BLACK EMERGENCY MANAGERS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

Friday, August 14, 2026

Store Smartphone files, photos, SMS messages, etc on your Tablet or PC.

Why get a new smartphone when it may only be a matter of clearing and transferring files to your tablet, laptop, or PC.

Backup and storing photos, Chat\SMS messages are great for historical documentation and paper trail.

To connect your smartphone to your Windows PC, use the native Phone Link app on Windows to sync your Android device or iPhone.

This allows you to

· read messages,

· make calls, and

· view photos right from your computer.

How to Connect Your Smartphone

1. Prepare your Windows PC

· Open the Phone Link app (search for it in your Windows taskbar).

· Select whether you are pairing an Android or an iPhone.

· A QR code will appear on your computer screen

2. Prepare your Smartphone

· Android: Download the Link to Windows app from the Google Play Store (pre-installed on select Samsung and HONOR devices).

· iPhone: Download the Link to Windows app from the App Store.

· Open the app on your phone and use its built-in camera to scan the QR code displayed on your PC.

3. Grant Permissions

· Accept the pairing prompts and grant the necessary permissions (contacts, notifications, photos) on your phone so Windows can safely access your data.

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Global Health & Well-Being and Water Security. August 2026

Water one of the most abundant resources on Earth poses risk and vulnerabilities across the globe.

Health and Well-Being.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/08/08/louisiana-flesh-eating-bacteria-outbreak/91225306007/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

Cases may also increase after tropical storms and hurricanes, as storm surge pushes seawater into freshwater environments. Infections can also happen from eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, the CDC says.

Different types of vibrio bacteria cause different infections, with vibrio vulnificus causing the "most serious forms of vibriosis," according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Another type of vibrio bacteria causes cholera, health officials say.

Alabama, the Mobile County Health Department has reported 10 cases of vibriosis this year. The
Mississippi Department of Health reported two cases in 2026.

Beyond the Gulf Coast, other states that have reported evidence of Vibrio vulnificus in the past include

How to protect yourself from 'flesh-eating bacteria'

When swimming, you should:

Avoid entering salt water or brackish water if you have any open wounds. That includes recent surgical sites, fresh tattoos and piercings, and even minor cuts or scrapes.
Cover any open wounds with a waterproof bandage if you may come into contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, even if you don't plan to be directly exposed to either. Exposure can also occur during flooding caused by storms.
Immediately wash any area of open skin with soap and running water after contact with coastal water or raw seafood.
If you are at increased risk (people with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure), wear protective shoes and clothes when in or near coastal waters.

When consuming seafood, the CDC advises:

Cook seafood, including oysters, before consuming.
Thoroughly clean surfaces that may have come in contact with raw seafood and its drippings.
Thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw seafood. If you are at high risk, wear gloves.

Contributing: C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.