Tag Archives: preparing

Reader Responses: What Are Your Top 5 Must-Have Items When Preparing? | Life and Style

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In light of the recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal, what are the five key items you would recommend storing? Johannesburg Arena Ahmad

Feel free to send me a new question at nq@theguardian.com.

Responses from Readers

Living in a wildfire zone, I was evacuated in 2020 when half the town burned. You can only prepare so much for emergencies. Loss of electricity isn’t catastrophic; within a day, you’ll need some form of light or battery backup, non-cooking options, or a small camping stove. Using your car to charge devices for updates is essential, as well as keeping some drinking water on hand.

If the outage lasts long, anticipate potential plumbing issues. The discomfort of no electricity for a week was challenging, but somehow we made it through. Kiramango

Consider UPS (uninterruptible power supply) and satellite phones to stay connected when local cell sites fail and 4G networks go down. Socialism

The most effective tools are tall, robust, and healthy ones, especially if you’re shorter. A lot of challenges can be solved with a little extra height.

Having a car with enough fuel to reach relatives’ homes is crucial. A working fire or gas cooker can be a lifesaver, though I don’t have either.

Don’t forget candles—and matches—unless either of you is a smoker. An Ace battery-operated lantern with a carry handle is also great for illuminating your surroundings. Spare batteries and canned food are a must; don’t overlook powdered milk. SPOILHEAPSURFER

During the outage in Spain, I found a solar-powered radio with a hand-crank very useful, along with a portable power station, cash, bottled water, a headlamp, and a gas barbecue. KPNUTS888

A camping stove with gas, candles and matches, flashlights, firewood, and bottled water are essentials. hugothecat

These blackouts reminded us to always have cash on hand. Rebchlobrown

In the spirit of the Zombie Apocalypse, I suggest cooking through a survival guide and recipes. Before I dig into an emergency stash, we must stay prepared. Cambridgels

Water, lentil cakes, nuts, and a Roberts sports radio (compact enough for a pocket) are essential. Aside from water, the food needs to be lightweight in case you have to travel far. Monono

As an ex-Red Cross emergency volunteer in London, I’ve faced many crises, including blackouts. My “go bag” contains:
Toilet paper
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Change of clothes, sturdy footwear, raincoat
Blanket
First aid kit with extras like blister plasters and water filtration tablets
Two large water bottles
Four days’ worth of non-perishable snacks (like cereal bars)
Battery and solar-powered radio
Battery and solar-powered flashlight
Maps and compass
A small address book with the contact details of my loved ones.

As a British botanist in the mountains studying Portuguese flora during the outage, I realized the importance of a portable solar charger. Much of our communication relies on mobile phones, and connection is often unreliable. Being able to plan and inform others of your safety is vital.

Have cash on hand, as cards and ATMs may not work, making it essential for purchasing food and bottled water.

Sturdy shoes or boots are critical, as you might need to walk a significant distance.

Light sources are crucial; darkness can lead to hazards and can also take a toll on your mental state.

Lastly, maintain a sense of humor and adventure. It’s grounding to reconnect with the realities faced by those who lived in more challenging times and to appreciate the simpler comforts of life.

After navigating out of the mountains, I was relieved to find my anxious partner waiting for me. Astrid Cardamine

I found myself in New York during the Great Northeast Blackout in 2003. My plan to fly back to the UK was interrupted as the last person through security just as the lights went out and facilities ceased to function. Passengers came together, sharing food, drinks, phone cards, and support.

My preparations include a good book, a good sense of humor, kindness, hope, and something to share. Wooraifid

In the face of potential chaos, I advocate for a mindset of calm amid panic, moderation over despair, and humor amid ennui. theteedeehoo

Don’t skimp on toilet paper. Stock up! dorkalicious

Consider flexible lamps with paperback-sized solar panels; a few hours of sunlight can provide an hour of light. These fit easily into a backpack. They might not be effective during a nuclear winter, but they are handy otherwise. Has anyone mentioned chocolate? Gardenerofearth

Dark chocolate (78%), sweet popcorn, and if we’re being comprehensive, Jaffa Cakes, Pringles, and Hula Hoops. My survival list is quite elaborate. Emmaston

As a Californian with a comprehensive earthquake kit, remember to always have cash! Annually, we check our prep supplies and replace any expired food, batteries, and medications. jgurrrl

Gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles are essential; an angle grinder might just help you out of a tight spot. wyrcommunity

As a Canadian, I fill containers with water during storms and keep my supplies ready. We have a wood stove for warmth and snow melting, as well as camping gear for making coffee. Solar banks and lights, battery-operated options, and a gas generator—plus some beer—are all on hand. Marmarie

Do prepare, don’t panic; be ready for whatever might come next. bricklayersoption

Source: www.theguardian.com

Preparing for Cyberwar: UK’s Response to Russia’s Ability to Shut Off the Lights

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TThe Swedish government’s survival checklist for war would have seemed strange a few decades ago: a sleeping bag, spare battery, one week’s worth of cash, and preserved foods like rice and cereals.

While not explicitly named, Russia looms in the background, evoking memories of the Cold War. The pamphlet “In Case of Crisis or War” has been updated to address the current threat.

The guide now considers the possibility of an “armed attack against Sweden” along with “cyber attacks” and “disinformation campaigns.”

In addition to the traditional threats of nuclear conflict and armed invasion, Europe now faces the 21st-century enemy of cyberwar.

Richard Horne, from the National Cyber Security Center, warns of underestimated risks from countries like Russia and China.

Recent incidents have shown an increase in serious cyber attacks, prompting British ministers to highlight the potential impact of Russia’s cyber operations.

Various European countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Finland, are advising citizens to prepare for power outages caused by cyber attacks.

Experts stress the seriousness of Russia’s cyber threat and the need for organizations to plan for cyberattacks on key infrastructure.

Recent evidence points to Russian cyber interference in UK institutions, prompting calls for preparedness against cyber threats.

Amid rising cyber tensions, countries are emphasizing the importance of stockpiling essentials and strengthening cybersecurity measures.

As governments ramp up cybersecurity efforts, individuals are advised to use strong passwords and verify information sources.

The UK government recommends emergency preparedness and offers guidance on dealing with potential cyber threats.

Experts emphasize the resilience of Baltic and Scandinavian countries in the face of potential cyber and armed conflicts.

As the world faces various threats, the importance of preparedness, including stockpiling essential supplies, is underscored.

Source: www.theguardian.com

What can preparing for an asteroid impact teach us about climate change?

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When it comes to natural disasters, it is often impossible to predict them more than a few months or even days in advance. We cannot say, “Let's prepare because an earthquake will occur within two years.'' But one of the few things we can really prepare for is an asteroid impact.

Although no one has yet discovered a large asteroid on a collision course with Earth, scientists, engineers, and policymakers are working on plans to defend the planet in the event it does. Techniques to avoid disaster are already being tested, such as impacting asteroids to change their orbits, as NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test Mission did successfully in 2022.

One of the most surprisingly useful planetary defense tools is running a role-playing game. This reveals roadblocks that can derail even the best-laid plans. Paul Chodas of NASA, who runs some of these exercises, says they reveal problems that would never have been considered otherwise. In our special feature, “If an asteroid is heading towards Earth, can we avoid disaster?”you can try such games yourself.

Compared to other existential threats, the risk from asteroids is relatively small

It goes without saying that factors such as the size of rocks coming from space and how quickly they are discovered have a major impact on whether disasters can be successfully avoided. So is the ability to communicate effectively. different options. These are important lessons that go beyond just protecting yourself from asteroids.

Compared to other existential threats, the risk of an asteroid coming our way is relatively small. Climate change is already happening. Pandemics have occurred regularly throughout human history, and global warming has made them even more likely. We know that these involve technical challenges, such as the development and deployment of green technologies, but the social challenges are equally important.

Only with effective global cooperation and communication can humanity tackle its greatest challenges. That's as true in the Asteroid Roleplaying Game as it is in real life.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Triathletes preparing for Paris Olympics swim in Seine after last-minute safety tests

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After months of speculation about whether the water in the Seine was clean enough for Olympic athletes to compete in, authorities have determined after last-minute testing that the river’s water is safe for swimming.

After tests of the Seine’s water quality came back positive on Wednesday morning Paris time, the men and women will swim in back-to-back races as part of a triathlon, starting at 8 a.m. local time. The men’s race was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed after the Seine’s water failed tests.

“The latest water quality analysis results, received at 3:20 a.m., have been assessed by World Triathlon as meeting the standards and clearing the way for the triathlon to go ahead,” World Triathlon, the organisers and governing body of the Paris Games, said in a statement.

People cool off under a bridge over the Seine during the sweltering heat at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday.
Maya Hitidji/Getty Images

After the race, Team USA triathlete Taylor Spivey said he “swallowed a ton of water” during the triathlon swim in the Seine, a river that has historically been so polluted that swimming in it has been illegal for the past century.

Spivey, who finished 10th in the race, told NBC News that his biggest concern wasn’t the water quality, but the “exceptional” and “shocking” strength of the current, which he said was so strong that the race could have been canceled.

“The flow was incredible,” she said. “It felt like I was on a treadmill in one place.”

When asked about the quality of the water, she added, “I’ve been taking lots of probiotics for the past month. We’ll see how it goes.”

Cassandre Beaugrand of France won the gold medal ahead of Julie Delong of Switzerland, who took the silver medal, while Beth Potter of Great Britain took the bronze medal.

The Seine’s water quality has caused a bit of a stir in the run up to the events, as organizers rush to clean up the polluted waterway for prime-time attention. For months, France has been testing samples from the river for the presence of pathogens such as E. coli and enterococcus. High levels of E. coli put swimmers at risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.

The Seine has not passed these tests after wet weather, when storms can send runoff and sometimes sewage into the river.

Swimming in the Seine has been banned for more than a century because it was deemed too polluted, but the city of Paris led a $1.5 billion effort to clean up the river and strengthen waste-treatment systems ahead of the Olympics.

As the first event approached, organizers were hoping for sunny weather that would reduce overall pollution and allow ultraviolet light to inactivate some bacteria.

But the weather rarely cooperated.

last year, Test Event Triathlon rehearsals were canceled due to concerns about water quality after the rains.

The opening ceremony, which included a boat parade on the Seine, took place in pouring rain on Friday, which continued into Saturday.

Pollution from the rain forced organisers to cancel two days of swimming training on Sunday and Monday, then postpone the men’s triathlon originally scheduled for Tuesday morning.

There were no spectators at the swimming venue for the Olympic triathlon along the Seine river in Paris on Tuesday.
Thibaut Moritz/AFP – Getty Images

“I’m just trying to focus on what I can control,” U.S. triathlete Kirsten Kasper told NBC News on Tuesday. “We swim in a lot of cities and water quality is often an issue, but I just have to trust that the race organizers are doing the testing and doing what it takes to make sure we’re safe.”

Water experts said the difficulty of keeping the Seine clean enough could draw attention to a broader problem of environmental pollution shared around the world.

“In large cities, it’s very difficult to control the amount of human waste that you see,” said Katie Graham, an assistant professor in the Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Engineering. “The public assumes that a lot of these problems have been completely solved, but that’s by no means the case.”

NBC News is a unit of NBCUniversal, which owns U.S. media rights to the Olympics through 2032, including the 2024 Paris Games, which begin July 26.

Evan Bush reported from Seattle and Alexander Smith from Paris.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

“Rampant Misinformation: Preparing for AI’s Influence on Elections in the US” | US News

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AI elections are here.

This year, artificial intelligence-generated robocalls targeted New Hampshire voters during the January primary, posing as President Joe Biden and instructing them to stay home. This incident might be the initial attempt to interfere with a US election. The “deepfake” call was linked to two of his companies in Texas: Life His Corporation and Apple His Telecom.


The impact of deepfake calls on voter turnout remains uncertain, but according to Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president of Public Citizen, a group advocating for government oversight, the potential consequences are significant. Regulating the use of AI in politics is crucial.

Events mirroring what might occur in the US are unfolding around the globe. In Slovakia, fabricated audio recordings may have influenced an election, serving as a troubling prelude to potential US election interference in 2024, as reported by CNN. AI developments in Indonesia and India have also raised concerns. Without robust regulations, the US is ill-prepared for the evolving landscape of AI technology and its implications for elections.

Despite efforts to address AI misuse in political campaigns, US regulations are struggling to keep pace with AI advancements. The House of Representatives recently formed a task force to explore regulatory options, but partisan gridlock and regulatory delays cast uncertainty on the efficacy of measures that will be in place for this year’s election.

Without safeguards, the influence of AI on elections hinges on voters’ ability to discern real from fabricated content. AI-powered disinformation campaigns can sow confusion and undermine electoral integrity, posing a threat to democracy.

Manipulating audio content with AI raises concerns due to its potential to mislead with minimal detection capabilities, unlike deepfake videos. AI-generated voices can mimic those known to the recipient, fostering a false sense of familiarity and trust, which may have significant implications.

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Source: www.theguardian.com

Preparing Staff for the Shift to Clean Energy

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clean innovation Technology and renewable energy are moving quickly, maybe a little too fast.

While there is no shortage of clean technology solutions available in today’s market (and we are developing them for the future), a new problem is emerging: a lack of talent to install and maintain the technology.

According to one study, the clean technology industry is expected to create 8 million jobs by the end of 2030. recent reports By the International Energy Agency. These numbers are clearly based on current policies, and the report’s authors expect these numbers to rise as more resources are directed to the clean energy transition. But just because more jobs are created doesn’t mean there are enough trained people to fill them.

Berlin-based Montamo wants to solve this problem. The startup hires and trains people to install and maintain sustainable heat pumps. We train people new to the industry, provide upskilling training to those with some experience, and have our employees install and maintain other companies’ equipment. As the company grows, it hopes to expand into other areas such as solar power generation.

Co-founder Alexander Boehm told TechCrunch+. Boehm said the company wants to be intentional about hiring and training migrant workers because it is difficult for immigrants to get good jobs in Germany, regardless of their skills or background. This is something Boehm witnessed firsthand when he worked as operations director for fast grocery delivery startup Gorillaz, and he doesn’t want their skills to go to waste.

Source: techcrunch.com

Preparing Dragon for the Launch and Progress of Space Exploration

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This photo from the International Space Station orbiting 462 miles above cloudy Central Asia shows the jagged Moon waning just above Earth’s horizon. Credit: NASA The crew of Expedition 70 is picking up the pace as they load cargo onto a U.S. cargo ship for its upcoming departure.Seven people international space station (ISS) residents also continue to focus on a range of microgravity sciences to improve human health and commercialize low Earth orbit. The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft is nearing the end of its docked stay at the forward port of the Harmony module. Over the next few days, the four astronauts will pack more than 3,500 pounds of scientific materials and hardware into Dragon for removal and analysis back on Earth. NASA ESA aeronautical engineer Jasmine Moghberg and Commander Andreas Mogensen (european space agency) removed the scientific cargo freezer containing the research samples from the station’s EXPRESS rack and stowed it inside the Dragon for return to Earth. Astronaut Loral O’Hara and astronaut Satoshi Furukawa transported a cargo bag filled with hardware and trash and strapped it inside Dragon in preparation for its descent into Earth’s gravity. Japan’s tallest mountain, Mount Fuji, was photographed as part of the International Space Station orbiting 420 miles above the sky. The active stratovolcano’s peak reaches more than 12,000 feet (approximately 3,700 meters) above sea level and is covered in snow for five months of the year. Credit: NASA Ongoing research and crew activities The crew continued to load hardware and science onto the ship. space x The Dragon cargo spacecraft’s managers and operations team today are assessing weather conditions at various possible landing sites for its return to Earth, in preparation for its scheduled undocking Thursday afternoon. Despite the hectic cargo traffic, microgravity research continued apace, as the crew continued to explore how weightlessness affects biology and physics. NASA’s O’Hara will process the cell samples for culture, which researchers will analyze to investigate the senescence-like properties of immune cells and the regenerative capacity of liver cells.of space age Health research may provide deeper insight into the biology of aging and its impact on disease mechanisms. A nighttime view of Mexico City, Mexico’s capital and largest city with a population of 9.2 million people, was captured from the International Space Station, which orbits 460 miles above Central America. On the far left is the bright Felipe Angeles International Airport, easily observed from low Earth orbit. The large, dark area in the upper center is the Lake Texcoco Ecological Park. The dark area directly below is the Guadalupe Mountains. Credit: NASA From Mr. Furukawa JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) has replaced components in a microgravity science glovebox that supports physics experiments to produce optical fibers better than those produced on Earth.of Optical fiber manufacturing-2 This experiment has the potential to advance optical transmission capabilities that will benefit the Earth and space industries. Mogensen previously worked in the Harmony module, shaking mixing tubes containing different organisms for a variety of health-promoting biological and botany studies. These tubes are part of a NanoRacks-sponsored program that allows educational institutions and private organizations to conduct research on the space station. Contribution of Russian cosmonauts Today, cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chubb took turns wearing sensor-equipped hats and continuing to operate a computer. Roscosmos Research exploring future spacecraft and robot control technology. Researchers will use the data to train future crews and plan potential manned planetary missions. Cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov spent most of the day maintaining life support equipment, then synchronizing his camera with the station’s clock, which is set to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). (function(d, s, id){ var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.6”; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));

Source: scitechdaily.com