Houstonians, if you own a dehumidifier, read up!

Do you ever wonder if your smart devices are watching you? The latest statistics show that as many as 60 million households in the U.S. are actively using smart devices in their home.

The FBI recently warned consumers against using free public charging stations, saying crooks have managed to hijack public chargers that can infect devices with malware, or software that can give hackers access to your phone, tablet or computer.

HOUSTON – Fry’s Electronics is gone. The tech retailer closed the doors of all 31 locations, including two in Houston, with no notice to customers. If you go to the company’s website, you’ll see this note:“After nearly 36 years in business as the one-stop-shop and online resource for high-tech professionals across nine states and 31 stores, Fry’s Electronics, Inc. (”Fry’s” or “Company”), has made the difficult decision to shut down its operations and close its business permanently as a result of changes in the retail industry and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Company will implement the shut down through an orderly wind down process that it believes will be in the best interests of the Company, its creditors, and other stakeholders.”

Houston – While widespread power and water issues continue, we’re hearing from some people that cell phone service is also a problem and it’s not just because we don’t have power to keep them charged. KPRC 2 reached out to multiple cell phone providers to find out if they’re having any problems and if so, what is causing the issues and what they’re doing to restore service. We have generators supporting numerous cell sites and teams in the field refueling these generators as needed. After Winter Storm Uri brought harsh conditions to the US, we are extending relief to AT&T Wireless and AT&T PREPAID customers impacted by the storm. However the majority of Verizon customers should expect minimal service interruptions thanks to overlapping coverage (service from nearby cell sites.)

With cold weather even freezing temperatures on the way to Greater Houston, electronics specialists are reminding the public to prepare for the possibility of power outages and electrical surges. Invest in good surge protector power stripsOne electronic recommend buying a surge protector for appliances to protect from being damaged in the event of an electrical surge. Falling ice and falling branches could fall on power lines making this hazard possible, especially in cold temperatures. Surge protection power strips are your standard home surge protection here... You can put them in and around your house. Ad”Over time in Houston as your surge protector protects your appliances blast, after the blast, it eventually gets tired,” said.