(NewsUSA) - Spring is the season of fresh starts and new beginnings. As it draws to a close and we head into summer, we are taking a look at how the millions of Americans living with diabetes can use the change in season to kickstart better habits or try something new.

To point us in the right direction, we spoke to Mary Bacchus about the demands of managing diabetes. Alongside the condition, Mary has to balance a full time job with a busy family life, featuring a partner who serves in the military, an active 10-year old son, and a mother who she cares for.

Mary is a strong believer in advocating for yourself and taking control of your own life. She says it is so important to feel confident and be able to challenge recommendations and ask difficult questions, especially when it comes to your health and wellbeing. She says “Diabetes impacts you as an individual the most, and Spring is the perfect time to make a change. Start taking control of your life!”

20 years ago Mary’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 18. Managing her diabetes as a teenager whilst juggling college and work was a huge challenge, especially when it came to the complex payment and insurance landscape. Things only got more complicated once she entered motherhood.

“There is so much to think about all of the time and it’s impossible to get things right every step of the way. But that’s okay. Some days are more frustrating than others but I find that it helps to hold onto something positive – even if it is small – to make things feel a little easier. My most important learnings are about the power and importance of community, listening to those around you, and never being afraid to try something new,” Mary adds.

After lots of trial and error, Mary learnt to cope with the demands of life alongside taking care of her diabetes. She wouldn’t have been able to do this without gradually growing her support network, initially from her husband and son, into a dependable community both online and locally.  Another two pieces of the puzzle were her healthcare team and a groundbreaking technology – the Eversense continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

CGMs have become a common technology for tracking glucose, which is crucial in diabetes management. However, the limitations of many available CGMs were making life difficult for Mary.

“I became more and more frustrated with the options available to me to manage my diabetes. I started using CGMs when my son was a toddler, and found it really difficult to stop my CGM from being knocked off when we would play. Every time it would come off, I’d either have to pay for a replacement and wait for it to arrive, or go back to manually testing my levels which was just another thing to think about.”

After trying several traditional CGMs, she discovered Eversense in 2020 and has never looked back. The implantable design of the Eversense CGM sensor simplified Mary’s diabetes care, placed fewer constraints on her daily life and gave her a dependable solution to manage her health.

Eversense’s tiny sensor rests comfortably under the skin, whilst the removable transmitter* is held firmly in place on the outside of the arm with a gentle, daily-use, double-sided silicon-based adhesive. If it is knocked off then it can simply be replaced without wasting a CGM.

“Being able to take my transmitter off and on without any cost or inconvenience is an irreplaceable benefit. Whilst we don’t play like we did when my son was younger, I’m able to keep up with my son at sporting events, concerts, and amusement parks without worrying if my CGM will keep up with me. As a mom, I get real joy from being able to spend quality time with my son without worrying about my CGM and it’s something I’m so grateful for every day.”

With each sensor lasting an entire year, Eversense 365 empowers people like Mary in their diabetes management, so they can live their best life, with fewer interruptions.

Mary offered some wisdom to other diabetes patients and said, “I encourage everyone in the diabetes community to revitalize their approach to diabetes monitoring this Spring! We are part of a unique community which should serve as a safe space to discuss our experiences and learn from each other.”

Why not join Mary and kickstart summer with a new approach to diabetes management. Get a fresh perspective on diabetes management at eversensecgm.com and bring a new sense of renewal to your year.

Mary Bacchus is an Eversense brand ambassador and this article was sponsored by Ascensia Diabetes Care

Please note for important safety information, see https://www.eversensediabetes.com/safety-info

* There is no glucose data generated when he transmitter is removed

(NewsUSA) - During Vice President Vance’s visit to India in early 2025, he emphasized the deep connection and shared vision for the future between the two nations, highlighting the need to build together as global partners based on fairness and shared national interests, said Ylli Bajraktari, President of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.

Mr. Bajraktari visited India at the same time as the vice president, and he shared reflections in a recent newsletter based on his interview with Dr. S. Jaishankar for the latest episode of SCSP’s Memos to the President.

Sustained public investment in India's physical, social, and digital infrastructure is powering a resurgence in national strength. Going forward, a mutually beneficial relationship between the U.S. and India is multifaceted and involves capitalizing on opportunities in military partnerships, commerce, and technology, Bajraktari said.

Defense deals. Military collaboration between the U.S. and India includes expanding defense sales, co-production, and accelerating technology cooperation across space, cyber, and emerging domains. Negotiations for a Reciprocal Defense Procurement (RDP) agreement are underway.

Trade terms. Both governments are working on a trade agreement that focuses on job creation, durable supply chains, and worker prosperity, with a goal to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by the end of the decade. The partnership is framed as a win-win that benefits workers and businesses in both nations.

Energy efforts: Strengthening energy ties is directly linked to AI ambitions in India, and seen as essential for economic independence and national security. “The United States, with its abundant resources, aims to increase energy exports to India, which will enable India to grow at lower energy costs,” Bajraktari said. The United States seeks to help India explore its own reserves, including offshore natural gas and critical minerals, and potential amendments to India’s civil nuclear liability laws would allow U.S. producers to explore small modular reactors (SMRs) and build larger reactors in India.

Technology trust: Technological collaboration extends beyond defense and energy, Bajraktari said. The U.S.-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) is one example; this initiative builds on billions of dollars in planned investments by U.S. companies in India across sectors as diverse as data centers, pharmaceuticals, and undersea cables. The partnership aims to leverage the U.S. lead in AI hardware and India's vibrant startup ecosystem and vast talent pool.

The century of the U.S.-India relationship is here, Bajraktari emphasized. With the right framework, a focus on tactical execution and accelerated collaboration in the technology sector will be key to transforming ambition into a shared reality, securing prosperity and stability for both nations and the world.

Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF) launched IP Buddy (IPBuddy.ai) today, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered digital assistant designed to make understanding intellectual property (IP) more approachable, engaging, and accessible. Every day, we are surrounded by IP and therefore, IP Buddy is for everyone. From first-time inventors and growing startups to people who are simply curious about how IP works, IP Buddy (IPBuddy.ai) is here to guide users through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets with clarity and confidence.

Built using a state-of-the-art language model similar to ChatGPT, IP Buddy is enhanced with specialized documentation and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) in order to deliver reliable, real-time answers tailored to your questions. IP Buddy users can choose their “buddy” from lifelike and cartoon AI-generated avatars that offer both audio and video responses for a more natural and engaging user experience. While not a substitute for professional legal advice, IP Buddy simplifies complex legal and technical IP concepts, making them easier to understand.

“IP Buddy represents a bold step in expanding opportunities for engagement with the intellectual property system,” said Kristen Lurye, deputy executive director for IPOEF. “By breaking down barriers to information, we empower more creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs of all ages to protect and grow their ideas.”

The launch of IP Buddy comes at a time when the strength of the U.S. innovation ecosystem is more important than ever. The U.S. intellectual property system supports this innovation, drives economic prosperity, and protects the ideas that shape our future. A stable and predictable intellectual property system is critical for incentivizing investment, fostering partnerships and delivering real-world solutions to global challenges. Yet a survey from the United States Intellectual Property Alliance reports that 70% of Americans struggle to differentiate between patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets – the key pillars of the U.S. intellectual property system.

“Without strong IP protection, the breakthroughs we rely on—from life-saving healthcare technologies to the devices that power our daily lives—simply wouldn’t happen,” said Henry Hadad, president of the IPOEF board. “IP Buddy is here to help people understand and engage with this vital system.”

Visit IPBuddy.ai to explore IP Buddy and take your first step toward understanding and protecting your ideas.

About IPO Education Foundation:

As a subsidiary of the Intellectual Property Owners Association, the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to educational and charitable activities designed to teach and promote and understanding for the value of intellectual property rights and encourage innovation. To learn more visit www.ipoef.org.

(NewsUSA) - Consumers are urged to understand which GLP-1 medications are safe, approved, and legal after May 22

If you're one of the millions of Americans who have used or thought about using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, it’s important to ask yourself, “What’s real, what’s safe, and what should I avoid?”

In 2022, growing demand combined with limited supply created a shortage of these GLP-1 medications. In response to this shortage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permitted licensed compounding pharmacies to fill this gap and create non-FDA-approved “compounded” versions of these products. These unapproved products lack the assurances of safety and effectiveness that come with FDA-approved medicines and were only intended as a temporary fix during the shortage.  But bad actors have used the temporary shortage to mass market untested, unapproved products and even products that are meant for “research purposes only.”

Fortunately, the FDA declared the national shortage of GLP-1 medications over and said compounding pharmacies must stop mass producing and selling these compounded medications after May 22, 2025. However, the marketing of compounded and other risky, illegal weight loss products is expected to continue—leaving patients who are working hard to manage chronic diseases like obesity without a clear understanding of the facts.

Patient confusion is already a serious issue and is likely to intensify in the coming months.  A new national survey by the National Consumers League (NCL) found that widespread confusion already exists among women: more than 70% believe compounded GLP-1s are only on the market if they have been tested and proven safe, and more than half (53%) think compounded GLP-1s have received FDA approval. Neither of these claims is true.

Here are five things consumers should know to protect themselves:

1. Mass Compounded GLP-1s Are Not Supposed to be on the Market after May 22
   While only products that are “FDA-approved” and are prescribed by a medical professional are supposed to be on the market, consumers will still have to beware of fake ads, sites, and GLP-1s. The statement “doctor approved” is a red flag.
    
2. Only FDA-Approved GLP-1s Are Proven Safe and Effective
   FDA-approved drugs undergo clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective. Compounded alternatives do not and they also pose more potential risks to patients.
3. If It’s a Gummy, Chewable, Spray, Patch, or Under-the-Tongue Form, It’s Fake
   Be wary of products that claim to be GLP-1s in forms other than an injection. These are very likely not FDA-approved medications and may be counterfeit.
    
4. Don’t Fall for Misleading Marketing
   Slick websites and social ads can make unapproved medications, and even illicit drugs, seem like the real thing. But according to NCL’s research, 85 percent of women with obesity believe the false claims made in online non-brand GLP-1 ads. Protect yourself by sticking to trusted medical providers and learning how to spot false claims.
5. Ask Questions and Stay Informed
   Not sure if your medication is the real thing? Ask your health care provider or company selling you the GLP-1 if it’s the FDA-approved brand product. You can also reach out to the FDA-approved manufacturers to determine whether you have authentic medicine.

Both the FDA and consumers have important roles to play in stopping the spread of misinformation about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Now that the shortage is over, the FDA must enforce the law and its long-standing standards for compounded products. Consumers can act too, by asking questions, avoiding questionable sources, and learning how to tell the difference between what’s FDA-approved, what’s fake, and what’s a risk.

To report fake GLP-1s or learn more about how to protect yourself, check out guidance from the National Consumers League.

(NewsUSA) - “Mothers of Fate” by Lynne Hugo

After constructing a new life for herself after an affair with her married boss, Deana Wilkes is ready to make things right and meet the son she was forced to relinquish in a closed adoption 30 years ago. She seeks out Monica Connell, an attorney, to find him; but Monica's wife, Angela, was adopted herself and is certain that closed adoptions need to remain closed unless the adoptee seeks contact. She draws a red line, but Monica feels compelled by her own complicated history to help Deana.

As this wedge between them hardens, will Angie or Monica have the best custody claim to their own beloved adopted baby? Through it all, nobody knows what Deana's son wants — not even his adoptive parents.

“Mothers of Fate” vividly portrays lingering psychological wounds as characters struggle to reconcile self-determination with the sacrifices love demands. Purchase at https://amzn.to/41LurjG.

“Surviving the Survivor” by Joel Z. Waldman

It started when Karmela Waldman, psychotherapist and Holocaust survivor, and her son Joel Waldman, a broadcast journalist, decided to start a podcast. It’s a bumpy start as the lovingly dysfunctional mother-son duo struggle to figure out the art of podcasting on the fly, but soon, their “Surviving the Survivor” podcast breaks out as a wildly popular true-crime hit.

Along the way, the two discover things about each other that they never knew — like how Karmela survived World War II by hiding in a boys’ Catholic school.

Mastering podcasting is one thing; figuring out the meaning of life is a challenge of an entirely different order. In real time and “on air,” mother and son engage frankly and movingly with each other for the first time as adults, discussing child-rearing, aging, illness, death and the secrets to enjoying life no matter how complicated it gets. Purchase at https://amzn.to/4iYYIkG.

“Little Great Island” by Kate Woodworth

On Little Great Island, climate change is disrupting both life and love.

After offending the powerful pastor of a cult, Mari McGavin has to flee with her 6-year-old son. With no money and no place else to go, she returns to the tiny Maine island where she grew up — a place she swore she’d never see again. There, Mari runs into her lifelong friend Harry Richardson, one of the island’s summer residents, now back himself to sell his family’s summer home. Mari and Harry’s lives intertwine once again, setting off a chain of events as unexpected and life-altering as the shifts in climate affecting the whole ecosystem of the island … from generations of fishing families to the lobsters and the butterflies.

“Little Great Island” illustrates in microcosm the greatest changes of our time and the unyielding power of love. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3XykTGc.

“Roll the Sun Across the Sky” by Barbara Linn Probst

Approaching a milestone birthday, Arden Rice has seen it all: three marriages, hardship and wealth, choices she both regrets and defends, all fueled by the same fierce desire — to give her daughter the best possible life. At least, that’s what Arden tells herself.

But nothing is simple. Arden is haunted by her impetuous history, with its trail of damage and deception. Yet she’s finally made a life where she can be her best self — until the unthinkable happens, and a train engineer’s lapse in attention throws that life into chaos.

Secrets begin to unravel, and Arden finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew — along with her own role in shaping the disturbing person her daughter has become. As the stakes increase, Arden must face questions she’s spent a lifetime avoiding: Which acts define a person? Can someone be better than her worst acts? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3E4KeRp.

(NewsUSA) - Parenting is among life’s most rewarding experiences, yet it can also be one of the most mentally and emotionally taxing. From managing child care and household responsibilities to juggling work and family schedules, the pressure can quickly mount—especially when the workload is uneven.

Whether in a two-parent household or navigating parenting solo, the key to protecting mental health lies in rethinking how responsibilities are managed and making space for self-care and support systems.

In homes with two caregivers, sharing duties more equitably is essential. When one parent shoulders more of the parenting or household load, stress can rise and communication can falter. Creating a more balanced routine can ease that pressure and improve overall family well-being.

Tips for better balance in two-parent households:

• Rotate and assign tasks: Alternating responsibilities like bedtime routines, school drop-offs and pickups, and errands helps prevent burnout.
• Check in weekly: A brief conversation about what’s working—and what’s not—helps keep both parents on the same page.
• Make space for personal time: Even 30 minutes of downtime each day can boost mental wellness and resilience.

For single parents, the mental load can be even greater—but small changes can make a big difference.

Tips for single-parent households:

• Create a weekly plan: A flexible but structured schedule reduces daily decision fatigue.
• Ask for help without guilt: Whether from friends or family, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
• Prioritize short mental breaks: Use quiet moments before or after bed or while your child is playing to reset and recharge.

Beyond personal strategies, access to external support—particularly child care—plays a crucial role in family mental health. According to the 2025 KinderCare Parent Confidence Index from KinderCare Learning Companies, consistent, high-quality child care is the number one resource parents say helps alleviate stress. In fact, 90% of parents report that quality child care gives them greater confidence as parents, highlighting its importance not only for children’s development but also for a caregiver’s mental well-being.

Despite its importance, access to child care remains a concern. The report found that 76% of parents believe companies should help cover the cost of care. These findings reflect a growing awareness that employer support for families isn’t just a perk—it’s a vital part of a healthy, productive workforce.

All families—regardless of structure—benefit from prioritizing mental health. That includes setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and recognizing that no parent can do it all. Sharing the load, planning proactively, and leaning on trusted resources like child care can ease the pressure and make space for joy.

Equity in parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about building systems that are sustainable, fair, and supportive—so that every caregiver has the opportunity to thrive. For more information and resources, visit KinderCare.com.

(NewsUSA) - Auto insurance costs have risen significantly over the last few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including higher repair costs associated with new vehicle technology, the potential impact of tariffs, and a growing number of incidents involving distracted driving and speeding. One of the keys to curbing the rising cost pressures is accurate data. This knowledge can assist insurers and employers in developing effective risk management strategies.

To help organizations understand the driving factors, SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has issued its 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Safety.

The report’s findings can help everyone, including employers, insurers, and brokers, identify the root causes of dangerous driving risk. This information can help address the underlying issues and improve safety. This year’s report delivers insight into the behavioral trends behind crashes and claims, exploring the distinctions between age groups, fleet sizes, and industry segments.

“Risk isn’t random — it’s behavioral, and overwhelmingly predictable,” said Matt Scheuing, chief executive officer at SambaSafety. “The volatility in commercial auto insurance reflects the systemic risk that builds when unsafe behaviors go unaddressed. The opportunity for real improvement starts upstream, with better visibility, targeted intervention, and sustained behavior change.”

Drawing on SambaSafety’s extensive network of telematics integrations, court connections, motor vehicle records, and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) data, the report’s key findings include:

• An 11.1% year-over-year increase in auto premiums, with vehicle complexity, nuclear verdicts and dangerous driving behavior as contributing factors.
• An increase in speed violations, which now make up nearly 40% of major driving violations in the United States.
• A violation rate of 30.3% in the Southeast.
• South Carolina increased nearly 4 percentage points over the prior year and had the highest violation rate nationwide at 50.3%.
• A violation rate of 62.7% among younger drivers (ages 18-30 years) in South Carolina, 90% of which were for speeding.
• Violation rates for monitored fleets across Construction, Government and Transportation and Logistics were more than 15 percentage points lower than the overall population, proving the effectiveness of proactive risk management.
• The report examines the impact of these trends on different aspects of driver risk management, including rising insurance premiums, hiring and retention trends, and regulatory compliance, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping driver risk and safety.

The 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Risk is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit SambaSafety.com.

(NewsUSA) - Auto insurance costs have risen significantly over the last few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including higher repair costs associated with new vehicle technology, the potential impact of tariffs, and a growing number of incidents involving distracted driving and speeding. One of the keys to curbing the rising cost pressures is accurate data. This knowledge can assist insurers and employers in developing effective risk management strategies.

To help organizations understand the driving factors, SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has issued its 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Safety.

The report’s findings can help everyone, including employers, insurers, and brokers, identify the root causes of dangerous driving risk. This information can help address the underlying issues and improve safety. This year’s report delivers insight into the behavioral trends behind crashes and claims, exploring the distinctions between age groups, fleet sizes, and industry segments.

“Risk isn’t random — it’s behavioral, and overwhelmingly predictable,” said Matt Scheuing, chief executive officer at SambaSafety. “The volatility in commercial auto insurance reflects the systemic risk that builds when unsafe behaviors go unaddressed. The opportunity for real improvement starts upstream, with better visibility, targeted intervention, and sustained behavior change.”

Drawing on SambaSafety’s extensive network of telematics integrations, court connections, motor vehicle records, and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) data, the report’s key findings include:

• An 11.1% year-over-year increase in auto premiums, with vehicle complexity, nuclear verdicts and dangerous driving behavior as contributing factors.
• An increase in speed violations, which now make up nearly 40% of major driving violations in the United States.
• A violation rate of 30.3% in the Southeast.
• South Carolina increased nearly 4 percentage points over the prior year and had the highest violation rate nationwide at 50.3%.
• A violation rate of 62.7% among younger drivers (ages 18-30 years) in South Carolina, 90% of which were for speeding.
• Violation rates for monitored fleets across Construction, Government and Transportation and Logistics were more than 15 percentage points lower than the overall population, proving the effectiveness of proactive risk management.
• The report examines the impact of these trends on different aspects of driver risk management, including rising insurance premiums, hiring and retention trends, and regulatory compliance, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping driver risk and safety.

The 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Risk is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit https://sambasafety.com/free-2025-driver-risk-report?utm_source=usanews&utm_medium=press&utm_campaign=10149515-Driver-Risk-Report-Q2-25

(NewsUSA) - Recent news has raised concerns about the safety of items that may be in your kitchen, including plastic utensils and nonstick cookware (commonly made with Teflon).

“The concerns about Teflon primarily relate to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which was historically used in manufacturing Teflon coatings until 2013,” said David Nadler, Ph.D., a professor in the Occupational Health and Safety graduate program at New York Institute of Technology.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. These coatings can be in a variety of products, such as clothing, furniture, food packaging, and non-stick cooking surfaces, among others.

“PFAS are getting a lot of attention right now, but they are just a few of many chemicals in our environment that can cause health issues,” said Nadler, who previously worked as a director within the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and at New York Tech is researching the breakdown of forever chemicals.

PFAS exposure has been linked to certain health effects, including cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and immune system dysfunction. However, Nadler noted that more research is needed to determine how the potential effects of PFAS compare to other more prevalent chemicals.

Meanwhile, Nadler explained that newer Teflon cookware is safe to use.

“Modern Teflon cookware is produced without PFOA, using alternative manufacturing processes. But when using any non-stick cookware, it's important to avoid overheating and replace pans when the coating shows significant wear,” Nadler said. He suggests examining your Teflon cookware for signs of scratching, peeling, or other blemishes, and replacing it if you see damage. He also recommends keeping Teflon cookware in good shape by eliminating abrasive cleaning products and avoiding use of the cookware in extremely high temperatures (such as 500 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).

In addition, while plastic kitchen tools are generally safe, it is important to know what they are made of. For example, black utensils can contain potentially carcinogenic hydrocarbons. “Silicon and nylon are high-quality, stable, and safe for contact with food. Lower quality plastics, especially those containing Bisphenol A (BPA), have the potential to leach out chemicals, particularly when exposed to higher heat or highly acidic ingredients,” said Nadler.   

“Manufacturers have phased out much of the BPA in plastic utensils after public concern over the past decade,” he added. The best way to choose a utensil is to check for food-grade certification by the manufacturer. Metal, silicon, nylon, and wood are all better than black plastic utensils, Nadler states.

Nadler is one of many New York Tech researchers tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Storm seasons are getting stronger, longer, and more unpredictable. Whether it’s a thunderstorm knocking out neighborhood power lines, a tornado carving through a region, or a major hurricane threatening the coast, extreme weather can leave millions of Americans in the dark with little warning.

National forecasters are pointing to another above-average hurricane season in 2025, and experts are urging homeowners across the country, not just in coastal areas, to take action now. From spoiled groceries and flooded basements to sweltering homes and equipment failures, power outages can quickly go from inconvenient to dangerous.

In 2024, the U.S. experienced nearly 1.5 billion hours of power outages – the highest year since 2010 when Generac first started tracking this figure.

Now, just one year after Colorado State University predicted a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, 2025 is expected to be nearly as powerful with an anticipated above-average season. Now is the time to prepare with a plan to protect your loved ones and your home. This season is predicted to be an above-average hurricane season with an expected nine hurricanes. Four hurricanes are expected to reach major hurricane strength of a Category 3 or higher storm, which creates sustained winds of 111 miles or greater and the great risk of significant loss of life and property damage. But whether you're in the path of a hurricane, a derecho in the Midwest, or ice storms in the Northeast, the reality is clear: every home is vulnerable to outages.

“For many people, the first time they learn about backup power is when they’re already in a crisis,” said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power at Generac Power Systems, a global energy technology company. “Having a plan before severe weather strikes can make a major difference in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.”

Five Ways to Prepare for Power Outages - No Matter Where You Live

Power outage experts from Generac have provided tips on how to prepare for any storm-induced power outages during hurricane season and beyond:

1. Create a Storm Safety Plan. Identify the safest spot in your home to shelter in place. Review local evacuation routes and establish a meeting location for family members in case you're separated or need to evacuate.
2. Build a Real Emergency Kit. Stock up on essentials: at least seven days of non-perishable food per person, three gallons of water per person, a fully stocked first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, and necessary medications.
3. Stay Connected During Chaos. Keep phones and electronics fully charged before a storm. Have a battery-powered emergency radio on hand to stay up to date with local alerts and weather updates.
4. Secure Backup Power. Consider investing in a portable generator or a whole-home standby system. If you already own one, ensure it’s maintained and ready. Backup power can keep lights on, refrigerators running, operating.
5. Know How to Use Generators Safely. Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Keep it far from your home, away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure.

It Only Takes One Storm

While forecasts grab headlines with big numbers, the truth is that it only takes one storm in the right place to cause life-altering damage. Power grid reliability is already a concern in many parts of the U.S., and storm-related outages are expected to rise with climate shifts.

To help residents and communities prepare, Generac offers readiness resources, including its Hurricane Preparedness Guide that has printable inventory checklists, comparisons on backup power options and power outage safety tips, available at https://www.generac.com/hurricane-prep.