Get Your Home Fall Ready

The calendar now says October so that means cozy sweaters, stylish boots and pumpkin yummies. It also means so much needs to be done outside your home to get it ready for the upcoming winter. This week evening temperatures may dip down to the low 20's here in Missoula, that's cold. Here is a To-Do list of what needs to be done before the snow arrives. *Make sure your hoses are removed from all the outside spickets, believe me when I tell you this can save you a homeowners insurance claim. *Have your sprinklers blown out, as this prevents pipes from freezing and ruining your sprinkler system. *Clean out your gutters and remove leaves and other debris as this can clog up and keep water in there which will eventually go under your shingles and cause water damage. *Rake up the leaves as dead leaves sitting on your grass all winter may kill the grass. *Caulk cracks in wood base windows and other entry points to help seal in the heat for this winter. *Trim trees and bushes as heavy snow and ice can cause them to crash into your home if they are not taken care of now. *Don't forget to add some cornstalks, hay bales, pumpkins and other fall items to spruce up your outside.