Use this October Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist to get your home ready for the change in seasons and to protect your family. October is fire safety month. There’s a printable checklist available for a reminder. You love your family and your home – protect both and you’ll enjoy a beautiful space for years to come with your loved ones.
We know life gets busy so we’ve kept this concise and simple for you. The printable checklist will be a handy reminder for you too.
Included are home safety tips. Be proactive and take small steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Fall asleep rest assured you took steps to ensure a safe home for your family.
9 OCTOBER HOME MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY TASKS CHECKLIST
1. CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS
Replace your furnace air filter. Clean your furnace/ac unit, air ducts and replace any other air filters throughout your home. There are many HVAC companies that’ll come to your home for a nominal fee and clean and service your heating and ac unit.
Changing filters is an easy one. You can order them right now so you don’t forget.
2. CLEAR OUT RAIN GUTTERS AND DOWN SPOUTS
Clean gutters, downspouts and clear blockages. This is a leading cause of water damage to a home. The water gets blocked and causes damage to the exterior landscape, building and flooding can occur as a result of the blockage.
Any type of activity on the roof can pose danger. Consider calling in a pro. Cleaning costs average $70-$200 depending on your home.
3. CHECK FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND HAVE A SAFETY KIT
October is fire safety month. Now is a good time to have a fire safety and evacuation conversation with your family.
Check to make sure your fire extinguishers work. If you don’t have one now is a good time to get one or a few.
Head on over to this article from FEMA “Choosing & Using Fire Extinguishers.” They go through the types of fire extinguishers available and offer tips on using and maintaining them. Google some videos on how to use fire extinguishers or better yet contact your local fire department and ask about community events and training on proper fire extinguisher usage.
Consider having a Fire Safety Kit (with a ladder) in your home. There are different types out there. Do some research and see which ones will fit your situation. You can start here and see if this kit works for your needs.
4. CLEAN OUT DRYER LINT
Dryer fires account for 2,900 annual fires. Try and get in the habit of cleaning this every time you wash. “Failure to remove lint from the dryer is the leading cause of dryer fires”
5. CLEAN YOUR FIREPLACE
Make sure it’s clean with no debris inside. Birds love to nest in it so make sure it’s clear. Consider having a chimney sweep come in.
Protect you and your family from a fire and possible carbon monoxide poisoning. This article offers tips on what to look for when hiring a professional chimney sweep.
6. STOW THE HOSE AND WINTERIZE YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Get your outdoor water system winterized before freezing temperatures arrive and cause damage. Put your hose in the garage and winterize your irrigation system.
7. SEAL YOUR OUTDOOR SURFACE AREAS
Those small gaps and cracks on your home’s exterior can impact both your heating bill and cause water damage.
Take some time and seal your outdoor surface areas.
8. CLEAN AND PROTECT OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Wash and protect your outdoor furniture and appliances. The elements can cause further damage.
Take a look at these tips for proper cleaning, maintenance and storage ideas.
9. AERATE AND FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN
Lawn fall preparation is key to a healthy upcoming spring and summer lawn.
Prepare your lawn with these fall tips and you’ll enjoy a lush lawn and have far less to do this upcoming spring!
