Home Disaster Prevention Tips

Don't come home to a disaster

When it comes to home safety, plumbing and electrical problems do a lot more damage than crooks. Here are our top tips for what you can do to keep your home safe and prevent disasters while you're away.

Tip 1: Test your sump pump
The most common time for a sump pump to fail is the first heavy rainfall after months of not being used. The submerged or partially submerged portions of cast iron pumps can rust and seize. And they'll burn out when they switch on. Don't get caught with your pump down and the water rising. After a long dry (unused) spell, pour a bucket or two of water into the sump to make sure the pump kicks on.

Read all 11 tips to help you prevent disaster »

Minimize Remodeling Dust and Damage

Protect your home from dust and damage

The home remodeling process often means construction dust and debris finding its way into every little nook and cranny of your home. But you can reduce the dust and mess by following these easy tips for preparing and protecting your home during your next remodeling project.

Tip 1: Create a tight, plastic dust barrier
Dust goes everywhere air flows, so the key to stopping dust is stopping airflow. A loose curtain of plastic hung with a few strips of tape won’t do the job. Instead, make your dust barrier as airtight as possible. Completely seal the top and sides with tape. Taping to walls is usually easier than taping to woodwork. If you can’t seal the bottom edge with tape, lay a board across it. Light plastic (1 mil or so) is fine for most jobs.

Read 8 more tips to prevent dust and damage »

Storm Safety Tips

Stay safe from hidden dangers

You already know the obvious dangers of a natural disaster: collapsing buildings, downed power lines, flying or floating debris.... But in most disasters, more people are injured or killed by things that don't seem all that dangerous, things they weren't expecting or things most of us would never even think of. Here are some of those unexpected dangers.

Tip 1: Be aware of conductive paths
Your home is probably the safest place to be in an electrical storm. But here's a safety tip you may not know. Lightning can still get to you through the conductive paths in your house; that means your wiring, your plumbing and water. Talking on a corded phone, taking a shower or bath, working on your desktop computer or handling power tools during an electrical storm isn't much safer than standing outside. It's best to stay away from all water and appliances until the storm passes.

8 tips to keep you safe in the aftermath of storms »

Do you have a great tip to share?

We’re always looking for great tips and we’ll pay $100 for any we publish in The Family Handyman magazine. Submit your tip »