Autumn Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year, with the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows dominating the landscape. Early morning frost sparkles in the first light of dawn, and harvest moons shine overhead.  But autumn also means the harsh winter months are ahead.  And with that in mind, you should be preparing your home for the cold weather.  Here are some tasks you should be planning.

INSIDE THE HOME

·        Make an appointment to have furnace and humidifier inspected

·        Change the furnace filter

·        Drain your water heater to clear sediment from the bottom

·        Have chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned if necessary

·        Call for delivery of firewood

·        Replace storm windows and doors; store screens after repairing

·        Seal leaks in windows with caulk or weather stripping

·        Replace worn door sweeps to stop drafts

·        Check insulation in attic and walls

·        Flip your mattresses

·        Store summer blankets and clothes, and pull out winter blankets and clothes

·        Have winter coats cleaned if you didn’t take them to the cleaners in the spring

·        Check boots for tears or leaks; make sure your children’s boots still fit them

·        Purchase extra mittens/hats/scarves to replace lost ones in a hurry, or to have on hand for guests

·        Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

·        Collect emergency supplies (including food and water) in the event of a power outage

OUTSIDE THE HOME

·        Clean, drain and cover your pool

·        Cover and store your patio furniture

·        Pick up toys and bikes from the yard and store

·        Drain the gas and oil from your lawnmower

·        Clean downspouts after leaves are done falling

·        Check that gutters are securely attached to the house

·        Check roof for missing or broken shingles/tiles

·        Check flashing around chimney for leaks

·        Fill oil or propane tanks

·        Disconnect hoses from outdoor water faucets and drain before storing

·        Drain outdoor water valves

·        Insulate your septic system and other outdoor plumbing to prevent freeze-ups

·        Caulk around entry points for all pipes and ducts in exterior wall (repeat inside the home also)

·        Trim tree branches away from the house and power lines

·        Fertilize your lawn

·        Cover perennials as necessary (leaves work well for insulation)

·        Plant early spring flower bulbs

·        Bring potted perennials indoors

·        Harvest vegetables before the first freeze

·        Prepare your snow thrower for use

·        Check snow shovels—replace if necessary

·        Lay out mats at the front and back doors to trap snow and ice

·        Place a boot tray outside the back door for wet boots

·        Buy salt for icy stairs and walkways (be careful using around plants and pets)

Don’t wait until the first snow storm to take care of these matters.  You never know when the first snow will hit.  Sometimes it’s in the middle of the night, too late to run to the store, and you’ll find yourself in a dark house without batteries for your flashlight or gas for the snow thrower.  Be prepared. 

 

 

May is for Mothers!

Since May is the month for mothers, we are devoting our blog entries to moms. We will give tips for moms at all stages of life--new moms, moms of toddlers, step-moms and grandmothers. Every child every day brings new experiences and new challenges. If prepared, these changes will be easier to handle.

FIRST-TIME MOMS

This is perhaps the most difficult of all stages, since these moms are brand new at this. They are facing the unexpected. They are being trusted with a new life, yet have no idea exactly what lies ahead.

Here are some tips for new moms:
• Other moms are great resources for you. Ask away!
• But... don't listen to everything everybody tells you. You can get conflicting or incorrect information. You are different, your circumstances are unique. Take what is useful and discard the rest.
• Your physician is your ultimate resource. They know more about you and your pregnancy than any of your friends.
• Read up and attend classes.
• Find a support group if you have any special needs such as multiple births or illness.
• Whatever your due date is, have the nursery done at least a month before that. You never know if that little one will come early.
• Don't buy every new gadget that's out there before the baby comes. Start with the basics and add as needed.
• Do not buy used equipment without checking for recalls. Is saving a few dollars worth your child's life?
• Cook several meals ahead of time and place them in your freezer. You won't have the time or energy to cook when you get home from the hospital.
• Discourage visitors your first few days home. You will need the time to bond with your child and get some well-needed rest.
• Start childproofing early. Babies surprise you with their progress!

There are too many topics to cover in one short blog entry. Check out the Gerber site for more information and advice from the pros.

Preparing for a Winter Storm--Part One

Back in 1967, the blizzard that hit Chicago caught the city and its residents by surprise. In 2011, with better technology and communications, we knew it was coming. That didn't make it any easier. But it did give us time to prepare. Here are some things you should do to prepare for a winter storm.

1. Is your snowblower working properly? If you had it serviced in the fall, you are probably in good shape. But try starting it anyway, so you can take it in BEFORE the snow arrives.

2. Even if your snowblower is working, do you have gas and oil for it? Have an extra gallon of gas on hand also. If there is a lot of snow, you will need to run it for longer than usual.

3. Are your shovels in good condition? Are the edges straight and even, or nicked and bent? Do you have a plastic shovel for wooden stairs and decks?

4. Purchase several bags or buckets of salt/de-icer. You can not only use it while it's snowing, but also when it starts to melt and turns into ice on your walks or driveway. If you have pets, purchase the pet-friendly de-icer for areas they use.

5. Wear warm clothing when shoveling. Wear layers, rather than one heavy coat. A turtleneck, hoodie and windbreaker work great for keeping you warm and dry. Remember a scarf and hat also. Two thin pair of socks under waterproof boots are best, and gloves under mittens will keep hands warm.

6. Be careful shoveling. Even those in the best shape can injure themselves if they aren't careful. Push rather than lift, keep piles low, and know when you have had enough. Do the work in smaller increments if the snow is heavy.

7. Winds will be strong. Secure all belongings outside, including furniture, garbage cans and tarps.