• Check all window and door locks for proper operation
• Check your home for water leaks
• Review your fire escape plan with your family
• Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
• Have a heating professional check your heating system every year
• Protect your home from frozen pipes
• 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 around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss
• Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring

• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic
• Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home
• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Check the attic for adequate ventilation
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets

• Replace your furnace filter
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check your electrical system
• Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible.
• Make sure the light bulbs in all your fixtures are the correct wattage
• Review your fire escape plan with your family
• Consider installing a lightning protection system on your home
• Protect all your electrical appliances from power surges and lightning
• Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer
• Check for damage to your roof
• Run through a severe-weather drill with your family
• Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level walking surface
• Protect your home from sewer or drain back-up losses
• Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration
• Check your water heater
• Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
• Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
• Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Check all recreational equipment and review outdoor safety tips
• Check your wood deck or concrete patio for possible deterioration
• Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
• Check exterior siding
• Check all window and door locks for proper operation
• Have your roof inspected for potential leaks once every few years
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Decks should be clean and sealed at least every two to three years.
• Check your home for water leaks
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Check your water heater
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Socialize your dog to help reduce potential dog bites

General

• Reduce your energy use by first tightening up your home. You'll cut your heating and cooling costs by 15 to 30 percent and increase your comfort at the same time.