Ready for Winter Checklist

November has arrived and along with it, a long to-do list for homeowners preparing for snow and cold.  Seniors may need help getting ready for the winter; the following is a checklist that can be shared with family and friends to help older loved-ones remain safe at home during the colder months.

• Rake leaves from grass and flowerbeds
• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Clocks turned back, it’s time to replace the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have the furnace serviced to ensure it is in good working order and change the filters
• Have wood-burning chimneys professionally swept and inspected
• Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows
• Drain and store garden hoses
• Store patio furniture
• Dust off the refrigerator condenser coil
• Arrange for snow removal – bring out a shovel and salt/sand for icy areas
• Bring winter clothes and boots to the front of the closet
• Stock the pantry with a good supply of dry and canned goods
• Make sure at least one working flashlight is handy
• Check vehicle(s) for services needed, tires and fluids – put a brush/scraper in the car

Many community organizations such as the Boy Scouts or the United Way coordinate volunteer fall leaf cleanups for seniors.  Some municipalities offer a service to help seniors remove heavy snow left by plows at the end of their driveways (windrow clearing).  Contact your city office for more information.