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September Safety Checks for a Cozy and Secure Season
As fall approaches, your house requires extra care to stay cozy and secure during the changing weather. Our real estate agents at Joyce Realty understand that maintaining your property's safety features protects your family and preserves your home's value, whether you're preparing for autumn or getting ready to sell.
Key Fall Safety Steps for Your House
Check and Service Your Heating System
September is the best time to get your yearly heating system check-up before it gets cold. Make sure your furnace works well after not being used for months. Replace the furnace filter now and stock up on extras to change monthly during the heating season. Test your thermostat by running it, and think about getting a programmable or smart thermostat to control temperature better and save energy.
Your heating expert should look at:
- The heat exchanger for breaks or cracks
- Parts of the burner and ignition system
- Ventilation and exhaust systems
- Ability to detect carbon monoxide
Look at and Clean Your Chimney and Fireplace
Before you start that first warm fire, you need to make sure your chimney and fireplace are clean and in good shape. The buildup of creosote from past seasons poses a significant fire risk that requires professional removal. Book a certified chimney sweep to check your flue, damper, and chimney cap. Look at your fireplace screen for any damage and get a new one if you need to, so sparks don't fly out.
Check Your Home's Fire Safety Gear
Your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors play a crucial role as you shut windows and begin to use heating systems. Check all detectors every month and swap out batteries right away when necessary. Keep in mind that you should replace smoke detectors every decade, while carbon monoxide detectors last between five and seven years. Make or update your family's plan to escape a fire, making sure everyone knows two exit routes from each room.
Put fire extinguishers in key spots around your home:
- Kitchen area, and not close to the stove
- Garage or workshop
- Near the fireplace or wood stove
- Hallway on the upper floor
Make Your Home's Exterior Entry Points Safe
As days get shorter, outdoor lighting and security play a crucial role in keeping your family safe. Take a stroll around your property when it starts to get dark to spot shadowy areas that need extra lights. Install motion-activated lights near doorways, driveways, and paths to deter potential burglars and prevent people from stumbling or falling. Make sure all your door locks and deadbolts work, using graphite powder to lubricate them if they're sticking.
Get Ready for Weather-Related Emergencies
September's changing weather patterns make it essential to get your household ready for emergencies. Stock up your emergency kit with new batteries, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio. Check your home insurance policy to see what it covers for wind, water, and other weather damage. Take pictures or videos of your stuff for insurance reasons.
Your emergency supplies should have:
- Three days of water for each person
- Food that won't go bad
- First aid kit and medicines
- Key papers in a waterproof box
Deal with Indoor Air Quality Issues
As windows shut for the season, keeping healthy indoor air quality becomes crucial for your family's health. Clean or swap out HVAC filters, vacuum air vents and registers, and consider getting your air ducts cleaned by professionals if you notice dust buildup or unusual smells. Check your home for radon if you've never done so before, as this invisible, odorless gas can harm your health.
If you're checking out homes for sale in Rockland County or looking at houses on the market in Bergen County, these safety steps will protect your investment and help you sleep better at night. To learn more about taking care of your current home or finding a new place that ticks all your safety boxes, contact us at Joyce Realty today.
Corporate Headquarters
7 E Central Ave, Unit 15, Pearl River, NY 10965Phone: 800-ASK-JOYCE (800-275-5692)
