It is that time of year again.  Do yourself a favor and prepare early. 

1. Clean Your Gutters
   Cleaning out your gutters will help to prevent ice dams and resulting water damage.
2. Bring in the Hose
   Remove all hoses, drain and store them. Close the valves and insulate the faucet.
3. Clear the yard.
   Trim or remove dead branches from trees. Remove and store anything in the yard that could be blown around in the wind. 
4. Insulate Pipes
   Protect against frozen pipes by insulating any susceptible to freezing temperatures.  If temperatures drop severely, drip a faucet to deter them from freezing and bursting.

5. Service Heating System
   If you have not already, schedule your annual maintenance for any furnaces, boilers and chimneys to clean out any buildup and keep them working safely.
6. Test Detectors
   Fires and carbon monoxide exposures are more common in winter, so it is especially important to ensure that all detectors are in good working condition.
7. Seal Up
   Caulk cracks and holes, and install weather stripping around windows, doors, air conditioners, etc. to stop cold air from getting in.
8. Keep the House Warm
   Make sure that the house is well insulated and keep the temp 65 degrees to help prevent ice dams and frozen pipes

9. Get Ready
   Get all your winter gear, like shovels and salt ready and make sure they are accessible in the event of a storm. If you have a snowblower, check that it is in good working condition and have gasoline in a safe place.   

Now, you can sit back and enjoy the holidays and cozy weekends!