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High-visibility clothing includes jackets, pants, vests, overalls, and even hats that enhance the visibility of the wearer. Hi-vis clothes use retroreflective and fluorescent materials to make the wearer stand out from their environment. These clothes improve safety, which decreases fatalities and injuries on worksites. Learn more about the seven reasons hi-vis clothing is so important. 1. It Enhances Visibility The number one advantage of hi-vis clothing is that it keeps workers safe by enhancing the wearer’s visibility. In multiple industries, employees work around heavy machinery, equipment, and other items. Every year, many workers are injured or even killed because of workplace accidents. Improving worker visibility makes your business safer. The type of high-visibility clothing workers need depends on the environment and job responsibilities. Hi-vis clothes are categorized into types and classes based on their intended usage, and you can use these classifications to choose the right level of protection for you or your employees. For example, ANSI Type O protects people in off road scenarios that require enhanced visibility; this can include refinery workers, warehouse workers, and parking location workers. 2. Hi-Vis Clothes Give Drivers More Time To React Another reason hi-vis clothing is so important is that it gives drivers and equipment operators more time to react to a worker’s presence. Since hi-vis clothing makes the wearer more visible to others, drivers and operators become aware of them sooner. And the sooner the driver becomes aware of the worker, the more time they have to slow down or change direction. Reaction time is the amount of time it takes for a person to respond to a stimulus. These times vary among individuals, and many factors can affect each individual’s reaction time. Hi-vis clothing should prompt drivers and operators to take proper action. One of the most common problems faced by people working along roadways is a driver’s selective perception. Even when a driver is looking in a worker’s direction, they may not actually perceive the worker is there—drivers tend to notice other cars rather than individuals. The more conspicuously you stand out from your environment, the less likely it is for a driver to disregard you. 3. It Improves Work Efficiency at Night Another advantage of hi-vis clothing is that it improves work efficiency at night. These clothes don’t just enhance visibility during the day, but also at night or in the evening. Retroreflective material is made with small glass beads that reflect light back to its source. This is an especially useful feature in night construction, where retroreflected light can attract a driver’s attention and prevent collisions. Workers also see each other more clearly thanks to hi-vis clothing. Overall, these clothes help make it possible to extend working hours, giving companies greater flexibility when creating schedules and finishing projects with tight deadlines. 4. Hi-Vis Clothing Combats Distractions While workplace hazards present challenges on their own, distractions compound the problem. Distracted people in or adjacent to a worksite create a risk for workers. Fortunately, hi-vis clothes combat distractions, increasing everyone’s awareness of the person wearing the gear. While minimizing workplace distractions is important for safety, it’s not possible to eliminate distractions altogether. Texting, eating, talking, and multitasking are some of the most common activities that limit the attention people pay to their surroundings. But even without an external disruption, people can still let their thoughts wander, and at the wrong time and place, this can prove calamitous. Hi-vis clothes make the wearer stand out from their surroundings. Fluorescent hues of orange, lime green, and red highlight the wearer’s presence, and this loud visual cue focuses the viewer’s attention. 5. It Meets ANSI Safety Standards Hi-vis clothes help companies meet voluntary standards for workplace safety set by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI recommends people wear hi-vis apparel to reduce worker fatalities and injuries. While workplace safety is important for the workers themselves, it’s good for the company overall. Decreasing the number of injuries and fatalities improves employee morale, reduces turnover, and increases productivity, among other positive outcomes. As you choose hi-vis clothing to wear, be sure to follow regulatory guidelines. For example, ANSI Type R or P, Class 3 hi-vis clothes must enhance the wearer’s visibility to a high level. Wearing a hi-vis vest or sleeveless shirt alone does not qualify as Class 3 protection. Also, keep in mind the difference between enhanced-visibility and high-visibility garments. If you add reflective striping to a piece of clothing, you’ve created an enhanced-visibility garment. Alternatively, ANSI-compliant high-visibility clothing requires higher performance standards for the retroreflective stripes and fluorescent background materials. 6. It Encourages a Safety-First Mindset Hi-vis clothes can improve workplace culture because they encourage a safety-first mindset. The more workers wear hi-vis clothes, the more they comply with safety standards and practices. And the more buy-in, the easier it is to comply. It’s a virtuous cycle, where one positive act for workplace safety promotes more positive acts and reinforces the standard. For worksites where employees routinely perform tasks in dangerous areas, hi-vis clothing should be a key component of worksite safety. When everyone on a worksite wears hi-vis clothes, it communicates that the company actively values everyone’s safety. This can help build camaraderie and improve morale. Not only is everyone working toward the same goal, everyone respects their coworkers’ safety and well-being. 7. Hi-Vis Clothing Promotes a Professional Identity Finally, an important advantage of wearing hi-vis clothing is that it promotes a professional identity. Just like other specialized workplace attire, hi-vis clothes indicate the kind of work the wearer does and their competence and pride in their profession. At a busy worksite, hi-vis clothes can signal whether someone is a member of personnel or an outside visitor. And as with other types of uniforms and workwear, high-visibility clothing can help unify a team and promote cooperative work. Hi-vis clothing featuring custom designs is a creative way to promote the company brand and add style to workwear. And the better the design looks, the easier it is to raise compliance. SafetyShirtz produces high-quality safety apparel that protects workers, feels great, and looks awesome. If you want to order a hi-vis hoodie, shirt, or hat, check out our designs or create a custom look today.

High-visibility clothing keeps workers safe in a variety of places, including on docks, at construction sites, and on streets. Retroreflective hi-vis clothes make you visible to others and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Explore the working conditions to consider wearing reflective clothing. Heavy Moving Equipment If you work near heavy moving equipment, hi-vis clothes make you more visible to equipment operators. On construction sites, people operating machinery such as bulldozers and backhoe loaders can see you more easily, which will allow them to maneuver safely. Reflective clothes make it possible for you to work near heavy moving equipment. Traffic Hazards Another working condition in which you should wear reflective clothing is exposure to traffic hazards. This includes tasks where you interact with drivers directly, such as helping people cross streets or directing traffic. Exposure to traffic hazards also includes working adjacent to traffic, such as working on a street or highway. High-visibility clothing will provide more time for drivers to react to your presence and adjust their driving speed or course. Adverse Driving Conditions Adverse driving conditions, such as poor lighting or wet weather, can make hi-vis clothing critical for worker safety. When car lights reach your hi-vis workwear, the retroreflective strips reflect the light back to the driver and sharpen their awareness. And when streets are slick, drivers need to start adjusting their speeds earlier than usual. Just as fluorescent colors help drivers see you better during the day, retroreflective material gives drivers more time to react during low light conditions when they use their headlights to navigate. Distractions at the Work Site Drivers and even fellow workers operating heavy equipment can get distracted at the worksite. Cell phones, food, conversations, and adjusting radio or climate controls can distract people from their surroundings. Reflective clothing can refocus attention on you and help everyone avoid tragic consequences. SafetyShirtz specializes in custom high-visibility clothing. Our American flag hi-vis hoodie sports a slick patriotic design with reflective features—visit our site to get yours today.

How often you need to replace your reflective hi-vis clothing depends on factors like your work environment, how often and how long you wear the clothes, and how you launder them. When it’s time to replace your clothes, do so immediately to ensure your safety and keep looking great; discover the signs you need to replace your reflective hi-vis clothing. Dull-Colored Fabric Bright fluorescent colors grab attention, and they’re a key component in how high-visibility clothes protect you. The most often accepted hi-vis colors, bright yellow-green, orange-red, and red, should never look dull on hi-vis garments. If they do, it’s time to replace your gear. Damaged Reflective Strips Damaged reflective strips are another sign you need to replace your reflective hi-vis clothing. While retroreflective fabrics are made with tiny glass beads, abrasive substances can scratch and ruin the strips. Without these strips, people will not be able to see you clearly in darkened conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to replace your hi-vis clothes immediately when you notice this issue. Tears and Rips As with other types of clothing, it’s time to replace your hi-vis clothes when you get tears and rips in the fabric. Your apparel will look and feel better, and you’ll be safer on the jobsite when your clothes don’t pose the risk of getting snagged on equipment and supplies. Ultimately, tears and rips present the opportunity to get new hi-vis items that look great. Stains That Won’t Wash Out Finally, if your high-visibility clothes look dirty after you’ve cleaned everything, it’s time to replace those items. Stains make your clothes blend in too much with your surroundings, working against the purpose of wearing hi-vis clothing. And even if the stains aren’t on the fluorescent material, they still look bad. If laundering doesn’t remove the stains, consider getting a new piece of clothing. If you see any of these signs, replace your worn-out hi-vis clothes with pieces from SafetyShirtz. We carry a variety of stylish safety sweatshirts that make you more visible, comfortable, and warm. Check out these durable sweatshirts today.

When the temperature drops, workers in a range of industries bundle up to stay warm and keep businesses moving. However, you don’t want to cover up your high-visibility work clothes to keep out the cold. Protect yourself from hazards at work and the winter chill with hi-vis winter workwear. Read on to find out how to choose the best hi-vis workwear for winter. Worksite Environmental Conditions As with any time you dress for the weather, you need to consider the environmental conditions of your worksite when choosing hi-vis clothes. Naturally, you’ll want to insulate yourself from the cold. But how much warmth you need from the material depends on how much time you spend exposed to cold temperatures, as well as your level of physical activity at work. The more you move and the more time you spend indoors, the less you’ll feel the cold. If winter brings wet weather, you’ll also want protection yourself from precipitation. And to remain warm and dry, you’ll need something that wicks away perspiration and other moisture. As always, your hi-vis gear should make you more visible to other people. Choose ANSI-compliant hi-vis clothes when necessary, or enhanced visibility work clothing if you work in a lower-risk area that doesn’t require hi-vis apparel. Materials Once you have the environmental work conditions in mind, choose materials that will keep you warm and dry, and allow you to move fluidly. Your hi-vis winter workwear will help you feel more comfortable on the job and keep protecting you just like other hi-vis apparel does throughout the year. When it comes to gear that keeps you warm, the inner lining of the garment makes a difference. For example, when you select a hi-vis hoodie from SafetyShirtz, you can choose from options like a polyester mesh lining or a soft-combed fleece inner shell. Stay dry with clothes that have a waterproof coating. A reflective safety rain jacket with storm flaps and an adjustable hood with visor protects you from wet weather. Fit Finally, choose the best hi-vis winter workwear for yourself by keeping the fit of the garment in mind. When you wear a well-fitted hood or jacket, the bottom hem shouldn’t rise above your abdomen when you raise your arms. When choosing your hoodie or jacket size, keep in mind any garments you will wear underneath your hi-vis clothes. Choose a hi-vis jacket or hoodie in an accommodating size. The sleeve ends should cover your wrists, but they shouldn’t cover your hands. And the arm holes should fit well so you can comfortably swing your arms around and lift them above your head. SafetyShirtz offers stylish and warm ANSI hi-vis clothing to protect you from cold weather, wintry worksite conditions, and all the hazards on the jobsite; shop our amazing selection today.

When a light shines on you at night or in low-light conditions, retroreflective tape on your hi-vis workwear glows luminously. The amazing design and construction of retroreflective material make this possible. Find out how the reflective material on hi-vis clothing works. Retroreflection vs. Other Reflection Types There are three types of reflection: retroreflection, mirror reflection, and diffuse reflection. Each type of reflection scatters light differently. The distinct intensity at which hi-vis reflective materials throw light back is due to retroreflection. The prefix “retro-” indicates an action directed backward, and retroreflection is the process of redirecting light back to the source. When light hits the surface of the reflective tape on hi-vis clothes, the material sends the light back to the source with minimal scattering. As such, when someone shines a flashlight or headlight directly on retroreflective material, a large amount of the light bounces back toward the person, and the material looks luminous. When most people consider reflection, they think of mirror reflection. However, this reflection type functions quite differently from retroreflection and doesn’t produce the same effect. When light strikes a mirror reflector, it comes in at an angle, known as the angle of incidence. The light then bounces off the surface at the same angle at which it arrived, or the angle of reflection. The difference is that the light bounces in a different direction. Finally, diffuse reflection scatters light at different angles rather than in a concentrated ray. When light hits a smooth surface, it can create a glossy look due to this form of reflection. On the other hand, light striking a rough surface can make the surface appear matte because the light meets it at different angles and becomes diffused when reflected. Reflective materials do not generate their own light; they can only change the path of the light waves. Therefore, by sending the light waves back toward the source, retroreflection creates a brighter image for people near the source of the light as opposed to mirror reflection and diffuse reflection. This is why hi-vis clothing uses retroreflective material. Glass Bead Reflective Material How the reflective material on hi-vis clothing works depends on whether it’s made with glass bead or prismatic material. Glass bead material is flexible and lightweight, making it perfect for wearing during a job that requires a lot of physical activity. Glass bead material features tiny glass spheres embedded either in a heat-activated adhesive, which won’t bond at normal temperatures, or on fabric. Some manufacturers coat one side of the glass beads in aluminum. In such a case, the beads are placed onto the adhesive or fabric surface aluminum-side down. When light strikes the glass beads, the beads refract, or bend, the light to the surface behind the bead. Once the beam hits the surface, it passes through the front of the bead and back toward the source. The chemical and physical characteristics of the glass beads determine the amount of light the material reflects. Variations in glass bead shapes can cause a small amount of scattering when reflecting, making glass bead less efficient than prismatic reflection. It’s important to note that the glass beads are not protected from abrasion, and over time wear away from repeated contact with other surfaces. Additionally, while glass bead works well in many environments, material reflectivity diminishes when wet because the water droplets cause more light scattering. Even so, glass beads do a fantastic job of retroreflecting light. And with its characteristic light weight, flexibility, and lower cost compared to prismatic, glass bead is a popular material used for hi-vis clothing. Prismatic Reflective Material The other type of retroreflective material is called prismatic or micro-prismatic. Prismatic uses thousands of micro-prisms created from acrylic or vinyl. Manufacturers use a transparent plastic film to protect the prisms. Thanks to the protective layer, prismatic material avoids abrasive damage. Prismatic tape also performs well in wet conditions and retroreflects light more efficiently. Prismatic material is heavier than glass bead material. Additionally, in cold conditions, this material stiffens and becomes more unwieldy than glass bead. It’s also important to keep in mind that glass beads return light at a wider angle than prismatic tape, creating a different reflective effect. At a far distance from the reflective material, an observer near the light source will see a brighter reflection from prismatic material than glass bead. However, many people prefer glass beads for reflecting over a shorter distance because the reflection is visible at more angles, and a greater surface area of the tape becomes luminous. Reflective Tape in Enhanced Visibility vs. Hi-Vis Clothes Retroreflective material is an important component of enhanced visibility and high-visibility clothing. Garments must meet strict standards to qualify as hi-vis. While enhanced visibility garments make the wearer more visible, they are used in lower-risk areas because they do not adhere to the same requirements. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in conjunction with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), creates the guidelines for hi-vis clothes. ANSI/ISEA 107 categorizes hi-vis apparel into three types (O, R, and P) and four performance classes (Class 1, 2, 3, and E). The types and performance classes correspond to work settings and outline the minimum levels of hi-vis material needed for safety. ANSI class level 1 garments require a minimum of 155 square inches of retroreflective tape at a minimum width of 1 inch. In contrast, class level 3 meets the highest minimum requirement of retroreflective material. ANSI class level 3 apparel requires a minimum of 310 square inches of retroreflective material, with a minimum width of 2 inches. Unlike enhanced visibility clothing, all hi-vis clothing requires fluorescent material in addition to reflective material. This is because retroreflection works best in darkened conditions but does not increase visibility in well-lit conditions. In other words, retroreflective tape does not protect the wearer during the day. Fluorescent materials in yellow-green, orange-red, and red appear to glow in the daylight. The combination of fluorescent and retroreflective materials provides the most protection for the wearer at night and during the day. At SafetyShirtz, we put safety first without compromising on style. We create hi-vis t-shirts that look great, feel comfortable, and use retroreflective materials. Whether you need hi-vis or enhanced visibility apparel for your job, shop with us today.

Winter can create seriously dangerous conditions for construction workers. Preparing for the weather and knowing the associated signs of danger lowers risk. Consider the following winter hazards to avoid on construction sites. 1. Cold Stress Long-term exposure to cold temperatures and short-term exposure to severe cold weather can give the body cold stress. Cold stress occurs when your skin and internal temperatures drop because the body cannot maintain a normal temperature. Cold stress can cause serious health problems, tissue damage, and even death. Employers must train workers on how to prevent and recognize cold stress. Workers should learn how to apply first aid treatment for cold stress. One key safety measure that prevents cold stress is wearing appropriate PPE. Insulating layers of clothes with fabrics that retain warmth, such as a polyester and spandex blend, provide enhanced protection from cold weather conditions. 2. Loss of Alertness The next winter hazard to avoid on construction sites is a loss of alertness. Cold stress not only impacts your physical processes but your mental ones as well. Exposure to the cold can cause confusion and disorientation. Avoid loss of alertness by protecting yourself from cold winds and temperatures. Taking shelter in warm areas and wearing layers helps. Eye-catching hi-vis clothing also helps to keep you safe around other construction workers, moving materials, and heavy machinery. Engineering and administrative controls such as placing heaters spaced out at intervals can reduce the risks of cold-related illnesses and injury. 3. Equipment Damage Properly using, cleaning, and storing your equipment protects the equipment and workers. Check tools, machinery, and equipment for signs of winter damage to ensure safe use. Outfit machinery and equipment for winter work. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for modifying and using equipment in cold weather conditions. An improperly maintained machine or equipment used in the wrong conditions can put workers at risk of serious injury. When combined with other factors, such as a loss of alertness, using damaged machinery carries an even greater risk. 4. Slips, Trips, and Falls Finally, while construction workers often face the hazard of slips, trips, and falls, the problem becomes more pronounced during the winter. In addition to the usual routine of making sure paths are clear of obstacles, check and clear worksites of ice, snow, and fallen objects before working. Mount warning signs regarding ice or snow and restrict access to areas that people should avoid. Workers should wear appropriate winter footwear, follow posted signs, and assess their worksites for dangers. Avoid walking on ice, and take small steps for stability. Prepare for winter work with hi-vis hooded sweatshirts from SafetyShirtz. We carry high-visibility hoodies and jackets, including rain jackets, that keep you warm and dry on the site. Buy yours today.

Whether you supervise, work with, or simply know and care about someone a construction worker, give them a present that shows your appreciation. Gifts for construction workers can be fun and practical. Check out these five holiday gifts for your construction workers. 1. Custom Hi-Vis Clothing Give your team members a sharp look with custom hi-vis apparel. Workwear that features your company’s logo can help build camaraderie. Upgrade the appearance of hi-vis clothes with custom designs. Interesting visuals on the front and back of shirts and hoodies make hi-vis workwear more fun to wear. Increase compliance with safety measures on the worksite with custom high-visibility garments. 2. Hi-Vis and Enhanced-Vis T-Shirts A gift-worthy high-visibility T-shirt or enhanced-visibility T-shirt promotes safety, looks stylish, and feels comfortable. Hi-vis apparel complies with ANSI standards for visibility, whereas enhanced-visibility apparel doesn’t have to meet such specific requirements. SafetyShirtz clearly labels the standards our hi-vis workwear meets, so it’s easy to find the appropriate gift. Whether you need hi-vis or enhanced-visibility T-shirts, you aren’t limited to selecting garments in solid colors. Consider shirts that feature patriotic, topographic, or wildland images. 3. Hi-Vis and Enhanced-Vis Hoodies Hoodies are awesome holiday gifts for construction workers. Soft, thick fabric protects the construction worker from the elements. And bright colors and graphics make this gift stand out. Look for a high-quality hood that your gift recipient can use for a long time. Double lining on the hood adds durability and warmth. Ribbed cuffs and waistbands give the material flexibility so that it doesn’t lose its shape from stretching. 4. Hi-Vis Rain Jacket A hi-vis rain jacket protects the wearer from the cold and precipitation, supporting them on tough worksites. Waterproof coating protects the garment and prevents soaking and leaks. Storm flaps ensure water doesn’t slip into the jacket as it runs down the shoulders or near pockets. Polyester mesh lining creates a breathable layer of fabric that aids temperature regulation. 5. Headwear Knit beanies and snapback hats fit securely on the head for temperature regulation and sun protection. Fleece-lined knit beanies have an inner layer of fleece for comfort and warmth. They fit smoothly under a hoodie for extra protection. Consider gifting a snapback hat that has nylon mesh material for improved airflow. Or for a durable hat with flexible material, choose a snapback hat made from a cotton and spandex material blend. Aside from the material and imagery on snapback hats, consider whether you want to give a hat with a flat bill or a curved bill. A flat bill creates a more urban look, whereas curved bills are a staple in classic snapback hat style. SafetyShirtz carries an array of high-quality hi-vis gear that make perfect gifts for construction workers. Combining durability, comfort, safety, and style, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our selection. Choose a thoughtful gift today.

Give your workers something practical and stylish: custom safety apparel. Select high-quality shirts, sweatshirts, and hats, and embellish them with designs unique to your company. In addition to looking good, find out why you need custom safety apparel for your workers. Improve Safety Compliance Custom safety apparel can improve safety compliance in your workforce. When your company invests in quality hi-vis and enhanced visibility gear, you demonstrate the importance of safety in the workplace. Promoting and enforcing work site safety helps keep everyone safe and makes safety an integral part of everyone’s mindset. While people understand how safety garments help to keep them safe, traditional safety apparel looks lackluster. Give your staff custom safety apparel featuring interesting logos and image designs to make the uniform something they’re proud to wear. Promote Team Spirit Another reason you need custom safety apparel for your workers is to promote team spirit. Whether you manage workers in construction, material handling, or another industry, it’s important for everyone to have each other’s backs. And everyone who works as a member of the team contributes to your business’s success. Celebrate your workers and boost camaraderie with stylish safety gear. Whether you’re giving employees custom hats, shirts, or hoodies, these items can give everyone a greater sense of belonging. Take the Opportunity To Brand Finally, custom safety apparel gives you the opportunity to heighten brand awareness. Add your brand logo to safety gear for truly one-of-a-kind apparel. On a busy job site with other contractors, the branded gear will make your workers stand out. Just as giving your employees hi-vis and enhanced visibility gear communicates your values to your workers, you can share these values with the public. Connect the concept of safety with your company by equipping your workers with branded safety gear. Ready to step up your company’s safety gear game? Order hi-vis custom work shirts from SafetyShirtz. Select a design from our collection or use your own imagery to elevate your workers’ safety apparel. Browse our selection of gear and place your order today.

Every worker who wears safety clothing deserves garments that fit them well. Otherwise, poorly fitting clothes can negatively affect morale and create safety issues. Find out why having well-fitted safety clothing is important. A Poor Fit Reduces Efficacy The primary difference between safety clothes and regular clothes is the level of protection they provide. When safety clothes don’t fit correctly, they protect the wearer less effectively. This can create a dangerous situation wherein a worker mistakenly thinks they have adequate protection. Manufacturers create safety garments with materials and features based on the hazards the clothes should guard against. Whether your apparel protects you from low visibility, bad temperatures, precipitation, or other hazardous working conditions, you want safety components to follow the manufacturer’s intentions for worker protection. Poorly Fitting Clothes Can Cause Safety Issues Not only can a poor fit reduce the efficacy of safety clothes to protect you, but they can make work more dangerous. Loose clothes can get caught in machinery or other equipment, whereas tight clothes restrict movement and can contribute to worker fatigue. When you wear safety clothes, the items should not greatly restrict your arm or leg movements. For shirts and hoodies, this means shoulder seams should run along your shoulders, not higher than the shoulders or low on the arm. Ill-Fitting Clothes Feel Terrible Another reason why having well-fitted safety clothing is important is that poorly fitting clothes feel terrible. Worker comfort plays a significant role in worker safety. If you’re constantly tugging at your clothes because they fit too tightly or they’re too large, your clothing is ultimately distracting you from your work. A poor fit might also tempt you to not wear the safety garment at all. Therefore, properly sized safety clothing can encourage higher compliance, improve your business, and support a work culture that values safety. The Right Fit Creates a Professional Look Well-fitted clothes don’t just feel better; they look better, too. If you’re buying safety clothing for yourself, well-fitted clothing will give you a sharper look. And if you’re buying safety clothing for your workers, appropriately sized safety clothing shows that you care about your workers’ safety and comfort. A professional-looking work crew also boosts the public’s perception of your business. If you want to be known for your expertise, dress the part to enhance the impression. SafetyShirtz carries stylish high-visibility clothing that combines safety and comfort. Find one-of-a-kind safety shirts, jackets, and hoodies in the right size for you—shop with us today.