By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi Summertime, and the livin’ is easy, or so the song goes. Warm days and cozy evenings can make for delightful family fun and entertaining. However, keep an eye on safety protocols as well. Outdoor summertime activities bring their own dangers, so follow these steps to help ensure…

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi The late spring and summer months herald an excellent time for outdoor entertaining and fun cookouts. But nothing ruins a good time faster than injuries or damage. Follow these summer safety tips to ensure a happy and danger-free experience. 1. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy If you’re…

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi If you’ve come across radon, it’s probably as part of a home inspection that turned closing into a big hassle for everyone. But radon is no small matter. Take this threat seriously if it shows up in your home. Radon mitigation costs an average of $1,000. Most…

This might be the most important column I’ve written in my 30 years as a syndicated columnist. There’s a very high probability you have lithium-ion batteries in your home. They are now as common as ants at a summer picnic. You need to understand the danger to your home and to you and your loved…

A house fire can take hold within minutes and knowing what to do in the first five is critical to saving lives. The key home safety finding comes from new analysis of more than 30,000 structure fire reports released on April 28 by Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW). That’s a key finding from new…

By Vivienne Aguilar From The Modesto Bee Modesto—Fireplaces might be an aesthetic, a comfort or a necessity for people during the winter months. Whatever their purpose, they should be used with care, and the Modesto Fire Department already has seen a few fires that could have been prevented. On Dec. 20, the Fire Department was…

Did you see in the recent news the catastrophic gas explosion that killed nine people on the island of Jersey in the English Channel? It’s early in the investigation, and the experts may not ever be able to pinpoint the cause, but I have my own idea based on something that happened to me two…

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi Your roof is one of the most highly visible and important elements of your home. It works every hour of every day to protect your home from the elements, including heat, driving wind and snow. It’s easy to think of your roof as a stalwart defender, but…

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi Lots of household problems and accidents happen due to plain old goof-ups. Here’s a rundown of the most common issues or maintenance you might easily miss and a few annoyances you can take care of quickly. Follow these tips so you’re not the goof! Fixing a Clogged…

Cleaning gutters is an essential home maintenance task that helps ward off damage to your foundation, leaks and other serious issues. Although clearing debris from your gutters seems straightforward, this chore can be dangerous if it’s not done properly, especially since you’ll likely be working on top of a ladder. It’s even riskier if your…