Why One Antivirus Program Is Better Than Two

(Click on the image for The New York Times article)

Q. Should I use more than one Windows 10 antivirus program on my PC?
A. [Short answer - No.]
A. Installing more than one program to constantly scan and monitor your PC for viruses and other security threats can create problems, because the two applications will likely interfere with each other’s work. Clashing antivirus programs can cause the computer to behave erratically and run more slowly as the applications battle for system resources.

Hands-Only CPR - Save a Life!

(Click on the image to download the short video)

Watch a Tantallon resident learn Hands-Only CPR from Jorge Paucar, PGFD/EMS. Not shown, Dr. Farson doing Hands-Only CPR. You can do it too!

Call 911
1. CHECK the scene, then CHECK the person.
2. Tap on the shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” and quickly look for breathing.
3. CALL 9-1-1 if no response or have someone else call 911 and tell them to come back.
4. If unresponsive and not breathing, BEGIN CHEST COMPRESSIONS.

Start Chest Compressions
1. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest.
2. Place the heel of the other hand on top of the first hand, lacing your fingers together.
3. Keep your arms straight, position your shoulders directly over your hands.
4. Push hard, push fast.
     • Compress the chest at least 2 inches.
     • Compress at least 100 times per minute. [Like Bee Gees Stayin' Alive]
     • Let the chest rise completely before pushing down again.
5. Continue chest compressions. Don’t stop unless obviously breathing, you’re too exhausted, EMS personnel arrives and takes over, AED is ready for use or if scene becomes unsafe.

AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR If an AED is available:
1. Turn on AED.
2. Wipe chest dry.
3. Attach the pads.
4. Plug in connector, if necessary
5. Make sure no one is touching the individual.
6. Push the “Analyze” button, if necessary.
7. If a shock is advised, push the “Shock” button.
8. Perform compressions and follow AED prompts.

Hero saves a life with Hands-Only CPR (News4)

Recommendation for Windows 10 Users

Start > Settings > Update & security > Advance options > (Be sure this is checked) “Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows”

Trash & Recycling Tips

(Click image to enlarge)

• Our trash is collected on TUESDAYS starting at 6 a.m.
  [Put trash out Monday evening!]
• Our yard trim/waste is collected on MONDAYS. Yard trim/waste includes grass clippings, leaves, small branches, brush and Christmas trees.
  [Put yard waste/trim out Sunday evening!]
• Yard waste/trim collection is not accepted in plastic bags.
• Yard trim/waste may be placed in heavy-duty paper bags, or heavy-duty trash cans with handles and a secure lid. Cans must be clearly labeled "Yard Waste" or "Yard Trim" to ensure collection. Cardboard boxes are not acceptable containers.
• Limbs collected curbside must not exceed 4 feet in length and 3 inches in diameter and must be securely tied in bundles. Bundles of limbs, bags and/or cans of dry grass and leaves must weigh less than 60 pounds. Wet grass and leaves must weigh less than 25 pounds.
• Bulky Trash Collection is provided by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, dial 3-1-1 or call 301-883-4748, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Appointments can also be scheduled via the online Bulky Application at Bulky Trash Online Scheduling Form.

5 Summer Scams to Avoid

(Click on the image for the Consumer Reports article)

Summer may be the time to take it easy, but don't let your guard down against con artists with offers that are too good to be true.
Here are five summer scams to watch for and advice on how to avoid them:

1. The 'Great' Vacation Rental
2. A Home Improvement 'Special'
3. A Low-Cost Move
4. Discounts on Hotel Stays
5. A Free Home Alarm System

‘Smishing’ Cyber Attacks Target Customers Via Text Message

(Click on the image for Jo Ling Kent's Nightly News report)

A new online scam called “smishing” -- like “phishing” -- is using SMS texts to steal victims’ personal information.

FBI: Internet-Connected Toys Could Present Privacy and Contact Concerns for Children

(Click on the image for the FBI Alert)

"The FBI encourages consumers to consider cyber security prior to introducing smart, interactive, internet-connected toys into their homes or trusted environments. Smart toys and entertainment devices for children are increasingly incorporating technologies that learn and tailor their behaviors based on user interactions. These toys typically contain sensors, microphones, cameras, data storage components, and other multimedia capabilities – including speech recognition and GPS options. These features could put the privacy and safety of children at risk due to the large amount of personal information that may be unwittingly disclosed."
[See "How a fish tank helped hack a casino"! in The Washington Post]

Security Cameras Don't Stop These Porch Pirates from Poaching Packages

(Click on the image for Horace Holmes ABC7 video report)

Security expert Steve Bongart says the thieves operate even knowing their crime is being caught on camera.
"They don't have any concern of this helping police to track them or it having any effect on helping police solve the crime," Bongart says.
[See Horace's report for suggestions on how to protect your deliveries]

Protect Yourself from Fraud and Abuse

(Click on the image for Harold Pollack's advice in The Washington Post)

• Particularly when I talk with seniors, some of the toughest issues concern the need to avoid overpriced financial products and scams. “Affinity frauds” are depressingly common in every ethnic, religious and political group. Be wary.
• It’s a red flag when anyone asks you to invest your money through a church or community group, or through any product advertised on your favorite political TV. Vanilla investments such as target-date funds offered through Vanguard, Fidelity or other national firms are much better and safer places to put your money.
• Then there are more straightforward scams. When someone calls or emails, you really don’t know who is communicating with you. Don’t give that stranger your credit card number, bank account number, or a password to anything over the phone or email. If an email says that it’s from your bank and that a check just bounced or your account was hacked, don’t reply directly or click any link in that email. Go to your bank’s website or to the bank itself to investigate the alleged problem. The same applies when a charity or political cause contacts you.
• Be smart about computer security and passwords, too. Don’t use your birthday, your address or some lame combination like 1234.

7 Tips to Keep Burglars Out

(Click on the image for Horace Holmes ABC7 video report)

Thieves don't care about security systems. They know it takes police on average five to seven minutes to get to the scene of a burglary call. They also don't care much about security cameras they'll just wear a mask.
The key to protecting yourself, according to police, is to do everything you can to make sure your home doesn't look like an easy mark. Seven On Your Side has seven vital tips to keep the burglars out.

Riverview at Swan Creek, June 30, 6:30 PM

Just before the speed limit drops from 40 to 25 MPH. Luckily, everyone survived.

Trooper Crashed Chasing Racing Cars, Motorcyclist Crashed into Trooper

(Click on the image for the ABC7 report)

A motorcyclist was thrown 25 feet after crashing into a Maryland State Police car that crashed while chasing two racing cars in Forestville Sunday night, police say.
Both the state trooper and the motorcycle rider were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, according to police.
Maryland State Police say the crash happened on Interstate 495 south of Suitland Road at around 11:30 p.m. Authorities say that Trooper W. Thompson saw two cars racing and tried to catch them to make a traffic stop. Thompson then lost control of his police car and crashed into the median, leaving his car disabled and in part of the first lane of I-495.

Once Again, a Family Lost a Loved One on Notorious MD 210

(Click on the image for News4's Derrick Ward's video report)

Witnesses told police they saw drivers speeding before the crash that killed a 67-year-old man
Days after a Maryland father was killed in a car crash in Accokeek, Maryland, his family is desperate for information about what happened.
James Hill was on Indian Head Highway, on his way home from work when a Ford smashed into his minivan at Pine Drive. Police responded about 8:50 p.m. Hill died soon after. He was 67.
On Thursday, Mary Elizabeth Hill never got a text from her husband saying he was on his way home. She told her daughter knew something was wrong.
"I told her, 'We need to go find Daddy,'" she recalls, her voice cracking.
The mother and daughter headed to the Beretta factory, where Hill worked security, to see if his car was still there. They met heavy traffic.
"That's when we saw his car. And I knew he was gone. I knew he was gone at that time," Hill's widow said.
Prior to the crash that also involved a third car, witnesses told police they saw several drivers speeding and driving recklessly. Drivers often speed on Indian Head Highway, people who frequent the road say.
The crash remains under investigation. The driver of the Ford received non-life-threatening injuries.
Whatever the outcome, the family says they already know what they lost on the notorious stretch of road: the attentive uncle, the father who made dishes that were family legends and the husband who never left home without telling his wife he loved her.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call 301-731-4422. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call 1-866-411-TIPS, text PGPD plus your message to CRIMES or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.