Here are a few tips to help keep homes safe and energy efficient.

1. Test your home for radon, a naturally occurring gas that is unsafe for prolonged human exposure. If you uncover levels that are above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended levels, call (800) 557-2366 to find out ways to reduce radon to acceptable levels.

2. In addition to smoke detectors, homes with fireplaces, gas appliances, and attached garages should have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Undetected by the eye or nose, carbon monoxide gas can be fatal. Local fire departments sometimes provide CO detectors at low cost, and many home improvement stores carry CO detectors.

3. Well-insulated basements and crawlspaces reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes in the winter. Give your home insulation a boost by replacing it with one of the new cellulose-based, recycled paper insulating products.

4. Save on your homeowner's insurance. Each time you make a safety upgrade on your home, notify your home insurance agency. These upgrades can mean big savings on insurance. Many companies will reduce premiums by 10 percent to 20 percent annually, depending on upgrades.

PATH at (202) 708-4277 or visit PATH's website.
HUD's Healthy Homes Program at (800) HUDS-FHA or on the web.