Fall has arrived! Here's how to get your home ready for the colder months...

1. Get those gutters cleaned! An old plastic spatula makes a great tool for cleaning gutters. It won't scratch your gutter. If you don't want to put in too much elbow grease this autumn, consider hiring a gutter cleaning service. 

2- Your lawn still needs attention. Aerate the soil this fall. Aerating means you simply make holes on the ground that removes plugs of soil. This process is key to maintain a good looking lawn, helping grass roots thrive. Fall is the perfect time to tackle this job, and it won't be too hot to get the job done. 

3- Drain garden hoses! It can be easy to forget putting your garden hoses away for the winter. However, freezing water in an undrained hose can cause problems. Blast out the water with an air compressor or stretch them out over a slope. 

4- Here's an important one: clean your chimney. Schedule your chimney cleaning service including an inspection for soot buildup, obstructions, cracks in the liner and water damage. 

5- Make a winter driving kit to keep in your car. If you have teen drivers - get them to help and make sure they know it is in the trunk. Items like "Fix a Flat," a candle-powered heater, small LED flashlight, extra cell phone charger, air compressor, simple tool kit, cat litter or safety absorbent, jumper cables, foldable shovel, first aid kit, hat & gloves, and  blanket can provide you some peace in the event of an emergency!

Here's to a SAFE and happy Fall!