Fall is the time to prepare for winter—cold and wet conditions not only make you miserable, but they can damage your home. Some winterizing can wait, some can’t. Make a list of what needs to be done and tackle the time-sensitive tasks first. Here’s a simple checklist from the association to help you get a jump on winter.
Indoor Winterizing
Examine doors and replace weather-stripping as needed.
Examine window caulking and reseal where needed.
Examine and repair vents where needed (you may find cracked open vents housing birds).
Clean chimneys and flues.
Remove items near heat vents.
Place nonskid runners or door mats outside to help keep water, sand and salt out of the house.
Outdoor Winterizing
Cut back tree branches and shrubs that block light.
Examine outdoor handrails and tighten if needed.
Turn off electrical breakers for outdoor equipment.
Close hose bibs.
Clean out gutters and downspouts.
Clear yard drains.
Spray outdoor locks and hinges with lubricant.
Assemble, stockpile or refresh winter supplies:
Batteries
Candles and matches
Ice melt and deicer
Sand
Snow shovels
Generator fuel
Antifreeze
Although we live in the “South” we can get icy weather and some snow. It is best to be prepared for the worst and know that we can handle it.
Have a wonderful Fall season.