Business Bulletin: How to avoid disaster scams and fraud

Natural disasters like tornadoes, flooding, storms, wildfires and hurricanes, often bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors taking advantage of those who have already been victimized. Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners affected by tornadoes and natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver….

7 Hot Facts About the Pacific Ring of Fire

When the explorer Ferdinand Magellan visited Earth’s biggest ocean in 1520, he found the waters pleasantly calm. And that’s why — to this day — most people call it the Pacific Ocean, as “pacific” is a synonym for “peaceful.”

Oh, the irony. Magellan didn’t know it, but there’s a vast loop of volcanoes, trenches and seismically active places running through and around the Pacific. This would be the (in)famous “Ring of Fire.” About 24,900 miles (40,000 kilometers) long, it’s where most of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic events take place. Here’s a seven-part crash course on the region as a whole. Spoiler alert: It’s got nothing to do with that Johnny Cash love song. Unfortunately….