Home Safety Checklist

Here at Southwest Insurance Center in Austin, TX, we want to make sure that you will be ready for the worst winter can throw at you so that you will be able to head off those costly repairs by performing some small preventative tasks. 

  • Stow your lawn mower and make sure that you drain the fuel out of it first.  If you aren’t going to drain the fuel from it, use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from deteriorating over the winter.
  • Turn outdoor water sources off and drain then store your hoses.  Leaving the hoses in place could lead to water staying and then freezing in them or the pipes and ultimately busting your pipes.
  • Drain your irrigation or sprinkler system and turn it off.
  • Clean your gutters and when you have them cleaned out, check them for any damage.  Replace or repair as necessary.  Also clean and flush out your down spouts.
  • Check door and window frames for drafts.  If you find any, seal the with caulk or weather stripping.  Also check for cracks between the siding and the trim and seal these as well.
  • Inspect your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles.  Remember that it is easier to fix a leak now than it will be when it is freezing outside.
  • If there is any drainage in your yard, direct it away from your home.
  • Whether you use a furnace r a central HVAC system, get it serviced before turning it on for the first time.
  • If you have any bushes or plants in your yard, prune them before the first frost.
  • If you happen to have a fireplace, hire a chimney sweep to clean any soot or creosote out of your chimney before you use it.  While he is there, also get him to make sure that your damper is in working order.