Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Once a month, press the test button on every smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm until you hear the full alert, then confirm each unit’s indicator light functions per the manufacturer’s instructions. Perform alarm testing at a time when all occupants can recognize the sound. Replace batteries in replaceable-battery models at least annually or when a low-battery chirp occurs; don’t disable units during cooking—use the hush feature. For detector maintenance, vacuum the sensor vents with a soft brush to remove dust, and avoid paint or aerosol exposure. Verify you have alarms inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, including the basement, per current codes. Replace smoke alarms at 10 years and CO alarms per label life. Document test dates and locations.

Service and Prepare Your Heating System

Start early by scheduling a licensed HVAC professional to inspect, clean, and tune your furnace or boiler before sustained cold weather. Ask for combustion analysis, heat exchanger inspection, and verification that gas pressures, safeties, and vents meet local code. Replace or wash filters, clear return and supply registers, and guarantee condensate drains are unobstructed.

Confirm thermostat settings: set heat mode, calibrate accuracy, and program efficient schedules. Test system start-up, burner ignition, blower operation, and shutdown cycles. If you have radiators, bleed trapped air and check for leaks. For oil systems, service the nozzle and filter. Keep three feet of clearance around equipment and store combustibles elsewhere.

Document heating maintenance, note model/serial numbers, and label emergency shutoffs. Install a service reminder for mid-season checks.

Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Although cooler air can reveal hidden leaks, you don’t need to wait to hunt them down: perform a systematic draft check around windows, doors, and trim using your hand, an incense stick, or a smoke pencil on a breezy day. Mark gaps and note locations. For draft prevention, replace worn weather stripping on door jambs and sweeps; choose UL- or ASTM-rated products for durability. Caulk stationary gaps with paintable, low-VOC sealant; use backer rod for joints wider than 1/4 inch. At windows, lock sashes, adjust strikes, and add V-channel or foam weather stripping to meeting rails. Shim loose casings and secure with corrosion-resistant fasteners. Verify operable egress windows still open freely after sealing. Test again for leaks, then document materials and dates for maintenance.

Inspect and Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces

With drafts sealed and egress confirmed, turn to the hearth before heating season. Schedule annual chimney maintenance with a CSIA- or WETT-certified sweep. They’ll inspect flue liners, smoke chambers, caps, and crowns, then remove creosote to NFPA 211 standards. Verify clearances to combustibles, intact hearth extension, and functional damper. Replace cracked firebrick or refractory panels and repair mortar joints.

For fireplace safety, test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, and keep a Class A:B:C extinguisher nearby. Install a tight-fitting spark screen or tempered-glass doors. Burn only seasoned hardwood; never use treated wood or accelerants. Confirm the chimney cap and spark arrestor are secure and bird-guarded. Check gasket seals on wood stoves, service blowers, and sweep connector pipes. Document all work for insurance compliance.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Before fall storms arrive, clear gutters and downspouts to prevent roof leaks, ice dams, and foundation damage. Wear cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip shoes. Use a stable ladder with a spotter and follow the 4:1 rule. Remove leaves, needles, and asphalt grit; bag debris, don’t flush it into drains. Rinse troughs with a hose and verify positive slope toward outlets.

Check seams, hangers, and fascia for corrosion, rot, or loose fasteners; replace with stainless or galvanized hardware. Seal joints with exterior-grade gutter sealant. Confirm downspout installation meets local code: secure every 10 feet, add elbows, and direct discharge at least 5–10 feet from the foundation via splash blocks or extensions. As part of gutter maintenance, install screens or guards and test for leaks.

Check Outdoor Lighting and Pathway Safety

A safe exterior starts with verifying that all fixtures, switches, and circuits operate reliably and meet code. Test GFCI-protected outdoor receptacles and replace any cracked covers. Inspect luminaires for corrosion, loose mounting, or moisture; upgrade to wet-rated, LED fixtures with sealed gaskets. Confirm photocells and timers function and adjust schedules for shorter days to enhance outdoor visibility.

Walk each path at dusk. Replace dim or flickering lamps, aiming light to avoid glare and shadows. Maintain uniform illumination: 10–20 lumens per square foot for steps, more at entry thresholds. Label breakers, tighten wire nuts, and use weatherproof boxes and in-use covers. For pathway maintenance, secure loose pavers, level thresholds, and add high-contrast, non-slip tread on stairs. Trim light spill from windows to preserve night vision.

Prepare Yard and Trees for Fall Weather

Though summer growth can hide problems, start fall prep by inspecting trees, shrubs, and drainage with a safety-first checklist. Prioritize yard maintenance that reduces wind and water hazards. Schedule certified tree pruning to remove dead, diseased, or crossing limbs; keep branches 10 feet from roofs and service drops per utility guidance. Secure or replace weak stakes and cabling. Clear gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks; extend leaders 4–6 feet from the foundation to prevent seepage. Grade soil to slope away at least 5% for the first 10 feet.

Rake leaves off lawns, decks, and drains to prevent slip hazards and clogging. Store furniture, grills, and planters or anchor them to resist gusts. Inspect fences, gates, and sheds for loose hardware. Wear PPE and call pros for high or complex work.

Review Emergency Supplies and Safety Plans

Inventory drives readiness: audit your home’s emergency kits and plans against trusted checklists (CDC, FEMA) and your local hazards. Confirm you’ve got water (one gallon per person per day for three days), nonperishables, manual can opener, headlamps, batteries, whistle, first aid, medications, N95s, copies of IDs, cash, chargers, and pet supplies. Date-check food, meds, and batteries; replace anything expired. Store one kit per floor and a car kit.

Map two exits per room, post evacuation routes, and test window egress. Verify smoke and CO alarms on every level; test monthly, replace batteries, and note manufacture dates. Practice safety drills: fire, earthquake, severe weather, and shelter-in-place. Assign roles, designate reunification spots, and confirm out-of-area contact. Update plans for mobility, infants, and pets.

Conclusion

You’ve covered the essentials to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable. Test detectors, service heating, and seal drafts to stay code-compliant and energy smart. Clean chimneys and gutters to prevent fires and water damage. Verify outdoor lighting and stabilize walkways to reduce trip hazards. Trim trees and secure yard items for wind events. Finally, refresh emergency supplies and practice your plan. Do these checks now, and you’ll head into fall secure, cozy, and ready for anything.