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Community Alerts and Safety

Emergency Alerts Are Increasing — Make Sure Your Phone Can Receive Them

Cities and states are issuing more emergency alerts for severe weather, missing persons, public safety threats, and evacuation notices. Many people unknowingly have alerts disabled or silenced due to past notification settings. Checking that Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled ensures you receive critical warnings in real time. Why this matters now: With extreme weather […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

Food Prices Are Rising — Frozen & Store-Brand Foods Are the Smart Swap

With grocery prices continuing to rise, many shoppers are cutting costs by switching to store-brand products and frozen foods. Frozen fruits and vegetables often cost less, last longer, and retain similar nutritional value compared to fresh options. Store brands frequently come from the same manufacturers as name brands—at a lower price. Why this matters now: […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

NJ State of Emergency: SNAP Benefits Suspended

As of November 1, 2025, New Jersey has entered a State of Emergency following the federal government’s suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. This interruption affects hundreds of thousands of residents who rely on SNAP for monthly food access. What This Means for Residents: – SNAP EBT card funds may not load on […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

When the Ocean Roars!

Listen up, folks. If you live anywhere near the coast, you know a Nor’easter in the rain-and-wind category is a serious event. We’re talking relentless, sideways rain, wind that makes your house groan, and ocean waves powerful enough to cause severe flooding and erosion right where the beach used to be. You can’t stop the […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

Music & The Brain

Listening to music every day is a powerful “workout” for your brain. Science has shown that music doesn’t just entertain us; it actively stimulates nearly every region of the brain. When you listen to a song, it triggers the release of feel good neurochemicals like dopamine, which helps regulate mood and pleasure. This is why […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

‘Namaste BHU’ Mobile App Safety Feature

In September 2025, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) launched a new safety feature integrated into its ‘Namaste BHU’ mobile app, offering a lifesaving emergency alert system exclusively for female students. Activated with a quick tap, the safety button sends real-time location and personal details to the university’s Proctorial Board control room, while also offering options to […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

QR Codes – Emergency Services

In early September 2025, police in Nagpur, India, installed QR codes at 330 high-risk “dark spots” (areas known for crime) to help women and senior citizens quickly access emergency services. The city also expanded female-only patrols (Damini squads) and launched safety awareness drives across schools and neighborhoods to empower and protect communities. Why it matters […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

Electric Bike (E-Bike) Battery Recall

In August 2025, fire officials in Loudoun County, Virginia, warned residents about e-bike battery recalls after a lithium-ion battery fire caused an explosion in a home. These fires can start suddenly and spread fast. To protect yourself and your community: Check Recalls: Look up your e-bike model on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

Hoax ’Swatting’ Calls

In August 2025, colleges nationwide faced a troubling surge of hoax ‘swatting’ calls, a wave of false active shooter alerts triggered mass panic and lockdowns at universities including Villanova, Arkansas, and the University of Colorado Boulder. These dangerous prank calls, often with chilling details like fake gunfire, escalated emergency responses and caused lasting psychological stress, […]

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Community Alerts and Safety

Proper Infant Seat Harness Use

This infographic shows the correct way to secure an infant in a rear-facing car seat using a 5-point harness system. Key safety tips include placing the chest clip at armpit level, ensuring the harness is snug (no slack above the clip), keeping the harness straps at or below shoulder level, and avoiding bulky clothing or […]