While social distancing remains an important practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hurricane season signals the need for additional planning to help keep you and your family safe. FEMA advises that now is the time to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane. Even if you already know what to do to prepare for a hurricane, you will want to plan ahead for any additional needs in case of a weather emergency, as the COVID-19 pandemic may present challenges to securing provisions. Here are some tips to refresh your knowledge of emergency storm preparations and help you prepare for a hurricane during the…

Backyard entertaining has gotten more elaborate in recent years. Fire pits are helping homeowners extend the backyard season, and today’s playsets involve more than a simple set of swings and a slide. Whether backyard entertaining means spending time by the swimming pool or gathered around the grill, here are some safety tips to help keep your oasis fun and free of danger. Garden Water Features Fish ponds, waterfalls and other water features can add a note of serenity to the backyard. They are also particularly attractive to young children, and can be a drowning hazard if proper protective steps are not put in…

When the warmer weather hits, there’s nothing better than the smell of food on the grill. Seven out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have a grill or smoker*, which translates to a lot of tasty meals. But it also means there’s an increased risk of home fires. In 2014-2018, fire departments went to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outside or unclassified fires. Download the Grilling Safety Tips PDF by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)