This Month...

School starting reminds me that autumn is on its way.  Here are some tips my insurance agent shared with me and I am passing along to you and your family.

• Check all window and door locks for proper operation.
• Check around your home for water leaks.  Look for water stains on ceilings, walls and floors.
• Review cooking safety rules with your family.
• Review your fire escape plan with your family.
• Check the roof for missing, loose or damaged shingles.
• Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts.  Downspouts should direct the water away from the foundation.
• Have a heating professional check your heating system every year.
• Check the condition of the flashings at chimneys, vents and skylights.
• Checks the fascia and trim for deterioration.
• Replace your furnace filter.
• Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
• Test your emergency generator.
• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.
• Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Make sure the caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat loss.
• Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the subflooring.