are reported to us, so we can review and take action.' Meta's also expanding its protection features for adult-managed teen accounts, and removing all teen accounts, of all types, from recommendations to potentially suspicious adults. And adult-managed teen accounts are clearly a concern: 'Earlier this year, our specialist teams removed nearly 135,000 Instagram accounts for leaving sexualized comments or requesting sexual images from adult-managed accounts featuring children under 13. We also removed an additional 500,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts that were linked to those original accounts.' Yeah, this remains, and will remain, a significant problem, for which all platforms need to strengthen and promote their safety elements. These latest updates add to Meta's existing teen protection processes within DMs, including location data, nudity protection, restrictions on who can message younger users, and more. And Meta says that these measures have been effective: 'In June, teens and young adults also saw our new Location Notice on Instagram 1 million times, with 1 in 10 tapping on the notice to learn more about the steps they could take […] Since rolling out our nudity protection feature globally, 99% of people – including teens – have kept it turned on, and in June, over 40% of blurred images received in DMs stayed blurred, significantly reducing exposure to unwanted nudity.' This remains a critical area of focus, for all platforms, and it's good to see Meta continuing to improve and refine its systems to both protect young users and maximize their awareness of its various tools. At the same time, Meta has also put its support behind new initiatives to increase the age of social media access. Several EU member nations are pushing to establish a common Digital Majority Age across EU member states, which, in its present form, would likely restrict social media access to those over 15, though that could also be increased to 16 after consultation. Meta says that it supports this, which, I suspect, is a strategic move as much as a moral one. But either way, that could be another significant step in protecting its most vulnerable users.
CBS News
24-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Extreme heat expected for Metro Detroit starting Thursday. Here's how to prepare.
Thursday is expected to be one of the hottest days of the week, with temperatures potentially reaching triple digits in parts of the metro area. Experts say there are a few simple steps homeowners and outdoor workers can take to stay cool and safe during the extreme heat. As the temperatures rise, Brian Calka, senior vice president of distribution operations at DTE Energy, advises homeowners to take a few simple steps to keep their homes cool and energy-efficient. "If there's a room you're not using, shut the vent and close the door," Calka said. "That will help divert cooler air from your A/C into rooms that are actually occupied." In addition, keeping your HVAC equipment in good working order can go a long way in improving your home's cooling efficiency. "That fine-tuning of those pieces of equipment means savings from a dollar standpoint," Calka said. "Fine-tuning your equipment means savings ... Regular maintenance can keep your system running efficiently, which lowers both energy consumption and your utility bill." Experts also recommend blocking out the sun's heat by closing curtains and shades during the hottest parts of the day. For those working outdoors, the intense heat can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Michael Mangino, an exterminator who regularly works outside, advises everyone working outdoors to take it easy. "I've gotten ice vests that I can put freeze packs in to help cool myself down," Mangino said. Staying hydrated and taking breaks is key, he says. If you start feeling lightheaded, don't push yourself. Take a break and cool down. Mangino's advice is simple: "If you're sick or worse, you're not going to be good to the people who love you at home." With millions of residents relying on their air conditioning to stay cool, experts warn the power grid could face additional strain, potentially leading to outages. "It does put strain on the grid – that's going to happen, and you might see an uptick with power outages, but we have crews that are here – and we will be staffing them around the clock," Calka said. Experts recommend delaying the use of energy-draining appliances until later in the evening to help reduce strain on the grid and keep cooling costs low.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Daily Mail
How YOU can avoid being a victim of crime: Always face the door in a pub and never leave your house empty while on holiday... IAN RANKIN and Britain's top crime writers reveal their top lessons on keeping yourself safe
They plot the most ingenious, twisty, heart-thudding stories. And many of us will be reading their books on the beach this summer. But what has a life of crime-writing taught some of Britain's bestselling authors about how to keep safe - at home and away? From reducing the risk of home burglary when you park your car at the airport to avoiding con artists at the hotel bar, five blockbusting novelists offer crucial top tips for a crime-free summer…
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
75 million Americans under heat advisories; New Orleans braces for deluge
Almost 75 million Americans in the East and South were under heat advisories July 17 as intense summer weather gripped much of the nation, the National Weather Service said. New York City was under a heat advisory for a second straight day, and residents were urged to call 311 for help finding cooling centers and obtaining "Beat the Heat" safety tips. The National Weather Service warned that seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions faced increased risk. As the planet warms, heat-related deaths are increasing in the U.S., according to a study published last year in the American Medical Association journal JAMA. The study, which reviewed federally reported data since 1999, said more than 2,000 heat-related deaths have been reported annually in recent years. "We're not done with this heat just yet!" New York Mayor Eric Adams said in a social media post. "Be sure to hydrate, use one of our cooling centers, and check on your pets and vulnerable neighbors. Together, we can all Beat the Heat!" Storm tracker: Forecasters warn of rainy tropical system along Gulf Coast Storm could dump almost a foot of rain in Louisiana A dangerous weather system hovering over the northern Gulf probably won't develop into a tropical depression but could still produce flash flooding in the region, the National Hurricane Center said in a forecast issued July 17. Forecasters had earlier warned the system could grow more powerful as it approached the Louisiana coast, and New Orleans could soon be in the storm's crosshairs. Mayor LaToya Cantrell ordered city buildings closed to the public on July 17, 2025, although city services will remain available virtually. However, the most recent wind data and surface and rader observations indicate the swath of low pressure "remains quite disorganized," senior hurricane specialist Philippe Papin wrote. "While some additional development of this system remains possible over the next 12-24 hours, its current structure suggests its chances of developing into a tropical depression before it reaches the Louisiana coast later today are decreasing," Papin wrote. Child killed in lightning strike at NJ archery range One person was killed and 14 injured − including children − in a lightning strike at a New Jersey archery range July 16, authorities in Jackson said. The lightning strike killed a 61-year-old instructor, city officials said. 'Eight of the victims were juveniles,' Jackson Mayor Michael Reina said. 'It looks like the victims were with (Scouting America) or Cub Scouts. Unfortunately, every single one of the 14 were taken to hospital.' The strike at Black Knight Bowbenders range occurred in the evening, shortly before a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the area, according to Joseph Candido, Jackson public safety information director. The club was hosting a competition for the scouts, Candido said. − Erik Larsen and Lisa Robyn Kruse, Asbury Park Press Louisiana residents fill sandbags, prepare for flooding In St. Charles Parish, 20 miles west of New Orleans, parish President Matthew Jewell said emergency preparedness personnel were closely monitoring the storm. He warned residents that 3-5 inches of rain could be expected by July 19, and there is the potential for up to 10 inches in some areas. Sand for sand bags was being provided at multiple locations; residents were told to bring their own shovels and proof of residency. Amanda Babbin, one of the first in line, has seen flooding before at her parish home. 'Two weeks ago, that heavy rain, my backyard flooded," Babbin told "The water started coming into the back half of my house, my garage and all." Katrina survivor taking no chances In Plaquemines Parish, 60 miles south of New Orleans, Joanne McClelland was stocking up on essentials at the Breaux Mart. McClelland, who said she was also shopping for her mother in her 90s, told she has lived through numerous storms including Hurricane Katrina. That Category 5 storm slammed onto shore in 2005 on a path of destruction that killed more than 1,300 people and was blamed for damage in excess of $100 billion. "Hopefully it won't be too bad," McClelland said of this week's storms. "But once it goes into the Gulf, warm waters, you can't take chances." How much rain could fall in New Orleans? Papin also said the storm would bring heavy rainfall to the region regardless of how well it organizes, and a flood watch was in effect for the region through Friday night. The National Weather Service in New Orleans said several rounds of heavy rainfall were forecast through at least Friday night. Up to 2 inches and some isolated higher amounts had already fallen early on July 17, and an additional 2 to 4 inches was forecast. Locally higher amounts up to 8 inches were possible. Rainfall rates in excess of 2 to 4 inches per hour are likely with some storms. What is a tropical depression? Some clusters of thunderstorms over warm ocean waters develop well-defined centers and thus become tropical cyclones. A tropical depression is a tropical cylcone with maximum sustained surface winds averaging less than 39 mph. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm when sustained wind speeds reach 39 mph. When winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 75M Americans under heat advisories; New Orleans braces for deluge Solve the daily Crossword
