From CBS News: An uncontrolled brush fire burning near Universal City in Los Angeles has put the famous Hollywood sign at risk. The blaze is as close as a quarter mile to the landmark which features 50-foot-tall letters spelling out the movie industry capital.

With the weather warming up across the country, the wildfire and brush fire danger is also rising. Wildfires are most common in the forested areas of the U.S. but fires can happen in most regions.

• What You Need to Know About Wildfires

From the Associated Press:

“Information from at least 45.7 million credit and debit cards was stolen by hackers who accessed TJX’s customer information in a security breach that the discount retailer disclosed more than two months ago.

TJX, the owner of about 2,500 stores (including TJ. Maxx, Homegoods and Marshalls), said in a regulatory filing late Wednesday that about three-quarters of those cards had either expired at the time of the theft, or data from their magnetic strips had been masked — stored as asterisks rather than numbers.”

To learn more about the security breach, visit their web site: www.tjx.com or call their special helpline: 1-866-484-6978.

If you’d like to cancel your credit cards or check your credit report, read our guide on what to do if your identity’s been stolen.

Not a week goes by where I haven’t found a mysterious scar, bruise or cut somewhere on me. For klutzes like me, this week’s neat site is a definite lifesaver.

The Home Safety Council is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home related injuries (thank goodness someone’s looking out for us clumsy people!).

Their website is full of excellent safety information, fact sheets and checklists on over 35 topics (i.e. kitchen safety, home improvement, disaster preparation, children, electrical).

The Home Safety Council also hosts CodeRedRover.org - an interactive home safety website that offers games, activities, do-it-yourself projects, home safety checklists and tips for parents and kids. (Great rainy day activity!)

Check out both sites for actions you can take today to improve your home’s safety.

• Home Safety Council
• CodeRedRover.org

Have a site to recommend? Post it in the Comments below!

[Via Lifehacker and One Man’s Blog]

I’d like to think my passwords are pretty strong…that is, when I can remember what they are!

When I can, I create different passwords for each account and use letters, numbers and symbols (i.e.*@$!). But even with all my efforts, even passwords using all characters could eventually be broken.

Here’s a handy guide from the One Man’s Blog on how long it would take to crack your password:

So, to be safe, make your passwords varied and extra long, if you can. Other password creating hints:

• How I’d Hack Your Weak Passwords (One Man’s Blog)
• Create Stronger Passwords

Before you head out on your first ride of the year, remember to check out your bike for wear and tear.

Top things to check:

• Tires - pressure, cuts and general wear. You’ll probably need to pump up your tires especially if your bike hasn’t been used for months.
• Handlebars
• Chain - add grease if needed
• Brakes - make sure they work probably
  

Take your bike for a quick ride around the block to see how it handles before heading out on a longer ride. More maintenance tips…

And don’t forget to wear a helmet! Helmet tips…

Charges have been filed against 10 LAX airport employees who allegedly stole items from celebrities, according to the AP. Alleged victims include hotel heiress Paris Hilton and singer Keyshia Cole. (I wonder what they took!)

Celebrities weren’t the only victims - other travelers had their luggage looted. Worried about luggage theft? A few tips:

• Take a Polaroid or digital photo of the outside AND inside of your luggage. If your luggage is lost or stolen, you’ll need to list the items for claims and insurance purposes and this will help you remember.
• Don’t bring any valuables you can’t stand to lose. They’re better off in a safe place at home.
• Lock your luggage with TSA-approved locks (other locks may be cut off and thrown away).
• Luggage lost or stolen? More tips…

Education is a key tool to prevent consumer injury, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s web site - this week’s neat site.

The Federal Trade Commission offers hundreds of publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well other consumer tips. Topics range from automobiles and travel to telemarketing and consumer products and services.

The Federal Trade Commission is also the main hub for filing consumer complaints in regards to identity theft. Click here to visit the FTC’s Identity Theft site which offers ID theft prevention and recovery tips.

• Federal Trade Commission - List of Publication Topics

Many pet owners are anxious about what to feed their animals since the recall.

Did you know you can make your own pet food? Try googling that phrase - several websites offer recipes for you to try out your culinary hand.

Additional info on the pet food recall from the New York Times:

More than 60 million cans and pouches of dog and cat food sold under dozens of brand names were recalled on Saturday after being linked to the deaths of 10 animals.

The food was manufactured by Menu Foods, of Streetsville, Ontario, which makes wet food sold as store brands for companies like Wal-Mart, Kroger and Safeway.

Menu Foods is providing information on what packages are being recalled at (866) 895-2708 or http://www.menufoods.com/recall/index.html.

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out - same general rule applies to “people” food.

Headed abroad? Your cell phone might not be your best way to phone home.

According to The New York Times, certain cell phone companies use different forms of technology, meaning your phone might not be compatible with systems overseas.

To learn more about your cell phone options, read the full article by clicking here.

Also, remember that emergency numbers vary by country (it isn’t always 9-1-1!). Click here for a full list of international emergency services numbers.

Here is the second part of my interview with J.J. Surbeck, President of the CERT program in Encinitas, California. A former employee of the International Red Cross and the American Red Cross, here J.J. explains how the American Red Cross classes are complementary to the CERT training program and how you can begin to prepare for any emergency.

Missed the first part? Click here to learn more and listen…

• What is CERT? Part 2.mp3 (click on the link to listen)
• What is CERT? Part 1.mp3 (click on the link to listen)
• Most areas have a CERT program: Learn more about CERT and find training programs in your area
• More emergency preparedness tips…

Have any questions or comments? Post them in the Comments section below! Want to link directly to the podcast page? Click here and copy the URL.