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# Seasonal CRD Preparedness Tips

# October: Home Preparedness Tips

During this season, weather will be colder and snow close behind. These are general preparedness tips to prepare your home for the cooler weather and change of temperature. It is best to get a head start by completing the tips below sooner rather than later.

## Home Preparedness Tips

### 1. Cleaning the Gutters:

Leaves and grime have built up in the gutters throughout the spring and summer. If these are left full of debris, then rain and ice can form. This will prevent your gutters from working effectively. Not only will drains be unable to disperse the water properly, but it can increase energy costs for the home.

### 2. Keeping the Inside Air In and the Outside Air Out:

Air leaks in the home contribute to a high amount of extra energy costs every month. Warm air, in the winter, will escape through any cracks and cause your furnace to have to work harder. Use caulk to seal cracks in door frames and seals.

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### 3. Cleaning the Furnace:

It is very important to clean the furnace yearly. It’s probably been a long time since you last powered it on, and it’s important to clean the build-up of sediment. Uncleaned furnaces can be a fire hazard. Also, a dirty filter will decrease air flow and energy efficiency.



### 4. Maintaining Air Ducts:

It is easy to forget the air ducts, but it is important to properly insulate and seal them. Tightly sealed and insulate ducts can save a lot of money in annual energy bills.

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### 5. Lighting Improvements:

It may be a good idea to invest in LED light bulbs. Winter has some of the shortest days of the year, and lights are left on for longer periods of time. LED's are more energy efficient and last much longer than regular incandescent lights.

## Sources:

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/cozy-colder-weather-5-ways-prepare-your-home-fall-and-winter-part-1

https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-do-i-prepare-my-home-for-fall

https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/are-you-ready-guide.pdf