Frugal ideas about how to keep your home and family safe.
Stockpiling Food for EmergenciesThis is a page about stockpiling food for emergencies. You never know when an urgent situation may arise and getting food at the store could be impossible. It is wise to have some staple foods on hand.
Burning Healthier CandlesThis is a page about burning healthier candles. Many candles contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health.
How to Dispose of Mailing LabelsThis is a tip for those that don't put their name and address in the trash. We get lots of free mailing labels in the mail. When I have an excess, I pull them off, a bunch at the time, and roll them up sticky side out. The name and address are hidden, and they are ready to go in the trash. I think it would be almost impossible to get them untangled.
Hanging a Security Camera Without DamageThis is a tip I came up with when my kids gave me a security camera to put outside. I live in a townhome governed by HOA rules. One of the rules is "no piercing of any exterior siding". While the camera worked OK in a window, the glass prevented my getting any notifications that there was someone outside.
Saving Money on Alarm SystemsHome alarm systems can vary in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars, including installation, monitoring, monthly fees, and other services. Shopping around may help find the provider that fits your budget or you can research homeowner installed systems, which cost less and can be monitored by you.
Hiding Jewelry Behind ArtworkOne way to hide your jewelry is on the backside of a framed painting or photo on the wall.
Using Security CamerasModern security cameras are inexpensive and easy to use. Many send videos directly to a smartphone. This is a page about using security cameras.
Use Your Car's Panic Button for Home SafetyKeep your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button. This is a page about using the security alarm on your key chain.
Garage Door Safety TipsYour garage door is the the largest entrance to your home. Keeping it secure and safe can be a challenge. This is a page about garage door safety tips.
Safely Storing Aerosol Cooking Oil CansAerosol cans of cooking oil should be stored away from high heat sources, such as the grill or stovetop. This is a page about safely storing aerosol cooking oil cans.
Home Security Without an Alarm SystemNot everyone wants to deal with a complicated or expensive alarm system. There are numerous things you can do to secure your home without an alarm system. This is a page about home security without an alarm system.
Using Mexican Pottery?This is a page about using Mexican pottery. It is important to be sure that the pottery you use for serving has lead-free glazes and has been fired hot enough to be safe for food.
Using a Weather Alert RadioThis page is about using a weather alert radio. Having a special radio that will alert you to possible tornados or hurricanes can help you rest assured that you will be notified of extreme weather.
Checking for Damage from a Nearby Wildfire?This page is about checking for damage from a nearby wildfire. When there has been a wildfire near your home you want to be sure there is no damage to your home or out buildings.
Food Safety After a HurricaneThis page is about food safety after a hurricane. During a bad storm, power outages and flood waters can contaminate foods in ways that aren't always obvious.
Security Tips for Single Women Living AloneThis page contains security tips for single women living alone. When you live by yourself, you want to make sure your home is very safe and secure.
Safely Using Plastics for FoodThis page is about safely using plastics for food. Knowing what kind of plastic you are using can help you determine whether it is safe.
Avoiding Lead In Your HomeThis page is about avoiding lead in your home. It is important to know how to reduce your family's exposure to lead.
Remembering to Put Out CandlesThis is a page about remembering to put out candles. Unattended candles are a serious hazard and are responsible for many house fires.
Swimming Pool Safety TipsThis page contains swimming pool safety tips. Swimming in a pool is great family fun, as long as the welfare of everyone is kept in mind.
Candle SafetyTo avoid forgetting to blow out candles, I tape a note on my purse or keys. If I decide to leave the house, the candles are blown out and I avoid that panicked feeling that comes after you leave your house and then remember.
Hiding ValuablesMany people worry about where to safely store their cash, jewelry, important paperwork or identification or anything else that you want to keep protected in your home. This is a page about hiding valuables.
Is the Door Locked?Every time we went away, someone would have to check the back door to see if it were locked. I put four small pieces of reflective tape on the toggle. If the four are in a straight line, it's locked, if the middle two are sideways, the door needs to be locked.
How Fire Alarms Work?What smells can cause a fire alarm to go off? Smoke, obviously, but what about electrical or ozone smells. Will that also cause a smoke alarm to go off?
Use Caution After a Natural DisasterWho would have known that the tornado going over a house might cause the water to be pushed out of the toilet and onto the floor of the bathroom (our safe room) where we went to hide from the dangerous winds and pressure.
Safety Tip: Keep Glass Paper Weights Out of the SunDo not put paper weights or snow globes where the sun can reflect off of them. When sun reflects off the paperweight, they become very hot (like a magnifying glass), and they can become hot enough to start a fire.
Safety Concerns With Car GPSThey did a segment on TV the other day about how thieves are stealing cars with GPS's. Not only do they have your car but they can program your GPS to take them to right to your home.
Install a Carbon Monoxide DetectorA tip which saved my life and maybe yours. Our house was just a couple of years old when my husband accepted a job which required him to be out of town most weekdays. Our budget could allow either new mulch in the natural areas or a security system installed.
Being Neighborly Doesn't Mean Being CarelessWe had a neighbor who was always having pals over working on cars, go carts, motorcycles, anything automotive. When he'd leave the house, he'd leave his garage door part of the way open for his friend to use his tools.
Avoid Cuts from Can LidsGet in the habit of always dropping a can lid into the empty can right away to avoid cuts.
By Linda
The Dog Poop Lineup?This is a line of 11 bags of neighbors dog feces beginning 2/28 to date 3/10/19. She is apparently performing this gross act in retaliation because I insisted she put her dog on leash, keep off our lawn and clean up the 8 large piles he left beside our home. No city agency will hold her responsible for her actions and take action to stop it. Can anyone help us?
Securing Your Home from Burglars Without an Alarm System?I am looking for low cost ways to secure my home from burglars. I know there is some type of stick that you can get that goes under the door knob and to the floor. Do you know where I can buy one from or do you have any other suggestions for securing windows or doors?
Hiding Valuables?Any ideas on where I can hide jewelry so it would be difficult for a thief to find, but still convenient for me to get to on a daily basis? I used to keep things in my bathroom medicine cabinet in empty makeup and face cream containers, but when we had a break-in, those items were taken.
