Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts. Your roof’s drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your house’s exterior and foundation walls. That’s why it is so essential to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to broken exterior surfaces and to water in your basement. They are also extra prone to rust and corrosion. Before the leaves fly this fall, have your gutters cleaned, then covered with mesh guards to keep debris from returning.

Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors with weather-stripping and caulk.

Inspect your roof for broken or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.

Take actions to repair broken sidewalks, driveways, and steps.

Drain and winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.

Clean or replace dirty furnace filters.

Have a experienced technician inspect your heat source.

Check fireplaces for soot or creosote build-up. Even better, schedule a check out from a reputable chimney sweep.

Clean the plates or pads to make sure of effective operation. Clean with diluted bleach solution if needed.

If you have a gas-fired room heater, have it inspected by a pro. Also, perform any routine maintenance advised by the maker.

Wood stoves are experiencing a comeback. To steer clear of a deadly situations, be sure to inspect yours just before firing it up.

Verifying a residence’s safety ought to be an annual ritual in just about every household. Test alarm systems and inspect locks. Test smoke and CO monitors, inspect (or install) fire extinguishers, critique fire escape plans, and rid your household of old newspapers and other fire hazard