Remove
the screens from the storm window frames and install
storm windows.
Storm windows help
reduce the cost to heat your home and help prevent
windowsills from rotting.
Clean out gutters
and downspouts.
Cleaning debris
and fallen leaves reduces the chances of an
ice dam forming. One good step is to spray
water down the downspouts to wash away leaves
and other debris. A good tip is to place gutter
screens over gutters. Read
more about ice dams at attic ventilation and
water damage.
Extreme caution should be
exercised when working on or around the roof. Consider
hiring a professional.
Insulate pipes
in your home's crawl spaces and attic.
These
exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
Remember: the more insulation you use, the
better protected your pipes will be.
Store firewood
at least 30 feet away from your home.
This
will reduce a home's fire load and the chance
of attracting termites.
Familiarize responsible
family members with the main gas valve and
other appliance valves. Responsible
family members should be familiar with the
location and operation of valves. If you are
unsure of the location and operation of these
valves, contact a qualified plumber.
Clean the clothes
dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under
the dryer.
Poor
maintenance allows lint to build up in the
exhaust duct and may cause a fire.
Make sure all
electrical holiday decorations have tight connections.
If
possible, use 3-prong plugs and cords. The
use of 2-prong adapters, which permit 3-prong
plugs to be used in 2-prong outlets, doesn't
always provide grounding to protect against
shock. Unplug decorations when not in use.
Use of extension
cords should be temporary.
To
help reduce the chances of overheating, electric
cords, including extension cords, should never
be bundled together or run under rugs and carpet.
Check the attic
for adequate ventilation.
Check
the exterior wall to be sure the ceiling insulation
is not blocking the outside air from the soffit
vents from getting into the attic. Make sure
the attic has plenty of vents. Caution should
be taken in all attic spaces that are unfinished.
Read more at Attic
ventilation and water damage.
Clean the kitchen
exhaust hood and air filter.
Keeping
this clean of cooking grease will help keep
a stovetop fire from spreading.
Check water hoses
on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker
and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
Replace hoses that show signs of leaking. Read
more about Preventing
water damage in your home.
Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter
(GFCI) outlets.
These
need to be tripped and reset once a month.
If they do not trip or reset, have the outlet
changed by a qualified electrician. These types
of outlets are required around wet areas like
bathrooms and kitchens to offer protection
against shock. Only a qualified electrician
should make changes in your home's electrical
system.
