The EPA has a message for you: test your home for radon, fix the problem if you find one – and possibly save your life. As part of National Radon Action Month, the EPA is urging the public to test homes for high levels of the colorless, odorless gas  but dangerous gas.

While a warm home and a hot meal on a cold winter’s day may conjure up thoughts of safety and security, the unfortunate reality is that winter is the leading time of year for home fires in the United States (U.S.). That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) have teamed up to help prevent home fires in the winter months.

A leading cause of home fires each year, electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 46,500 home fires in 2010 according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These fires resulted in 420 deaths, 1,520 injuries, and $1.5 billion in property damage.

Dozens of fires sparked by high temperatures, severe drought conditions and strong winds have blanketed the western part of the U.S. including Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and California in recent months, making this fire season one of the worst in history.

They’re mostly common sense, but the recommendations recently issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics for ways to reduce your risk of a fire at home bear repeating:

In 2005-2009 U.S. fire departments responded to an average 8,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbeques per year, including an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,800 outside fires.

OSHA has cited Home Depot Inc. for alleged repeat and serious violations of workplace safety standards at its store located at 3043 state Route 50 in Saratoga Springs.

Dave Johnson's January issue editorial on "Me and my footprint;" taking personal responsibility for sustainable behaviors and lifestyle, inspired this log of sustainable actions taken by ISHN editorial advisor Keith Tait:

Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking in the U.S. Unfortunately, it's also the peak day for home cooking fires.