Lifestyle
Disaster evacuations can take much longer than people expect − computer simulations could help save lives and avoid chaos
Ashley Bosa, Boise State University
When a wildfire notification goes off on your mobile phone, it can trigger all kinds of emotions and confusion.
You might glance outside and see no smoke. Across the street, your neighbors have mixed reactions: One is leisurely walking their dog, another is calmly packing a small bag, while a third appears to be preparing for an extended vacation.
The notification advises you to grab your “go bag,” but then panic can set in as you realize you don’t have one ready. So, you scour the local emergency management website for guidance and discover how much you’ve overlooked: important documents such as birth certificates, an extra flashlight, your children’s medications, a phone charger.
Before you can gather your thoughts, a second notification arrives – this time telling you to evacuate.
Packing the car, wrangling children or a skittish cat, figuring out where to go – it can feel frenzied in the face of danger. As you pull out, you join a traffic jam on your street, with a black smoke plume rising nearby and neighbors still loading their cars.
This chaos highlights a worst-case scenario for wildfire evacuations – one that can cause delays, heighten risks for evacuees and complicate access for emergency responders. It’s why researchers like me who study natural hazards are developing ways to help communities recognize where residents may need the most help and avoid evacuation bottlenecks in the face of future disasters.
The importance of being prepared
Confusion is common in the face of disasters, and it underscores the need for communities and individuals to be prepared.
Delays in evacuating, or the inability to evacuate safely, can have catastrophic consequences, not only for those trying to flee but also for the first responders and emergency managers working to manage the crisis. These delays often stem from a lack of preparedness or uncertainty about when and how to act.
A study of survivors of an Australian wildfire that killed 172 people in the state of Victoria in 2009 found that two-thirds of survivors reported that they had carried out an existing disaster plan, while researchers found the majority of those who died either didn’t follow a disaster plan or couldn’t. Forecasters had warned that high temperatures were coming with very low humidity, and public alerts had gone out about the high fire risk. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wq4VCI2JwgM?wmode=transparent&start=0 Residents had little time to evacuate as the Eaton Fire spread into Altadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025. Source: NBC.
How people perceive risks and the environmental and social cues around them – such as how much smoke they see, their neighbors’ choices or the wording of the notification – will directly affect the speed of their response.
Past experience with a disaster evacuation also has an impact. Rapid population growth in recent years in the wildland-urban interface – areas where human development meets wildfire-prone areas – has meant that more people with little or no experience with wildfires are living in fire-risk areas. Wildland areas also tend to have fewer evacuation routes, making mass evacuations more difficult and time-consuming.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that large wildfires are occurring in regions not historically prone to such events and during times of the year traditionally considered outside of wildfire season. This shift has left communities and emergency response teams grappling with unprecedented challenges, particularly when it comes to evacuations.
Computer models can help spot risks
To address these challenges, researchers are developing systems to help communities model how their residents are likely to respond in the event of a disaster.
The results can help emergency crews understand where bottlenecks are likely to occur along evacuation routes, depending on the timing of the notice and the movement of the fire. They can also help fire managers understand where neighborhoods may need to be notified faster or need more help evacuating.
My team at the Hazard and Climate Resilience Institute at Boise State University is working on one of these projects. We have been surveying communities across Idaho and Oregon to assess how people living in the wildland-urban interface areas perceive wildfire risks and prepare for evacuations.
Using those surveys, we can capture household-level decision data, such as which evacuation routes these residents would take, how many cars they plan to drive and where they would evacuate to.
We can also gauge how prepared residents would be to evacuate, or whether they would likely stay and try to defend their home instead.
With that data, we can simulate how long it will take emergency response teams to evacuate an entire community safely. The models could also show where difficulties with evacuations might be likely to arise and help residents understand how they can adjust their evacuation plans for a safer escape for everyone.
Bridging the gap between awareness and action
One of the key goals of this research is to bridge the gap between awareness and action.
While many residents in wildfire-prone areas understand the risks, translating that knowledge into concrete preparations remains a challenge. The concept of a “go bag,” for example, is widely promoted but often poorly understood. Essential items such as medications, important documents and pet supplies are frequently overlooked until it’s too late.
Clear and timely communication during wildfire crises is also essential. Evacuation warning messages such as “Ready, Set, Go!” are designed to prompt specific actions, but their effectiveness depends on residents understanding and trusting the system. Delayed responses or mixed signals can create confusion.
As wildfire risk rises for many communities, preparedness is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. Emergency notifications vary by state and county, so check your local emergency management office to understand what to expect and sign up for alerts. Being prepared can help communities limit some of the most devastating impacts of wildfires.
Ashley Bosa, Postdoctoral Researcher, Hazards and Climate Resilience Institute, Boise State University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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health and wellness
4 Tips to Maximize Nutritional Goals While On a GLP-1
GLP-1 medications for weight loss have gained popularity, with new research emphasizing the importance of nutrition and lifestyle. Prioritizing protein and fiber can combat common side effects like nausea and constipation, while staying hydrated and eating smaller meals enhances tolerance. Adopting these habits may improve weight loss results for GLP-1 users.
(Feature Impact) The first GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medication was approved for weight loss use more than a decade ago with new more effective versions being approved by the FDA over the past few years. As the use of these medications continues to rise, new research highlights the important role nutrition and lifestyle habits can play in supporting muscle, metabolism and long-term weight loss when using the medication.
Whether you’re new to GLP‑1s or navigating the next phase of your journey, small nutrition shifts powered by protein, fiber and hydration can help you feel strong, confident and supported.
Common side effects experienced by GLP-1 users are often digestive and include nausea, constipation, stomach pain, bloating and more. A pilot clinical trial by Atkins suggests pairing GLP‑1 use with targeted macronutrients, especially protein and fiber, may support healthier body composition and a lower-carb diet with higher protein and fiber intake is well tolerated.
Feast On Fiber
Digestive slow‑downs, including constipation, are among the most common GLP‑1 side effects. Prioritizing fiber not only helps food move comfortably through the body, it supports your gut health and steady energy. Many fibers are prebiotics, meaning they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Prioritize foods like apples, melon, berries, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens to boost fiber intake.
Prioritize Protein
When your appetite changes, structure helps. Anchoring your day with reliable protein sources helps make nutrition easy. Prioritizing protein may help prevent lean muscle loss, and nutrient dense protein sources can help you get enough essential nutrients to support overall health. Supporting a protein- and fiber-rich diet can start with a solution like Atkins High Protein Shakes, which are packed with 30 grams of protein and 7 grams of prebiotic fiber and provide more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals.
Designed to be an ally for your nutritional goals, they’re gluten-free, low-glycemic and keto-friendly with 3 grams of net carbs and 1 gram of sugar per serving. Experts recommend making sure you’re consuming enough protein to help limit lean muscle loss when using a GLP-1 to lose weight.
Hydrate to Help Prevent Side Effects
GLP-1 users in particular are encouraged to prioritize fluids. Staying hydrated can help with both constipation and nausea, two common side effects. Drinking water helps support kidney and liver function, which are vital for weight loss and overall health. Adequate fluids help food move through your body, combat fatigue and replenish losses from potential nausea or constipation, preventing complications and improving tolerance to GLP-1s.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Large meals can feel uncomfortable when digestion slows. Instead, focus on smaller, more frequent eating moments that give your body a steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming your system.
For an easy, GLP‑1‑friendly option, try Atkins High Protein Bars, which are high in protein and fiber while minimizing net carbs. Available in flavors like Cookie Fusion, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Brownie Delight, they’re a satisfying way to stay fueled between meals and a simple solution when appetite cues are muted. The snacks are designed to take the guesswork out of choosing high‑protein, low‑carb options that support your goals.
Living well on a GLP‑1 is about support, confidence and clarity. Consuming adequate amounts of protein and fiber, staying hydrated and maintaining daily structure can help you feel energized and empowered every step of the way. By following nutritional guidelines and making mindful lifestyle choices, GLP-1 users can experience better outcomes on their weight loss journeys.
To explore products that prioritize protein and fiber that can be a part of anyone’s daily diet, visit Atkins.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Atkins
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Family
Empowering Seniors for Safer Online Experiences: 6 Practical Safety Tips for Caregivers and Families
Safety Tips for Caregivers: Empower seniors with essential online safety tips. Learn 6 practical strategies caregivers can use to help older adults navigate digital threats, scams, and security risks confidently.
Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Empowering Seniors for Safer Online Experiences: 6 Practical Safety Tips for Caregivers and Families
(Family Features) Today’s seniors aren’t shying away from a world that has become increasingly reliant on technology. Quite the opposite, in fact, as recent survey findings suggest adults ages 65 and older are more digitally active and self-assured than ever before. Nearly all seniors surveyed as part of the “Connecting the Digital Dots: Online Habits and Safety Concerns Across Three Generations” survey from Cox Mobile consider themselves digitally literate, using devices for shopping, banking, social media and entertainment. With older adults spending a significant amount of time connected to the digital world – 41% of those surveyed reported spending five or more hours online daily – they’re also more at-risk for scams, viruses like malware and data breaches. Even though 61% of seniors who encountered digital threats were able to mitigate the issues themselves, showing their growing digital capability, increased online engagement brings new challenges and responsibilities for caregivers, who often play a crucial role in supporting seniors’ digital journeys. To help support older loved ones’ safety and confidence as they navigate an evolving digital landscape, Cox Mobile, in partnership with Common Sense Media, offers educational materials on digital safety, smart device use and media literacy for all ages. In addition, these practical safety strategies can help empower seniors to make informed, safe choices online. Encourage Strong Passwords: Simple passwords, like number sequences, keyboard patterns or personal information – such as variations of your name, birthdate, address or names of pets or loved ones – are easily guessable and may lead to issues. While the survey found 70% of seniors already create strong, unique passwords, encourage them to avoid reusing passwords across sites. Recommend a password manager app to safely store passwords and eliminate the need to write them all down, which could lead to a breach if not stored properly.
Promote Security Software: If devices aren’t protected, even the most careful users are susceptible to viruses. Though 63% of those surveyed have security software installed, it’s important to regularly make sure it’s up to date (or that automatic updates are enabled) and covers all devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: A simple and effective way to stop most attempts at unauthorized account access, 60% of seniors are already using multi-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection. Some seniors, however, may need assistance setting up the safeguard, which typically sends a code to a phone number or email address as part of the login process, for online banking, email or social media accounts. Review Apps and Channels: Over time, it can be easy to accumulate apps on smartphones and tablets. While 51% of surveyed seniors remove unsafe apps, make it a habit to regularly check loved ones’ devices for unfamiliar or suspicious applications and delete them. Also keep an eye out for unauthorized charges, data sharing or browser extensions. Utilize Built-In Safety Features: Explore privacy controls on individual devices (and apps) and check with your loved ones’ internet service provider to ensure security features are being utilized like the 43% of those surveyed who are already taking advantage of their devices’ safety settings. Included privacy protections may include limiting data sharing, disabling location tracking, blocking pop-ups and restricting other unwanted communication. Discuss Online Safety Regularly: Because technology is ever-changing, it’s important for caregivers to talk with senior loved ones about online safety. Open, ongoing conversations, like those one-third of seniors are already having several times a week or even daily, can help build trust and awareness of current scams, suspicious texts or emails, commonly used apps and more. By fostering open dialogue, sharing practical safety strategies and leveraging trusted resources, caregivers can help their loved ones thrive and stay safe. Visit your local Cox Mobile store or go to CoxMobileSafety.com to find more tips, guides and full survey results. Author
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love and romance
Love Your Space: 4 Valentine’s Day Home Decor Ideas
Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to enhance home decor with love-themed touches. Key ideas include using a classic red and pink palette, incorporating soft lighting and inviting textures, adding fresh flowers and heartfelt accents, and personalizing decor with meaningful items. Each element contributes to a romantic and welcoming atmosphere.
Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Love Your Space: 4 Valentine’s Day Home Decor Ideas
(Family Features) From planning a romantic night in with your significant other to hosting friends for Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to fill your home with love and heartfelt style.
Whether you add subtle accents or bold pops of color, decorating for the season of love is about adding intentional touches that make your spaces feel special.
1. Choose a Valentine’s Palette
The classic red and pink motif is a perfect starting point. A few heart-shaped throw pillows, blush pink accessories or a rich red accent blanket can capture the spirit without overwhelming. If bold colors don’t match your current design style, ground them with neutrals like soft whites, creams or grays to create a romantic look that feels intentional and cohesive.
2. Set the Mood with Lighting and Texture
Soft lighting – think string lights draped along a mantel, clusters of warm-hued candles or a table lamp with a rosy glow – can make rooms feel cozier, as can layering sensual textures like velvet pillows, knit throws and lace or crochet accents. These elements feel inviting and chic, creating a relaxed, intimate ambience perfect for a celebratory evening at home.
3. Fresh Florals and Heartfelt Accents
A timeless Valentine’s Day tradition, fresh flowers can bring life, color and fragrance to any room. A vase of red roses, pink tulips or mixed seasonal blooms can serve as a centerpiece on your dining room table or entry console. For an added seasonal touch, consider heart-shaped garlands or DIY paper hearts on shelves, mirrors or around picture frames.
4. Personalize With Love
Much like heart-warming gifts, the most meaningful decor often has a personal story. Frame a favorite photo, display a handwritten love note or incorporate a treasured keepsake into your Valentine’s arrangement to make your space feel uniquely yours.
For more ideas to celebrate love every time you walk through the door, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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