Preparing your home for the next natural disaster

The global pandemic has taught us this, as well as the importance of preparation – not just for illness — but also for natural disasters like fires, floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes.

How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer

With weather forecasts calling for a warmer than normal summer and social distancing encouraging us to spend more time at home, we could all benefit from boosting our home’s energy efficiency to save on energy bills.

3 reasons to own a disaster-proof home

If you’re lucky enough to live in a state that isn’t prone to frequent natural disasters, having a house that can stand up to the worst nature has to offer still has its benefits.

Enhance nighttime visibility in 4 simple steps

Four simple steps can help drivers enhance their nighttime visibility and reduce their risk of being in an accident.

Two headlights are better than one: How changing headlights in pairs makes nighttime driving safer

Vehicle lighting plays an integral role in keeping drivers and their passengers safe, and motorists should exercise the same level of caution regarding their vehicles’ headlights, taillights, and turn signals that they do with other parts of their cars and trucks.

The dangers of driving with old headlights

Though drivers typically recognize the need to have their oil changed and their tires rotated, few may realize the importance of tending to their headlights as well.

The importance of being seen on the road

Clearly lit roadways vastly improve driver safety, and the right headlights can go a long way toward illuminating even the darkest of roads. But drivers also must take the necessary steps to ensure they’re easily seen by fellow motorists.

Why hoarding documents is risky and how to avoid it

Boxes of old documents, stacks of old hard drives and computers, and containers of confidential information all find themselves in storage. While you may think this will allow you to access them easily, you probably end up forgetting about them and continue to stockpile even more.

4 ways to protect your devices from hackers

In an increasingly digital world, consumers share their confidential information in so many ways. From online shopping to online banking, consumers’ personal information is being recorded in a frightening number of different places.

Light the way for safer nighttime driving

As bulbs age, their light output gradually reduces due to use and factors such as humidity, electrical resistance and filament fatigue. Drivers concerned about the efficacy of their headlight bulbs can take steps to improve their visibility when driving at night.

LED lights add style without sacrificing safety

In recent years, more and more drivers have replaced their manufacturer-installed incandescent lights with LED lights in both the interior and exterior of their vehicles. LED lights provide considerably more aesthetic appeal than traditional incandescent lights, but the reasons to install LED lights stretch far beyond the high tech, stylish look they can give to a vehicle.

See and be seen: How drivers can see better at night and make themselves more visible to fellow motorists

Though fewer cars are on the road at night than during the daytime, driving at night is still dangerous. In fact, the National Safety Council notes that drivers’ risk of being in fatal car crashes is three times greater at night than it is during the daytime.

3 ways aging drivers can see better at night

Many drivers are less comfortable driving at night than during the daytime. Despite the fact that far more vehicles are on the road during the daytime than at night, studies have shown that approximately 65 percent of accidents occur at night.

Remodel for fire safety

It’s surprising that, although millions of homes are remodeled in America each year, few homeowners realize the importance of remodeling with fire safety in mind.

Employ simple fire prevention measures to maximize safety

Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, most people have a false sense of security regarding house fires, believing that they would have approximately six minutes to evacuate their home in the event of a fire?

3 ways to improve headlights for safer nighttime driving

Many motorists find it more difficult to drive at night than during the daytime. Drivers may fear nighttime driving because they feel their comfort levels behind the wheel are compromised when the sun goes down.

Headlamp safety at the core of new campaign

To many motorists, “vehicle maintenance” means oil changes every 3,000 miles and weekly trips to the car wash. But there’s more to maintaining a vehicle than keeping it looking good on the road and tending to what’s under the hood.

Construction Quick Tip: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient materials

Segments of the home-building industry indicate they are up to the challenge of improving occupant safety. This is welcomed assurance seeing that weather extremes now seemingly occur in every season and are bringing far more intensified blasts of wind, rain, heat, drought, ice and snow.

Safety in numbers: Why it pays to replace headlight bulbs in pairs

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the rule of two has long reigned among professional automotive technicians and driving safety advocates. In accordance to this rule, drivers replacing important parts in their cars and trucks, such as tires, brakes, shocks and wiper blades, should always do so in pairs.

Let there be light! (Even at night)

With the exception of certain luxury and sports car manufacturers, many of today’s automakers equip their vehicles with standard halogen headlights. While such headlights are effective in the short-term, within two or three years the bulbs used in halogen headlights start to break down due to aging, exposure to the elements and everyday usage.

Now anyone can build a disaster-resilient home

The calamities caused by extreme weather could be better controlled with stepped-up storm prediction, better citizen preparedness and by the ongoing ingenuity of the building sector, say observers in the field of climate change.

Construction Quick Tip: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient materials

Weather every storm with concrete walls

Now is the time to take a few precautionary steps toward the utmost security of your home and family in the event of extreme weather occurrences, say officials observing climate change.

Construction Quick Tip: Choose concrete walls for severe storm safety

How would you like your home to be built with wind impact-resistance up to 250 miles per hour? Inquiries for this option are increasing on a daily basis, says Nudura, a leading name in the production of insulated concrete forms (ICFs).

How to insulate your home against a deadly fire

As fire prevention awareness efforts gear up across North America, the National Fire Protection Association and insulation company, Roxul Inc., are spreading the word to Americans from coast to coast about the importance of fire preparedness.

How drivers can enhance nighttime visibility

Many drivers are considerably less comfortable driving at night than during the day. Even though roads tend to be less congested when the sun goes down, reduced visibility at night can compromise the safety of drivers and their passengers.

Five ways to increase home fire safety

An average of seven Americans die each week as a result of house fires. Most fires occur in residential buildings between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when occupants are most likely to be asleep. Your first line of defense is fire preparedness.

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety

A National Fire Prevention Association study reported that, on average, seven Americans die in a residential home fire each week. Though you never know when fire might strike, there are important measures you can take to increase your chances when seconds count.

Technology can help extend the life of your lights

Technology is also changing the way we drive and, in many ways, making today’s highways more safe. While automotive gadgets like built-in WiFi or backup cameras may be the first amenities to grab our attention, new developments in lighting technology are enhancing driver visibility and making it safer to hit the open road.

Don’t forget headlights when performing routine maintenance

Veteran and even novice drivers understand the importance of visibility when they get behind the wheel of their vehicles. When visibility is not an issue, drivers can more easily see their fellow motorists and better anticipate potentially dangerous situations.

Construction Quick Tip: Build a disaster-resilient home with sustainable technology

Which type of natural disaster might be around the corner where you live, now that extreme weather events are so common? Is it a hurricane, an ice storm, a tornado? Perhaps a flash flood? Forest fires are also on the rise, but even accidental house fires pose a threat. Peace-of-mind is still possible, however.

Would you like to build a disaster-resilient house?

The icy winds from last year’s Polar Vortex are back on our minds again as we head towards winter. The plummeting temperatures are one thing, but of more concern is the destruction that these extreme weather events can bring, including winds that last year gusted up to 100 kilometers per hour, threatening our personal safety, as well as the very foundation of our homes.

Home-Building Innovation: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient construction

Today, given the frequency of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, and floods, it’s a “must” to build the most durable homes possible. Wood-framed walls, for example, are not always reliable, whereas walls constructed with reinforced concrete have proven to withstand some of Mother Nature’s worst performances.

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

A home today must be more than just aesthetically pleasing. The costs of fuel consumption and extreme-storm damage, plus costs in the way of carbon footprints, are making all of us insist on far more property benefits, including superior durability and resilience from pending disasters.

Technology an integral part of defensive driving

Safety is foremost on the minds of many drivers. Automobile accidents can be detrimental to a driver’s health as well as his or her wallet, causing potentially costly damage to vehicles and resulting in higher insurance premiums.

Properly maintained headlights vastly improve driver safety

The importance of maintaining a vehicle cannot be understated. In addition to protecting their financial investments, drivers who properly maintain their vehicles are also protecting themselves and their passengers.

Safety tips for outdoor meals and entertainment

The warm weather is finally here, so it's time to get ready for that first backyard barbecue bash.
CSA Group, a leading certification and testing organization, offers these important tips for a safe, seamless summer soiree -- try saying that three times quickly!

Recognize safety hazards during yard work

Attention, all green thumbs -- and the bodies attached to them: It's nearly time to get down and dirty in the garden.
Whether you're transforming your backyard into an award winner or just trimming the lawn, the CSA Group, a leading certification and testing organization, asks that you remember the following safety tips:

Safety will make you a happy camper

Ah, nature. Besides the mosquitoes, nothing says summer like a getaway to the great outdoors.
As you wind down from the stress of packing up and driving to the cottage or campsite, the CSA Group, a leader in testing and certification, wants to remind you to stay safe on land and water this summer with these tips.

Restoring headlights can dramatically improve visibility

The road can be unpredictable, and many things can compromise driver safety. Though some of these things, like smartphones and loud music, are easily avoided distractions, some safety risks require a little more effort to overcome.

Protecting visibility is essential when driving in hazardous conditions

Driving defensively is the best way for motorists to avoid accidents and protect themselves and their passengers from the risks of the road. But the importance of defensive driving is magnified when driving in hazardous conditions, especially when drivers' vision is potentially compromised.

HairDo and HairDon't for styling safety

You're looking forward to the big event: New Year's Eve. You're excited about ringing in the New Year right with a fresh look, including a gorgeous new hair style.
But before you break out the hair dryer, straightener and curling iron, remember that any electrical appliance should be used with caution to prevent accidents -- and to ensure you'll be able to have a fun and fabulous New Year's Eve.

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

The holiday countdown is on and it's time to get your house razzle-dazzle ready. But before you do, make sure to check that your lights and decorations are still in good working order after a year in storage. Not only can old decor look worn out, but it also can put you and your family at risk -- which is the last thing anyone wants at this joyous time of year.

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

Everyone has at least one -- the house on the street that lights up in splendor around the holiday season. Decorations are in abundance both indoors and out, and just seeing the house brings on a smile. But as beautiful as it might be, that home may also be a safety risk if the decorator hasn't followed precautions like these offered by CSA Group:

Weather threats are calmed by construction technology

Meteorologists say that the continental United States has warmed by about 1.3oF over the last 100 years -- and even for those who still question the science of climate change, the increased frequency and severity of high-wind storms, fires, floods and drought, has become a major safety concern.

Home-Building News: Concrete buildings withstand high winds and fire

With environmentalists predicting that warming trends across the country will likely mean more severe blasts of wind, rain, blizzards, heat, drought and fires year-round, the building industry says it is already up to the challenge of ensuring occupant safety.

Energy-saving concrete walls are built to weather any storm

The increased frequency of hurricane-force winds, tornados, spontaneous fire, flooding and drought across the United States is motivating the home-construction industry to speak up.

Construction Quick Tip: Build an eco-friendly home to withstand extreme weather

Did you know: The continental United States has warmed by about 1.3oF over the last 100 years, although observers say the impact has been experienced differently from region to region. As a result, meteorologists are predicting a higher frequency of weather extremes, such as the two massive wind and rain systems that collided last fall during Hurricane Sandy.

What's in your 21st-century survival kit?

Of the 1,272 federal disaster declarations issued in the last decade, more than half were classified as major disasters. These include calamities such as floods, hurricanes and tropical storms, winter storms, and others. In the last 10 years, every state has had a least two events designated as a major federal disaster.

Treasure hunting safety tips for the savvy yard sale shopper

Summer is here and garage sales and flea markets abound. But as you search for that perfect treasure, be sure to keep safety in mind. Second-hand items, especially electronics, building supplies, appliances and helmets, may carry certain risks if damaged or used.

Powering Up

Warm weekends are prime time for yard work and outdoor projects. To avoid turning tasks into turmoil, be sure to take a few extra moments to ensure the power tools you use are safe. CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, offers tips to help ensure the safety of you and your family while doing yard work this weekend.

Safety tips for summer fun

The weather is heating up and Americans are heading outdoors to soak up the fun. Warm weather enthusiasts should keep safety on the top of their minds when they're out camping, boating and barbecuing.

Build a concrete house to withstand high winds

The newest home building technology is solving energy costs and wind damage at the same time. The standard wood frame used in buildings can now be replaced by a reinforced concrete system, known as the interlocking, 'insulated concrete form.' This ICF technology gives homeowners improved indoor comforts, too.

Construction Quick Tip: Build a more durable home and save money, too

Did you know: A house constructed with a concrete frame, rather than wood, delivers superior protection in wind storms? The frame is constructed with a highly lauded system of pre-assembled 'insulated concrete forms' (ICFs) and produces walls with hurricane and tornado impact-resistance up to 250 miles per hour.

Home construction methods face major changes

All across North America, home builders agree that the best investment -- for the occupant and for resale value -- requires adopting the newest and most advanced methods and materials. One bold option already solving high fuel costs and safety during severe wind storms is a revolutionary concrete system to replace standard wood-frame walls.

Cloudy headlamps a significant safety concern

Many drivers feel less comfortable behind the wheel at night than they do during the day, when daylight makes it easier to see fellow motorists as well as pedestrians. Nighttime can compromise a driver's vision, and that reduced vision is a key factor in traffic fatalities, nearly half of which occur at night.

Daytime visibility just as important as nighttime visibility

Visibility is something many motorists take for granted, especially during the day, when sunlight tends to make drivers less cautious than they might be at night. But as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes, more traffic accidents occur during daylight hours than at night, when headlights make vehicles more visible to other motorists and more pedestrians are walking around.

Look hot without getting burned

Hair dryers and styling irons are the key to creating holiday-worthy hairstyles at home, but don't forget that they are electrical appliances that should be used with caution to prevent accidents.

Safety tips for the extreme holiday decorator

Taking holiday decorating to extremes is fun. But accidents can happen, especially when using a lot of electronic decorations on the outside of the house.
Follow these safety precautions for outdoor decorating from CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, to help make sure your house gets noticed for the right reasons:

Enjoy a safe and cozy winter

As temperatures drop and the annual hibernation routine begins, we start using heating appliances such as the furnace, fireplace, and space heaters for the first time in months. To avoid potential hazards, check every autumn that these are in still in good condition and follow precautions for proper use.

Make your list and check it twice for safety

One thing that should be on your holiday shopping list this year is a reminder to watch for and avoid imitation products. Fake electronics and toys can be untested, uncertified, and unsafe.

How to improve your night vision for a safer ride

Drivers young and old know it can be dangerous to drive at night, when vision is easily compromised by poorly lit roads, glare from other vehicles and a host of additional hazards. Such obstacles can easily cause car accidents, roughly one-third of which occur at night.

Properly adjusted mirrors vastly improve safety

Millions of motor vehicle accidents occur each year. While the motor vehicle industry places a great emphasis on safety, it's ultimately up to motorists to ensure their vehicle is as safe as possible.

Headlights make for safer driving, even during the day

If asked to describe a typical car accident, many people would instantly think of nighttime. But statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that less traffic accidents occur at nighttime than daytime, when there are more vehicles on the road and more pedestrians walking around.

A Clean Windshield Contributes To Safe Driving In All Seasons

A clean windshield is an asset in all seasons. As we finish wiping away the last remnants of snow and ice, we get ready to deal with the heavy downpours of spring; and then, depending on where we live, for the dust blowing on a hot, dry summer's day.

On the road again Ready your car for spring and summer travel

The return of warm weather marks the return of road trips for millions of motorists across the country. Whether going to the beach or heading off to parts unknown, hitting the open road with the windows down is a time-honored tradition for drivers of all ages.

Improve vision for a safer ride

As the motor vehicle industry continues to evolve, the emphasis drivers and manufacturers place on safety continues to increase. But even though technological advancements have vastly improved driver safety, accidents still happen.

Start, Look and Listen Prepare now for winter driving

Now's the time to get your car ready for the demands placed on it in the coming winter months. Especially in rain, sleet, freezing rain, and maybe snow, you'll want your vehicle to start and run reliably. And you'll want your driving experience to be as safe and comfortable as possible.

Beware buying medicines online

The Internet has made it possible for consumers to buy just about anything without ever leaving their homes. Whether looking for a pizza or a car, consumers can find whatever they need with a few clicks of the mouse.
But buying merchandise online always comes with a degree of risk, and that's especially so when buying medicine over the Internet.

How to have a safe spring break experience

Each spring millions of students from high school and college embark on a pilgrimage to a vacation locale of their choice and proceed to kick up their heels and relax. For some students, the vacation is really a chance to unwind from months of study and is duly deserved. Other students use spring break as an excuse to participate in reckless behavior, including overconsumption of alcohol.

What to know about dangerous mercury in fish

Seafood has long been touted as an important part of a healthy diet. Not only does seafood tend to be lean and low in overall calories when compared to other protein sources, it is also low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. These components make it a heart-healthy food. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential in the healthy development of the brain, which is why eating fish and shellfish can be beneficial to younger children as well as adults.

How to disinfect water in the case of an emergency

When a weather emergency occurs, the effects can prove devastating. Natural disasters like hurricanes have turned cities upside down, floods have caused the deaths of thousands and snowstorms have shut communities down for days.

Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows

If your home was built before 1978 and you still have the original windows, it's time to seriously consider replacing your windows -- especially if you have young children or a pregnant person living at home.

Promote safety around the home

In the classic film "The Wizard of Oz," Dorothy famously uttered the phrase, "there's no place like home." Now, several decades later, that sentiment remains very dear to people's hearts.

Window guards save kids' lives

The weather is warming and that means windows are being opened to let in fresh air and warm breezes. The advantages to open windows are many. But one particular disadvantage is the safety hazard open windows present to young children.

How to floodproof your home

Homeowners know no home is perfect. While the notion of a dream house is nice, every home eventually experiences a problem or two. Many problems are bound to occur sooner or later, but there are a few that diligent homeowners can prevent.
One of those preventable problems is flooding.

5 signs your roof might be wearing down

Replacing a roof is a costly venture few homeowners look forward to. According to Remodeling magazine's 2010-11 "Cost vs. Value" report, the national average cost of a roof replacement is nearly $22,000, a costly endeavor considering the tenuous nature of the economy. What's more, homeowners who choose more upscale roofing materials can expect to spend almost $40,000 on their roofs.

Make your home safer for kids

According to the Home Safety Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing home injuries, half of the children who die before their first birthday die from choking or suffocation. Many times such tragedies can be averted.

Protect kids from poor environmental factors in the year ahead

As many across the globe adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles, protecting the environment remains a top priority. The popularity of hybrid cars continues to rise while more and more communities are recycling and reusing. Each of those things is an effort to decrease carbon footprint and protect the environment from human behaviors that can be harmful to the planet.

My pills are expired. Now what?

It happens every day. You have a headache or another ailment and go to the medicine cabinet to find relief. After shaking a few pills out of the bottle, you happen to glance at the expiration date stamped on the side and realize those pain-relief pills have expired. You wonder if you will get sick if you swallow them or if you can get away with it this time.

Routine Auto Service Never More Important

Car care extends the life of your vehicle and can prevent minor problems from growing into much more expensive issues. Worn brake pads, if ignored, can escalate into more costly rotor repairs. A "check-engine" light may signal something as minor as the need to replace an inexpensive oxygen sensor. But if ignored, costly damage to the catalytic converter can ensue.

Prevent home break-ins any time of the year

The joys of the holidays are many: Sharing eggnog, exchanging presents, trimming the tree, contacting the police to report a robbery. The last one certainly isn't a joy, but it's an all-too common reality of the season. But the holidays aren't the only times that home break-ins take place. There's no telling what goes through the minds of thieves, and preparing for any situation is the way to avoid loss due to theft.

Goggles show teens what it is like to drive drunk

Although statistics on paper and even the sight of a banged-up vehicle can be a wake-up call for some teens, the reality is many are still drinking and getting behind the wheel. A relatively modern invention may help to change all that.

Defining black ice

Traffic reports often make mention of black ice during the colder weather. It can certainly sound ominous, and it's often very dangerous. But what exactly is black ice?

Safety first with snowblowers

Snowblowers make fast work of snow covering driveways and sidewalks, which makes them popular purchases for homeowners looking to avoid shoveling this season. But The Amputee Coalition of America urges safe operation when firing up the snowblower this year.

Drunk driving fact

Many people mistakenly assume that New Year's Eve is the holiday responsible for the most drunk-driving accidents. Although champagne and other alcoholic drinks are often free-flowing on December 31, New Year's Eve holds a distant second place to Thanksgiving for the most drunk driving-related fatalities.

Did you know?

Stand-alone ATMs have become another tool for criminals to steal the identities of unsuspecting people.

Make this Black Friday a safe one

There are some people who get the ultimate rush by waking up early and waiting in line for some amazing doorbuster deals at the stores. Although Black Friday is one of the hotly anticipated shopping events for shoppers to score momentous deals, it has also proven a recipe for disaster.

Holiday safety for pets

While people are ho-ho-ho-ing and hustling and bustling, pets may not be as enamored with the holiday season as their human counterparts. That's because, amid the blur of activities that fill the season, there are potential sources of stress and dangers to pets.

Things to consider before donating via the Internet

Donating to charity has never been easier. Thanks to the Internet, donors can now visit their favorite charity's Web site and make their contributions in a matter of seconds. That's a stark contrast from the old days when donors needed to contact the charity for a mailing address, then write a personal check and drop it off at the nearest post office.

Imported holiday gifts

People shopping for toys and presents this holiday season who are also trying to be conscientious of buying American or Canadian may want to pay more attention to the items they are getting.

Have a safety plan for kids while holiday shopping

It's easy for children to get lost in big crowds. According to safety expert Alyssa Dver, founder of the Center to Prevent Lost Children, statistics indicate 90 percent of families will experience losing a child in a public place.

Protect against mail theft this holiday season

Today's families are more geographically diverse than ever before. When today's young adults leave the nest, their new nest is almost as likely to be across the country as it is down the street.

'Tis the season for online holiday scams and cons

It is sad but true: As the holiday season heats up, so do the number of scams and cons perpetrated on unsuspecting consumers. While swindlers, thieves and pickpockets operate year-round, the period from November to January offers criminals more opportunities for wrongdoing and a population of prospective targets who are feeling generous and preoccupied with the demands and doings of the holiday season.

Secure your identity when shopping online

There is no denying that shopping online is the quickest and easiest way to zip through a holiday shopping list. With a few clicks and keystrokes, it's possible to have all of your Christmas shopping done in no time. But as many people have found out -- the hard way -- purchasing via the Internet can be risky business, especially during the holiday season when shoppers are pressed for time and make hasty decisions.

Improving winter visibility a must for motorists' safety

Such conditions only further emphasize the importance drivers must place on doing anything and everything to improve their visibility when driving during the winter months. Better visibility often makes for more confident and comfortable drivers, reducing their risk of accident or injury. The following tips can go a long way toward improving driver visibility during the most difficult driving season of the year.

More Bang For Your Buck: Routine Maintenance to Protect Your Vehicle Investment and Add Years to Its Life

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, drivers should spend money to save money, since failing to maintain a vehicle can cause its resale value to plummet. Routine maintenance such as tire rotation and oil changes can prevent costly repairs to the engine and transmission, among other things.

Pay A Price For A Torn Engine Air Filter On Your Car? You Bet!

It seems as though there is a price for just about everything, even a torn or damaged engine air filter on your car. The price in this case, however, is not for the filter itself; that's no more than a couple of dollars. It is the potential damage you risk if you ignore the relevance of an engine air filter in the bigger scheme of things.

Help Your Car Withstand Harsh Winter Weather

Harsh weather coupled with less-than-ideal roadways typically take their toll on a vehicle as the season progresses, and it's up to drivers to help their cars withstand the elements of winter and make it to spring in drivable condition. Short of moving to a locale that's warm and sunny 12 months a year, there's little drivers can do to avoid winter weather; however, there are several ways drivers can prepare their vehicles for the months ahead.

Stop Slips, Trips in the Home With a Focus on Safety

Stairways, slick surfaces and uneven footing can create unexpected, but easily prevented, danger zones. With some simple safety precautions, you can help avoid slips and falls and keep your family safe.

Safety first with kids' car seats

The importance of child safety seats in automobiles cannot be overstated. Despite how well safety seats protect children, Transport Canada says surveys show that more than one-third of children in Canada are not properly restrained when traveling in vehicles. In the United States, research indicates that among those who use car seats, 4 out of 5 seats are installed incorrectly.

Safety first with kids' car seats

Motor vehicle accidents routinely cause for injuries and fatalities. Young riders, including infants and children under the age of 10, have bodies that are more fragile and therefore may be more susceptible to injury. They require adequate protection while riding in a car.

Did you know?

Airbags were invented in the early 1950s by John W. Hetrick, an industrial engineer and member of the U.S. Navy. It wasn't until roughly 20 years later that airbags began being used in mass-produced autos.

Plan now for safe winter driving

Thanks to global climate change, many of the weather patterns we've grown accustomed to in the past are no longer the norm today. It seems much of the country experiences shorter than normal days of moderate spring and fall weather, with seasons simply switching from scorching sun one moment to chilly temperatures and snow the next.

Tire maintenance essential to staying safe on the road

Maintaining a vehicle is a great way to stay safe on the road while extending the car's life. Routine maintenance can keep a car running like new for years as long as vehicle owners stay on top of things and stick to a maintenance schedule.

Fishing is the most dangerous job

For many people the hazards of working involve the chance for carpal tunnel syndrome or a thumb blister from sending too many texts from their mobile devices. Thousands of other people risk their lives every day they go to work with some of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

Good and bad of molds

People often hear the word "mold" and run for cover. But not all molds are a nuisance or a danger, nor should all molds be decimated.

Can sunscreens be dangerous?

For years doctors and skin cancer experts have been telling the public to apply sunscreen on a daily basis to protect against harmful exposure to ultraviolet rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation offers that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Fire extinguisher know-how

Fire extinguishers are an important safety component in any home or building. They can mean the difference between a devastating fire or a minor incident. Although a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can be a life- and property-saving tool, many people are not properly skilled in the use of fire extinguishers.

Did you know?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in most soils. Radon can enter the home by moving up through the ground and into the air above before moving into a home in a variety of ways, including through cracks in solid floors, through construction joints and through cracks in walls.

Lead exposure puts adults, children at risk

Excessive exposure to and absorption of lead can cause lead poisoning, a harmful condition that can result in lots of suffering for adults and children alike. While many people are aware of lead poisoning, few might understand its prevalence and just how big a risk it can pose.

Safety measures to take when banking online

In mid-2011, roughly 200,000 Citigroup credit card customers received some startling news. Hackers had accessed the gigantic bank's system, a security breach that exposed account holder's names, e-mail addresses and account numbers to hackers.

The talents of therapy dogs

Many people think of therapy dogs as guide dogs leading the blind, or dogs sitting with seniors at an assisted living facility. While therapy dogs are responsible for these jobs, they do so much more -- including acting as a trusted companion for someone diagnosed with cancer.

Understanding second impact syndrome

Perhaps thanks to professional sports leagues, concussions have become a hot-button issue within the medical community. Rules changes in the National Football League were enacted to protect players not only from concussions, but from further injury after suffering a concussion.

What to do when sickness strikes while traveling

Before going on vacation, few people consider what might go wrong. Instead, travelers are understandably preoccupied with all the exciting things that await them on their travels.

The 'silent killer' should be taken seriously

Those experiencing dizziness or flu-like symptoms might be quick to assume they have a virus. However, such symptoms could be a byproduct of carbon monoxide exposure at home.

Create a designer look on a budget

Interior designers have a knack for pulling together furniture and accessories to create rooms with widespread appeal. But not every homeowner has the resources to hire a professional to help turn their interior from drab to fab.

Food safety pointers for parties

Food is an integral part of any special event, party or impromptu get-together. Ensuring the food is handled and served in a safe manner is the key to keeping guests from getting ill.

Food dyes and difficult kids

Those blue drinks, red popsicles and multi-colored cereals could be triggering temper tantrums, learning difficulties, sleep disorders and a host of physical complaints such as asthma, headaches, hives and ear infections.

Understanding online privacy policies

Anyone who has ever made a purchase online has likely signed a privacy agreement. Consumers rarely read through these often lengthy agreements, choosing instead to scroll down to the bottom and click the box indicating they have read the agreement and understand what it entails.

Cell phone security tips

Though as recently as a decade ago they were largely a luxury, cell phones are now the go-to device for men, women and even children. Over that time period, cell phones have evolved from mobile telephones into devices that enable users to send and receive e-mails and text messages, surf the Internet and do a host of other things few even dreamed of at their inception.

Batty basics for summer living

Glance into the evening sky this summer, and you might just see what appears to be birds flying in an odd pattern. Those fluttering shadows actually are bats that are on the hunt for food during the warm night.

Poison plants fast facts

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are plants that contain an oil that may cause a rash on many people's skin. Urushiol, the irritant oil in these plants, need only be present in a billionth of a gram to cause a rash.

Prevent cell phone identity theft

Tapping into a cell phone to steal private information seems like something out of a blockbuster thriller. In reality, this type of crime does happen to ordinary people. Individuals who rely heavily on mobile phones should recognize their susceptibility to identity theft should their phone be lost or stolen.

Safety in the sun Make your backyard barbecue as safe as it is fun

Few summer traditions are as beloved as the backyard barbecue. Typically laid back get-togethers with family and friends, backyard barbecues are synonymous with warm weather and the relaxed atmosphere that such weather promotes.

Safety tips for young Web surfers

Parents have worried about their children since the beginning of time. Such worry is part of being a parent, and parents will worry about things both large and small.

Did you know?

Cyberbullying occurs when a child is embarrassed, harassed, humiliated, threatened, or tormented by another child using the Internet, mobile phones or another interactive and digital technology. Just as genuine a concern as bullying, cyberbullying has resulted in children killing others or even committing suicide.

Get the bear facts before heading outdoors

Venturing outdoors to many state parks or area woodlands can put nature lovers in the path of wildlife. While there are many creatures that can be both awe-inspiring and dangerous, perhaps no animal is feared and revered as much as the bear.

Get the facts on fireworks

It's that time of year again, when warm weather brings on celebrations, parades, carnivals, and other events that take place under the summer sky. Fireworks seem tailor-made for warm weather festivities -- their spectacle of loud booms and awe-inspiring twinkling lights adding to the enjoyment.

Horseback riding safety tips

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, an estimated 78,499 horseback riding injuries occurred in 2009. While more than half of those injuries happened to men and women between the ages of 25 to 64, all age groups are potentially susceptible to injury when horseback riding.

Summertime safety a must this season

While summertime is a season to live easy, there are some inherent dangers to summer that can halt plans of fun in the sun. From skin cancer to insect bites, summertime can be dangerous for those who don't play it safe.

Make Safety a Prom Priority

There is a bustle of activity that takes place during prom and graduation season. With so much going on, caution often takes a backseat to other issues. However, it is important to keep safety in mind during prom and graduation season.

Alligator Smarts Keep People Safe

Alligators are awe-inspiring descendants of prehistoric creatures. They are feared, admired and prolific in certain areas of the country. Separating the fact from the fiction regarding alligators can make it safer for people to live nearby.

River Swimming Safety

Rivers can prove a refreshing place in which to cool off. Many people flock to rivers to escape the summertime heat. Though rivers can be an enticing place to cool off, care and caution should be used when venturing into a river.

Recognize These Top Beach Dangers

A trip to the seaside is supposed to be a fun-filled adventure and a chance to enjoy the surf and sand. But a beach trip can quickly turn sour if an injury occurs while soaking up the sun.

Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the routine opening and closing of windows in homes built prior to 1978 can disturb lead-based paint around the windows, causing paint dust and chips to be released into the air. These lead particles are so dangerous that the EPA now requires contractors to be trained and certified before they can perform any renovation, repair or painting projects that may have previously applied lead-based paint.

Keep Your Car's Battery Ready To Defeat Winter's Frigid Temperatures

Cold weather can play havoc with a vehicle's battery, threatening starting and the ability to handle winter's increased electrical loads.
"A conventional 12-volt battery maintains about 40 percent of its capacity at 0 degrees F, so it's very important to make sure the vehicle's battery is up to the task when the weather turns really cold.

Bracketless Wiper Blades Help Improve Driving Visibility In Winter

Wiper blade performance has experienced a dramatic leap forward with advanced technology 'bracketless' wiper blades such as the Bosch ICON(TM) -- especially in winter. These blades significantly improve driving visibility in any weather all year round, including mist, drizzle, rain, blowing dust, or snow.

Window Safety Tips

How often should family fire drills be held? What type of glass should you have in windows to help prevent noise penetration and discourage intruders? The experts at Simonton Windows(R) offer fast tips for staying safe in your home and enjoying your windows.

What to Do When the Power Goes Out This Winter

Winter might be a wonderland to some, but for those who prefer a warm, sandy beach over a ski slope, winter is no walk in the park.

Asthma, Diabetes, and Other Health Conditions Bring Greater Flu Risks CDC Urges People with Chronic Health Conditions to Get a Flu Vaccine

If you are one of the millions of Americans with a long-term health condition like asthma, diabetes, stroke, heart or lung disease, this important information about flu applies to you. When combined with your existing health condition, the flu increases your risk of becoming seriously sick, which could result in an unexpected and expensive trip to the hospital -- or even death.

Innovative Program Improves Public Safety

Emergency situations call for prompt action and most importantly quick dissemination of information so that the public can respond to a potential threat. In six Alabama counties, a highly successful public safety initiative serves as an example from which other areas can learn.

Remove Snow and Ice Without Hurting the Planet

Snow and ice can be beautiful, but can also be treacherous and hazardous. That is why municipalities budget thousands of dollars every year for plowing and salting the roadways. Individual homeowners also maintain their properties through shoveling and salting -- but at what cost to the environment?

Deciphering Between the Different Types of Snow

The weather forecaster says a snowstorm is on the way and to be careful shoveling because it will probably be a wet snow. Just what does this mean?
Snow can vary in density and water content based on certain atmospheric and ground surface conditions.

Toy Safety Starts With Knowing About Recalls

Millions of toys are manufactured every year. While the large majority of them are safe for child use, a few slip through the cracks and are deemed unsafe after they hit the store shelves.

CPR Can Save Lives

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving method that has prevented the deaths of scores of individuals throughout the centuries. CPR is often used to keep a person alive until more in-depth medical attention can be provided. It's an essential skill to know and can be a lifesaver for people of all ages.

Con Artists Don't Take a Holiday Vacation

While most people are consumed with shopping for holiday presents, con artists are hard at work coming up with new ways to part individuals from a buck. Unsuspecting people could lose their holiday spirit if victimized by a scam.

Practice ATM Safety This Season

Those who use ATMs should understand that practicing safety when around the machine is essential any time of the year. However, it becomes even more important when the holiday season arrives.

Direct General Research Indicates High 'Intent to Drive' Among Uninsured Motorists

In a recent survey conducted by Direct General, the Nashville-based auto insurance provider, 36 percent of consumers* reported that they will continue to drive even if they are unable to keep their car insurance. That's particularly unsettling when considering the tenuous nature of the global economy, which could result in more and more drivers forgoing auto insurance as a means of saving money.

Stop Home Fires Before They Start

A fire at home can occur in just about any room of the house and even outdoors. While one can't account for natural disasters or other unforseen problems, there are many steps homeowners can take to prevent fires.

Innovative Program Improves Public Safety

How to Prevent a Chimney Fire

Chimney fires can result in minor damage or major house fires that cause loss of life. Whenever dealing with fire, it's essential to know safety protocol.

Backpack Safety Goes Beyond Back Pain

When it comes to backpack safety, most people tend to think about injuries caused by a heavy backpack or one worn improperly. However, there are other dangers associated with backpacks and caution should be used.

Safety a Major Factor in the Choice for Assisted Living

Thousands of people every year begin the process of evaluating assisted living facilities either for themselves or a loved one. Personal safety is one of the primary reasons individuals choose to enter a care facility.

Tips To Make Home Improvements Safer And Easier

Homeowners are increasingly hands-on when it comes to improving their homes. While it was once commonplace to call a contractor to do household repairs and renovations, nowadays more and more homeowners act as their own handyman.

Plan Ahead for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can strike without warning, leaving unsuspecting homeowners with thousands of dollars in home damage. Taking precautionary steps by planning ahead for potential harsh weather can help save heartache and money.

How to Avoid Do-It-Yourself Project Injuries

Tough economic times call for even tougher measures -- and for many homeowners this means getting hands-on with home improvement projects. Although DIY projects can save money in theory, they also may result in a trip to the hospital if safety precautions aren't followed.

Radon Dangers at Home

Did you know that radon is the second leading contributor to lung cancer behind cigarette smoking? This invisible gas -- even in low or moderate levels -- can cause severe health implications. Although you can't see, smell or taste radon, it could be a problem in your home.

Get the Scoop on Shoveling Snow Safely

Repeatedly removing snow over the course of even a few minutes can add up to thousands of pounds. Shoveling snow safely requires a few precautions.

Top 5 Baby Concerns in the Home

One day an infant will transform from a relatively sedentary little person content to stare at the crib to an active adventurer satisfying his or her curiosity with just about everything in the home. Making sure the home is safe for baby's travels becomes essential.

Teaching Children About 9-1-1

A parent never knows when an emergency will strike. His or her only hope may be the fast-thinking action of a young child who has called for help.

6 Tips for Handling a Weather Emergency

Natural disasters are not simply newsmakers from other parts of the world. North America faces its share of wicked weather -- from hurricanes to tornadoes to flash floods. Homeowner readiness can make the difference between an inconvenience or a major disruption when wicked weather blows through. This means having an emergency plan in place.

6 Common Summertime Dangers

Did you know that more accidents occur during the warm weather months than any other time of year? As people head outdoors and enjoy what summer has to offer, they're not always the most careful. Here are potential dangers right around the corner.

Practice Thunderstorm Safety

Thunderstorms can offer awe-inspiring pyrotechnics and are a wonder of Mother Nature. But as beautiful as they may be, thunderstorms also can prove deadly for the unprepared.

How to Keep Food Safe When Eating Outdoors

Summer is synonymous with many things, including sunny days, vacations at the beach and eating outdoors, be it a backyard barbecue with family and friends or a picnic at the nearby park. Cooks should consider the following tips to ensure food stays safe from bacteria when cooking outside.

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Preparing your home for the next natural disaster

How to build a more energy-efficient home this summer

3 reasons to own a disaster-proof home

Enhance nighttime visibility in 4 simple steps

Two headlights are better than one: How changing headlights in pairs makes nighttime driving safer

The dangers of driving with old headlights

The importance of being seen on the road

Why hoarding documents is risky and how to avoid it

4 ways to protect your devices from hackers

Light the way for safer nighttime driving

LED lights add style without sacrificing safety

See and be seen: How drivers can see better at night and make themselves more visible to fellow motorists

3 ways aging drivers can see better at night

Remodel for fire safety

Employ simple fire prevention measures to maximize safety

3 ways to improve headlights for safer nighttime driving

Headlamp safety at the core of new campaign

Construction Quick Tip: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient materials

Safety in numbers: Why it pays to replace headlight bulbs in pairs

Let there be light! (Even at night)

Now anyone can build a disaster-resilient home

Construction Quick Tip: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient materials

Weather every storm with concrete walls

Construction Quick Tip: Choose concrete walls for severe storm safety

How to insulate your home against a deadly fire

How drivers can enhance nighttime visibility

Five ways to increase home fire safety

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety

Technology can help extend the life of your lights

Don’t forget headlights when performing routine maintenance

Construction Quick Tip: Build a disaster-resilient home with sustainable technology

Would you like to build a disaster-resilient house?

Home-Building Innovation: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient construction

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

Technology an integral part of defensive driving

Properly maintained headlights vastly improve driver safety

Safety tips for outdoor meals and entertainment

Recognize safety hazards during yard work

Safety will make you a happy camper

Restoring headlights can dramatically improve visibility

Protecting visibility is essential when driving in hazardous conditions

HairDo and HairDon't for styling safety

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

Weather threats are calmed by construction technology

Home-Building News: Concrete buildings withstand high winds and fire

Energy-saving concrete walls are built to weather any storm

Construction Quick Tip: Build an eco-friendly home to withstand extreme weather

What's in your 21st-century survival kit?

Treasure hunting safety tips for the savvy yard sale shopper

Powering Up

Safety tips for summer fun

Build a concrete house to withstand high winds

Construction Quick Tip: Build a more durable home and save money, too

Home construction methods face major changes

Cloudy headlamps a significant safety concern

Daytime visibility just as important as nighttime visibility

Look hot without getting burned

Safety tips for the extreme holiday decorator

Enjoy a safe and cozy winter

Make your list and check it twice for safety

How to improve your night vision for a safer ride

Properly adjusted mirrors vastly improve safety

Headlights make for safer driving, even during the day

A Clean Windshield Contributes To Safe Driving In All Seasons

On the road again Ready your car for spring and summer travel

Improve vision for a safer ride

Start, Look and Listen Prepare now for winter driving

Beware buying medicines online

How to have a safe spring break experience

What to know about dangerous mercury in fish

How to disinfect water in the case of an emergency

Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows

Promote safety around the home

Window guards save kids' lives

How to floodproof your home