Prepare your home for Winter

GET READY FOR WINTER... Taking a few basic steps now can help you prepare your home for Winter, keeping you and your family safe. ROOF & GUTTERS Check for loose shingles and flashing. Clean out gutters and downspouts. PIPES If the temperature drops below 20 degrees, let water trickle in all faucets. TREE BRANCHES Check tree branches and trim those close to the house or power lines. WINDOWS & DOORS Check weatherstripping, patch or caulk as needed. Consider thick drapes to help keep heat inside. HOSES & FAUCETS Disconnect hoses and store inside. Locate the main SAFETY water shut-off valve and Check smoke and Carbon Monoxide know how to use it. Wrap outside pipes and spigots. detectors and replace batteries as needed. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it. If you leave for the holidays, have a neighbor check on your home daily. FURNACE Clean/replace your Check all fireplaces, chimneys and flues. filter every 4-6 weeks. EMERGENCY KIT Prepare an emergency kit: candles, matches, phone list, bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, first-aid kit, pet supplies, etc. THERMOSTAT Make sure you keep your house heated to at least 60 degrees, even when you're not home. Consider installing programmable thermostats to regulate temperature. NEXTITLE |> A TITLE & ESCROW CO. Sources: NWS, NOAA, FEMA, MSN Real Estate 2012. Information is provided for educational purposes only - user to verify.