Last updated: July 28, 2026 Get Emergency Help Before You Search for Funding Do not wait for a grant decision if there is a gas smell, fire, sparking wire, sewage backup, collapsing ceiling, unsafe furnace, or another immediate danger. Leave the unsafe area when needed and call 911, the fire department, or your utility’s emergency … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 Bottom Line: Do not compare contractor bids by total price alone. First make sure every contractor is pricing the same work. Then compare materials, allowances, exclusions, permits, payment stages, warranty, insurance, and who pays if hidden damage is found. Verify the contractor before you sign, and do not start work … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Immediate danger: If you smell gas, see sparking wires, have sewage entering the home, or believe part of the building may collapse, leave the unsafe area and call 911, the utility emergency line, or the local building department. Do not sign financing while dealing with an emergency. Bottom Line: Before … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Bottom Line: The federal Weatherization Assistance Program, usually called WAP, can provide no-cost energy-saving work for eligible low-income households. Insulation and air sealing are among the most common measures. Window repair, storm windows, or full window replacement may be included, but only when the local energy audit, program rules, and … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Act now if the home is unsafe. Call 911 for fire, gas, electrical, collapse, or immediate injury danger. Leave the home if officials say it is unsafe. For urgent shelter, food, utility, or local repair referrals, call 211 or use the 211 referral service. Bottom line: There is no single … Read more
Last updated: July 27, 2026 Safety comes before paperwork. Leave the area and call 911, the fire department, or the utility emergency line if you smell gas, see sparking wires, have sewage inside the home, hear a structure shifting, or face another immediate danger. Do not climb onto a damaged roof, enter standing water near … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Is the home unsafe right now? Leave the area and call 911 for fire, gas odor, sparking wires, collapse danger, or another immediate threat. For emergency shelter, cooling, heating, food, or local crisis help, call 211 or use 211. If the damage followed a declared disaster, review FEMA repair assistance … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 Do not wait for a program inspector when there is immediate danger. Leave the home and call 911, the fire department, or the utility company if you smell gas, see sparks or fire, have sewage entering living space, suspect carbon monoxide, or think a ceiling, wall, porch, or floor may … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If sewage is backing up or surfacing now: Stop using toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry as much as possible. Keep children and pets away from wastewater. Do not enter a septic tank or lean over an open tank; toxic gases and low oxygen can kill. Call your county or tribal … Read more
Last updated: July 28, 2026 If the home may be unsafe Leave the home and call 911 for fire, a gas smell, live wires, collapse risk, serious injury, or anyone trapped inside. Do not enter a flooded, burned, or badly damaged building until local officials say it is safe. The CDC return-home guide explains basic … Read more