If you have a portable home fire extinguisher in case of fire emergencies, you are one step closer to putting out a small home fire. But do you know how to use it? While you may think you are prepared to extinguish flames inside or outside of your home, it's critically important to know how to use a fire extinguisher properly. When you know how to properly use a fire extinguisher you should only attempt to put out a fire that is confined to a small area and not rapidly growing. If the fire has already developed and is spreading,…

Contrary to popular belief, tornadoes can strike anywhere in the United States at any time. The average lead time for a tornado warning is only 13 minutes,1 which means that it is a good idea to prepare in advance as much as possible. While no home can be completely tornado-proof, you can fortify your home to help make it more resistant to damage. Following are some things you can do to help make your home, and your family, safer if a tornado strikes. 1. Prepare Your Shelter Area Designate an area in your house where your family will meet in…

You may be the kind of person who fires up the grill all year long at tailgating parties, or maybe you wait for a warm summer day and a backyard full of friends before you put on your apron. Either way, grilling can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Unfortunately, where there is fun there is also the potential for safety issues. For example, did you know that leaving the grill unattended, not cleaning grease or fat build up properly, or placing the grill too close to combustible siding can cause injuries, fires, and property damage?   Charcoal or Gas?…