Preparing Your Home for Fall

With fall around the corner, it’s a great time to start prepping your home for the cooler months. It's better to be ready for the cold season…before it hits. State Farm offers up some fall maintenance tips for your home:

Windows and Doors

• Check all windows and doors for proper operation and seal.
• Windows that can be opened by breaking the glass and unlocking them, are less effective deterrents to criminals. Check with the hardware store for window lock alternatives.
• All exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.

Stairs

• Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs.
• Tile and painted wood or concrete stairs can be slippery when wet or when a person's shoes are wet. Resurface the treads with slip-resistant strips near the stair nosing.
• All stairs of at least three risers should have a handrail.
• Do not store items on the stairs.

Heating

• Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.
• Woodburning stove connector pipes and chimneys should be inspected by a certified chimney sweep at least annually.
• Replace your furnace frequently to allow your heating system to operate properly.
• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace.
• Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.

Source: RISMedia