A functional fireplace is an extremely sought-after feature in any home. Regardless of the climate, a fireplace can provide a special coziness and warmth for everyone to enjoy. However, it's important to practice fireplace safety habits and keep up with maintenance. Here are some basic tips for safely enjoying your fireplace at home: Minimize Soot Buildup Chimney sweeping...

Even small tornadoes can be dangerous. That's why it's important to have a plan for staying safe if one should appear in your area. If you're at home, there are several places you can take shelter from the strong winds and flying debris. Here are the best places at home to be during a tornado: Head for the...

Buying the house itself is only part of home buying. When you buy a new home, you choose a brand new place to live. In some cases, that place might be unfamiliar or far away from where you lived before. So, it's important to keep the local area in mind during your search. But how can you determine...

Older homes might have high-quality, solid structures and seem to be in good condition. However, there are possible hidden hazards lurking in your older house. Knowing what these hazards are can help you make sure your older home provides a safe place for you and your household. These are a few of the more common kinds of hazards...

Having a backyard pool provides a great way to cool off in summer and have fun in the water. When you're a pool owner, you'll also need to keep safety in mind. Here are a few quick and easy safety tips to help you do help you keep your pool fun and secure: Put up barriers Having pool...

Making upgrades to your home can improve its safety, but these types of upgrades aren't always cheap. If you're avoiding these upgrades due to the cost, keep in mind funding options are available. These funding options can make some projects more affordable. Weatherization Assistance Program The Weatherization Assistance Program is available for households with incomes below a certain...

Keeping your home safe doesn't have to be complicated. By practicing good habits and establishing best practices with everyone in your household, you can prepare for--and prevent--major issues. Fire safety is a particular concern that can be accomplished by remembering a few simple tips. Here are the basics of household fire safety: Maintain & Test Your Smoke Detectors...