Preparing Your Home for the Changing Season

Signs of the changing season are everywhere you look, from turning leaves to holiday decoration displays in stores. Now is the time to get a start on preparing for the winter season. 

The following tips may help you plan for the cold, snowy months ahead.

• Arrange for a professional cleaning of your furnace.
• If you have a chimney, set an appointment for a cleaning.
• Test and service your generator.
• If you have a septic system, schedule to have it pumped before the ground freezes.
• Tune up your snow blower.
• Inspect your roof and attic and look for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may cause leaks.
• Keep runoff gutters clear to avoid potential damage to your home.
• Divert water spouts by adding extensions to your downspouts in order to keep water away from your foundation.
• Trim tree branches away from your roof, gutters, and power lines.
• Shut-off exterior water faucets and put away hoses to prevent them from freezing and/or bursting.
• Clean the lint from your clothes dryer vent and underneath the dryer.
• Inspect your washer hoses to make sure they are not bulging.
• Insulate any water pipes in unheated areas for more efficiency.
• Use proper safety measures if using a space heater.
• Restock your emergency supplies before and /or after a power outage (i.e. - batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food supplies).

Thinking ahead and making sure you are prepared will help ensure you have a worry free and claim free season.