We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Effective July 1

Natural Disaster Safety

Protect your home & family with our safety tutorials on all things natural disaster.

lightning_rod
Play

Filed under:

How to Install Whole House Lightning Protection

Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook travels to central Florida to install a lightning protection system
09_exterior_upkeep_0

3 Things to Do Before a Storm

Do these simple tasks before severe weather hits to help minimize or even prevent costly damage to your home
House with a Battery Backup System with Lower Level Lights On

Whole-House Battery Backup

Home battery backup systems could be part of our energy future. Learn more about how they work, their cost, and what benefits they bring.
fire_safety
Play

Understanding the Dangers of Home Fires

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor visits Underwriters Laboratories outside of Chicago to see first hand how dangerous fires can be.
Placeholder
Play

Disaster Supply Kit: How to Prepare for Severe Weather

This Old House host Kevin O'Connor and Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel discuss how to prepare for the next big storm and list out what severe weather supplies you’ll need.
iStock_1257104929
Play

How to Choose Hurricane Window Covers

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows a homeowner several ways to protect windows during a storm.
flood_rise_xl

Rising Above in Coastal Flood Zones

To survive the next big storm, more and more houses will need a lift. It's a smart move seen around the country—and in the Spring 2013 season of This Old House.
Tree down in residential neighborhood after a hurricane.

Hurricane Prep: Storm Safety Checklist

Here's what you should do if a storm watch or warning is issued where you live.
2007_09_hooper_toh_2_fl

Dealing with Household Disasters

Floods happen. So do collapsed ceilings, trapped critters, and smoke-belching fireplaces. But with our homeowner survival tips, you'll know just what to do when trouble strikes
ICF_House_iStock_1395334089

How to Build a Fireproof Home Using ICF Blocks

Insulated concrete forms—combined with flame-resistant roofing and siding—make for one safe house.
A house that has a driveway blocked due to storm damage

Tips for Protecting Your Home From a Hurricane

With the possibility of 74+ mph winds, a hurricane can cause a lot of damage. Roofing, siding, and outdoor furniture are all vulnerable, but so are interior living spaces without the key precautions. Rest assured, you can limit chances of harm and learn how to protect your home from storm damage with this hurricane preparation checklist.
fire_extinguishers_x

Fire Extinguishers

How effective are they? Which should you buy? Here's what every homeowner needs to know.
Placeholder

How to Escape a Fire

Keep your family safe with these safety tips for escaping a fire.