Home Safety
How To Build a Storm Shelter to Stay Safe During Disaster
Worried about staying safe at home during storms? Learn all the ins and outs of building a storm shelter with our in-depth guide.
How To Install an Electronic Dead Bolt
This Old House host Kevin O'Connor demonstrates how to install an electronic deadbolt in this video. Plus, find advice for choosing your lock.
How To Choose Hurricane Window Protection for Your Home
Hurricane window protection can protect your home and loved ones from storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall. Learn more in our guide.
7 Holiday Fire Hazards
Keep your home and family safe with these important tips
How to Install a Motion-Activated Security Light
Ask This Old House Master Electrician Scott Caron installs a light above a garage to illuminate a dark driveway
How To Hack-Proof Your Smart Home
Follow these tips to protect the smart devices in your home.
Prevent Electrical Fires with Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters
About half of home electrical fires result from shorts, also known as arc faults. An arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) can help stop them.
14 Fast Fall Fixes
Service smoke alarms, drain the water heater, fertilize the lawn, drain and store hoses, PLUS other things you've got to get done before cold weather kicks in for good.
Moving In After Mold
This summer's flooding has destroyed thousands of houses, from Indiana to Texas. The rebuilding process starts with mold remediation
Deck Safety Checklist
This deck safety checklist helps you identify issues before they become serious. We also provide deck maintenance and inspection advice.
What's Inside Your Glade Fragrance Plug-In?
SC Johnson offers transparency into Glade ingredients, but how safe are they to actually use in your home?
Is There Hidden Mold in Your Home?
A new documentary shows the prevalence and dangers of mold toxins in our living spaces
How To Install an Electronic Air Cleaner
Want to improve your indoor air quality? This Old House expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install an electric air cleaner.
How To Get Rid of Attic Mold
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows DIY and professional techniques for how to get rid of attic mold.
Holiday Home Security Dos and Don'ts to Keep Your Home Safe
Your empty house is an easy target for burglars. If you're away this holiday season, deter crime with these practical tips.
14 Supplies to Help You Prepare for a Blizzard
What you need to prepare for a snowstorm so you have the essentials before, during, and after an emergency strikes.
What Really Happens in a House Fire
It only takes seconds for a small flame to become a life-threatening fire. This guide explains how a fire spreads in the first four minutes.
Smart and Safe Storm Cleanup Tips for Your Home
Getting your home back into shape after storms may require more than a broom and a mop. Here's our best advice for managing the aftermath.
Discover Your Home's Top 10 Danger Zones
These common problem areas can cause costly household disasters. Here's how to properly address them.
How to Handle Household Products Safely
Learn the best way to reduce your use of certain household products, as well as the proper way to dispose of those you no longer need
Ways Your Bathroom Is Making You Sick
The bathroom is one of the worst places in your home for hiding nasty toxins. Learn how to prevent your bathroom from making you sick.
Beware of Hidden Home Fire Hazards
Learn where to look for hidden fire hazards and how to protect your home with our in-depth fire safety guide.
How To Install a Fire Sprinkler System
In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey describes how an in-home sprinkler system works.
How To Prepare Your Fireplace for the Cold Season
Before you spark up the logs, learn more about how to prepare your fireplace for safety, efficiency, and heat retention in the cold season.
Surprising Sources of Radiation in Household Items
Many of us are unknowingly exposed to radioactive things everyday, here are 9 household materials and products that could be emitting low levels of radiation.
How to Use a Ladder Safely
The last thing you want to be thinking about when you're standing on a ladder is falling off it. Here, six ladder safety tips for staying steady
Hurricane Prep: An Essential Storm Safety Checklist
If a storm is approaching your area, follow these safety steps to ensure the safety of you and your family.
Top 10 Disasters That Can Hit Your House While You're on Vacation
An empty house is a vulnerable house. Learn how to keep your home safe and sound when you take off for your holiday.
How to Choose and Use Safety Gear
This Old House host Kevin O'Connor and plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey discuss various types of DIY safety gear
How To Remove a Dangerous Tree
Watch our video and read this guide to learn how This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook and arborist Matt Foti remove a decayed tree.
9 Highly Toxic Old Household Products
Watch out for these dangerous household chemicals hiding on shelves, especially if it's been a while since you cleaned out the basement.
How To Contain and Remove Lead Paint
If your home was built before 1978, you might have lead paint. Here's how to safely remove it or take care of it until you can.