Wondering what you can do to help keep you home in good shape and your family and memories protected through out the year. The following are some simple guidelines to help you do exactly that:
FALL HINTS:
- Check all window and door locks for proper operation.
- Check around your home for water leaks. Look for water stains on ceilings, walls and floors.
- Review cooking safety rules with your family.
- Review your fire escape plan with your family.
- Check the roof for missing, loose or damages shingles.
- Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts. Downspouts should direct the water away from the foundation.
- Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.
- Check the condition of the flashings at chimneys, vents and skylights.
- Check the fascia and trim for deterioration.
- Replace your furnace filter.
- Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
- Test your emergency generator.
- Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.
- Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Make sure the caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat loss.
- Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the subflooring.
WINTER HINTS:
- Check the main water shutoff valve as well as the valve at each plumbing fixture to ensure they function properly.
- Disconnect all garden hoses and use frost-proof exterior faucets.
- Locate and insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing. Usually those near outer walls, in crawl spaces and in the attic are at risk.
- Shut off and drain the water system in your home (except indoor sprinkler systems) before an extended vacation.
- Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator ice maker and dishwasher for signs of leaks. Replace the hoses if there are any cracks, bubbles or worn areas.
- When the outside temperatures are below freezing, allow a trickle of water to drip from hot and cold faucets -- especially those that are located near and exterior wall. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach un-insulated pipes under sink and where appliances are near exterior walls.
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SPRING HINTS:
- Replace your furnace filter.
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
- Check all electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs and look for burn marks at the main-electrical panel. Check all ground fault circuit interrupter-type outlets.
- Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks for a level surface.
- Make sure the light bulbs in all your fixtures are the correct wattage.
- Consider installing a lightning-protection system on your home.
- Protect electrical appliances from power surges by installing surge protectors.
- Have a professional air-conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Review your fire escape plan with your family.
- Check for roof deterioration before spring showers begin.
- Run through a severe-weather drill with your family.
- Clean clothes dryer exhaust duck, damper and space under the dryer.
- Check the sump pump for proper operation. Consider installing a battery backup for the sump pump if you don’t already have one.
- Replace all extension cords that have become brittle or worn.
- Inspect and clean the covers of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries in all units.
SUMMER HINTS:
- Check all recreational equipment, and review outdoor safety tips.
- Check exterior siding or brick veneer for damage, deterioration or other areas where water can enter the home.
- Check all window and door locks for proper operation.
- Trim shrubs, bushes and tree limbs away from the house.
- Check around your home for water leaks. Look around fixtures, equipment and appliances that use water.
- Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator ice maker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
- Check your hot water heater for signs of leaks. Flush sediment out of the hot water heater (per manufacturer’s instructions).
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- Lock all windows and doors.
- Have newspaper and mail stopped or regularly pick up by a trusted neighbor.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home.
- Make sure a neighbor knows where the water main shutoff is located in the event of a broken pipe.
- Set timers on interior lights to deter burglars.
- Unplug TV, computer and appliances susceptible to lightning and power surges.
- Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended vacation.
- Take jewelry and valuable papers to a safe-deposit box.
- Arrange for care of pets.
- Turn off water valves to your washing machine, ice maker and dishwasher.
- Set the heat in your home to no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let a trusted person know how to reach you for an emergency.
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