Open windows and screen doors to allow fresh air to circulate. This reduces humidity and can help move dust and other allergens out. Do this often to reduce dust mite populations. Sunlight kills dust mites, but keep in mind that it does not remove dust mite residue. Hang bedding, clothing and other furnishings outside or in direct sunlight. Air blankets, rugs and other heavy bedding items outside as often as possible. Open curtains and blinds to let the sun shine in. Excess items in the bedroom such as books, magazines, clothing baskets, knickknacks, ornaments, toys and piles of clothing that make it hard to clean or dust create an excellent home for dust mites. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if it can collect dust, it can be a haven for dust mites. Try making a mimimalist bedroom. Dust mites thrive in humid environments because they absorb water from the atmosphere. Avoid humidifying, and use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep relative humidity below 50%. A hygrometer, available at hardware stores, measures humidity levels in the home so you can have more control. Dust mites do very well in temperatures between 65F and 84F and a relative humidity of more than 50%. To cut down on dust mite populations, make your home less comfortable for them. Along with a reduction in humidity, consider lowering your in-home temperatures to below 70F or more. A high-efficiency media filter in your furnace and air conditioning unit can help remove allergens and reduce dust mite populations. Look for a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 11 or 12 and change the filer every three months at least. Leave the fan on for a whole house air filter. There are many types of air purifiers that can be attached to the central air return. These purifiers decrease irritants and food sources for dust mites with most filters removing 50 to 70% of material. HEPA filters, however, will remove up to 99% of dust mite feces, dust, animal dander, pollen, cockroach feces, and other materials. Non-washable bedding, toys, furnishings and other items can be frozen to kill dust mites. Freeze these items for 24 to 48 hours. Though this method will destroy mites, it does not remove allergens.

Summary: Ventilate your home. Use direct sunlight. Reduce clutter. Reduce humidity. Control temperatures. Install a filter. Use an air purifier. Freeze items.

It can be tempting to run outside when an earthquake happens. After all, nothing can fall on you there. However, you likely won't make it outside before things start falling, so it's better to find a safe place inside than to try to make it outside. Turn off the stove quickly before taking cover. If there are candles lit, blow these out as well. It is important to take safety precautions before the quake gets worse. The safest place for you in an earthquake is on your floor. However, don't lie flat on the floor. Instead, get on your hands and knees. This crawling position is the best for two reasons. One, it gives you a chance to move if you need to. Two, it provides you with some protection from falling objects. The best place for you in an earthquake is under a table. A table provides protection from falling objects. A desk is also a good option. Try to move away from the kitchen. Also, try to get away from your fireplace, large appliances, glass, and heavy furniture, as any of it can injure you. If you can't get under a table, move to an interior wall, and cover your head. In a large building, move away from windows and exterior walls if possible. Also, don't get on the elevator. Most modern buildings are built to withstand earthquakes, as they are built to flex. In older buildings, you may be slightly safer on a higher floor, but you shouldn't try to move floors during an earthquake. A doorway isn't the safest place in modern houses, as it isn't any stronger than any other part of the house. In addition, you can still be hit by falling or flying objects in a doorway. Once you've found a good position, stay where you are. Don't move from that position until the earthquake is over. Remember, many earthquakes have aftershocks, too. Make sure to grab onto whatever you're hiding under. It should help provide you with some stability. If the furniture you are under shifts, stay with it. The earthquake may move it around. If you're already in bed, don't try to get up. You are safer there than if you tried to move somewhere else, especially if you are groggy. You could easily be cut by broken glass if you try to roll out of bed. Grab a pillow, and put it over your head. This step can provide some protection from falling objects. You can also try to cover up with a blanket, which can protect you from glass. Whether you are under a piece of furniture or not, try to use something to shield your head and face. For instance, a pillow or couch cushion can provide some protection. However, don't waste time trying to find something if the earthquake is intensifying. Also, don't leave your shelter to find a face shield. Remember that the calmer you are, the more rational decisions you will make. When you are flustered or panicked, you will not be able to make the best decisions for your safety and the safety of others. Sometimes remembering that your calm is critical is the key to staying calm. You can also try to take deep, calming breaths. For instance, try counting to four as you breathe in, then try counting to four as you breathe out. Deep breathing can help relax you even when the earth is literally shaking around you.

Summary: Stay inside. Turn off the stove and take other safety precautions. Hit the floor. Find a safe place. Hold your position. Stay in bed. Protect your head and face. Try to stay calm.

Despite the fact that their cute little faces might inspire you to want to pick them up, you should try to avoid handling your salamander. The oils on human hands can actually make salamanders sick. In turn, salamanders can also carry or make secretions that can make people sick. So, it is best for everyone involved if you simply watch your sal, rather than handle them. If you do have to handle a sal, like when picking one out or if yours is injured, wash your hands with very hot, soapy water. Take care to rinse off all of the soap. Sals from cooler climates bury themselves underground for the winter months. While it may be a bummer to have an 'empty' tank sitting around, if salamanders don't hibernate, they generally die at a younger age.
Summary: Do not handle your salamander. Allow your salamander to hibernate.