Fall has arrived and it’s time to prepare for Winter. We don’t know if El Nino is going to dump on us or ignore us, but there are still things we as homeowners need to do in order to prepare for cold weather. Here’s a honey-do list for inside and out that can clip and put on the refrigerator to check off each item you complete:

Indoors:

-schedule a checkup on your HVAC system and make sure to change out your furnace filters.

-insulate any exposed pipes in areas under sinks in the home and garage

-if you use your fireplace, have the chimney cleaned. Trash pandas often find housing there!

-you’ve heard of Spring cleaning? Do Fall cleaning by weeding out your refrigerator, freezer and pantry areas. Throw out expired items. Clean the coils/air filters on your refrigerators and dryer vents. Purchase new sponges and clean out the filter in your dishwasher.

-deep dust light fixtures and under beds

-and every quarter make sure you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries

-make sure your GO BOX is ready if there’s an emergency and you have to vacate your home. Make a STAY BOX full of flashlights, batteries and stockpiles of things you might need at home if you lose power for several days. Buy a crank radio and solar phone/laptop charge (both shouldn’t cost much)

-check your fire extinguisher to see if it’s in the green zone

-clean your range hood

-transition your closet from summer to winter and donate clothes to local charities

Outdoors:

-disinfect and clean out your garbage cans for the season

-rake leaves and trim landscape

-secure any steps or handrails

-fix any walkways and seal any cracks

-wash all the windows inside and out

-clean and then cover your patio furniture and if you have room, store it out of the elements

-winterize your swamp cooler and your sprinkler system. Shut off water to outside spigots and cover them with insulation. Disconnect hoses and bring in yard tools

-put up storm windows and doors if you have them. Winterize windows by putting up heat activated visqueen plastic.  Insulate around windows and doors, seal any cracks you may find.

-trim trees, especially any that may hang close or over the home in case of high snows and winds. Apply fertilizer to grass and trees.  Rake leaves and aerate your lawn.

-get your roof inspected and clean out gutters and downspouts. You don’t want full gutters in extreme cold as ice dams can form and water can then leak into the home

-save energy by insulating your garage door against Winter cold

-clean up your BBQ grill. If it’s powered by propane, get an extra propane tank. IF power /gas goes out in the winter, you can always use your BBQ to warm or cook food

-replace font and side doormats

-find your snow plow/shovel and fill up your sidewalk salt/snow melt to get ready for snow