Are you prepared for the possibility of an earthquake? Everyone everywhere should learn and practice the fundamentals of earthquake safety. International ShakeOut Day was October 17, but you can schedule earthquake drills anytime. What to Do During an Earthquake Earthquakes can range in severity from tiny, hardly perceptible tremors to sudden, intense back-and-forth motions that jerk the ground sideways and… Continue reading

Nearly 400,000 house fires are reported to US fire departments every year, resulting in an average of 2,740 civilian deaths, 11,670 civilian injuries, and $7.3 billion in property damage. Learn about the five most common causes of house fires so you can take steps to keep your home and family safe during Fire Prevention Week, which takes place October 6-12,… Continue reading

Flooding can occur due to heavy rain, high tides, burst river banks, blocked drains, and more. You may feel safe from the rising waters in your car, but one-third of flood-related deaths occur because people are swept away in their vehicles. Just one foot of water is enough to shift your car, and two feet could sweep your car away.… Continue reading

Your kids do fire drills at school. Your boss schedules fire drills at work. Now it’s time to start doing fire drills at home, just in time for Home Fire Drill Day on October 13. How to Plan Home Fire Drills Everyone in your family should participate in planning how to escape during a fire. Here are the steps to… Continue reading

Molds are some of the most ubiquitous organisms on earth. Still, mold colonies can’t form just anywhere—they require a particular set of conditions to thrive. Here’s what mold needs to grow in your home. Mold Spores Fuzzy, slimy, or powdery mold growth on the wall, ceiling, or floor doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—there must already be mold spores floating… Continue reading

You may not know it, but as you bask in the warmth of your fireplace or wood stove this fall, you could be risking a possible chimney fire. Since National Chimney Safety Week is the last week of September, there’s no better time to learn the facts about chimney fires. Characteristics of a Chimney Fire When you light a fire… Continue reading

The Department of Homeland Security has declared September as National Preparedness Month. A natural disaster or major accident could occur in your area at any time, so it’s vital to prepare today. Save for a “rainy day”: Having an emergency fund can help if you face a crisis that prevents you from working. Your fund may include a savings account… Continue reading

Summer is drawing to a close, and the weather is starting to cool. You may be looking forward to cozy sweaters, football games, and pumpkin spice lattes, but there are also plenty of hazards to watch out for this fall. Follow these tips to safely navigate through the changing weather. Floodwater Fall is often a time for rainy weather, which… Continue reading

When you go on vacation, the goal is to relax and enjoy visiting somewhere new. You don’t want to get distracted worrying about what might be happening at home. Enjoy peace of mind with these tips to prevent fire and flood damage while you’re away. Install a monitored security system with environmental sensors: The primary purpose of a security system… Continue reading

You may think of the kitchen as a relaxing place for family and friends to gather. However, the heart of your home can also be more hazardous than you probably realize. Here are the 10 most common kitchen hazards and how to avoid them. No fire extinguisher: You hope you never need to use it, but having a fire extinguisher… Continue reading