As the leaves begin to change colors it is a great time to start thinking about how to ready your property for the inevitable ice and snow to come in the months ahead. As the temperature drops your home is going to require maintenance to make sure it is going to perform to the highest level, and most of it sounds somewhat routine and easy, because it is. Here are some steps to make sure that Ol’ Mother Nature doesn’t make your holiday season a dreary one:

• Furnace Inspection – It would make sense that one of the first items you make sure is prepared is the one that keeps you warm and heats your living space. This is a nice job to have a professional come to take a look at and make sure your ducts are clean. Also, stock up on furnace filters and change them about once a month, and remove all flammable material away from the area surrounding your furnace. If a hot water radiator heats your home, then bleed the valves by opening them slightly, and when water appears close them.
• Prepare Fireplace – Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and other creatures. Have the chimney swept out if you have not had it cleaned in some time, or don’t know the last time it was cleaned. Also, stock up on firewood or chop wood and store in a dry place.
• Check the exterior of the home including windows and doors – Inspect the outside of your home for cracks and entry points for pipes and seal them.  Use weather-stripping around doors to make sure that cold air doesn’t enter the home and caulk windows.
• Inspect roof and gutters – Adding insulation to your attic or crawl space can very effective in preventing ice dams by not letting warm air get near the roof, which creates rapid snow melt. Also considering installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts is a good way to redirect water from the home. Use a hose to spray downspouts and clear away debris.
• Check foundations – Small entry points around your residence are a great way for critters to try and gain access to your home during the winter, make sure they are completely sealed. Tuck-point or seal any foundation cracks as well as mice can slip through space as thin as a dime. It is also a good idea to rake away all debris or edible vegetation away from the home.
• Prevent plumbing freezes – One of the most important aspects of this is locating your water main in the event that you need to shut it off immediately for an emergency. Drain all garden hoses and air conditioning pipes, and if your air conditioner has a water shut off valve, turn it off. If you leave to go on vacation, set a locked temperature in your home for at least 55 degrees.
• Prepare an emergency kit – Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food around your home (including pet food if you have a pet), blankets and a first aid kit in a dry, easy to reach location. Organize all import emergency contact information and phone numbers including the numbers of your utility companies and put them near your main phone in the home. And in case of an emergency make sure you and others within the home have an evacuation plan you are all familiar with.

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