10 Tips for Florida homeowners on Fall Home Maintenance
#1 Review Your Disaster Preparedness Kit
In the event of an emergency, it may require duration of three (3) days or more for governmental entities such as FEMA or first responders to reach the affected area. It is crucial to bear in mind that while one may anticipate assistance within three days, it is prudent to prepare for a timeframe of five days.
It’s crucial to inspect your disaster supply kit and make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming season—or any unforeseen weather events—when hurricane season concludes on November 30. Stop putting it off and put together a disaster supply kit if you don’t already have one! Florida is the state in the United States that experiences more hurricanes than any other; therefore it’s important to always be ready.
Here are 12 items that should be in your emergency supplies kit are listed below:
Solar-operated phone charger. ( Example: https://amzn.to/46Qd4xO )
Medical kit/First Aid Kits: Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. (Example: https://amzn.to/3Qkultr )
Non-Prescription Drugs and Prescription Drugs. Have a supply of two weeks’ worth of medication.
Sanitation such as toilet paper, wipes etc.
Flashlight – Be sure to have extra batteries or solar charger. ( Example of a solar powered flashlight https://amzn.to/3M4nJNo )
Rechargeable Radio ( Example: https://amzn.to/46xqMWp )
Baby Items such as formula, baby wipes, dippers and change of clothing.
Important paperwork, including information on your homeowners insurance. Keep these records in a water-proof, portable container
Bedding such as blankets and sleeping bags and maybe a small tent in the unfortunate event that you will need to sleep outdoors.
Meals that won’t spoil/Nonperishable foods. Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food (requires no refrigeration, preparation / cooking, and little or no water). If you must heat food, pack some Sterno’s.
Store one gallon of water per person per day (for at least 3 days).
Pet supplies
#2 Clean Your Gutters
One of the most crucial forms of home maintenance is ensuring that your gutters have been cleaned. If you live in a house or townhome, you will likely need to clean them yourself. Condo owners should contact maintenance to ensure that it has been taken care of. It is also essential to clean out your gutters anytime your area has been hit by a hurricane or tropical weather.
#3 Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This is an opportune moment to ensure that the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have been checked and are fully working before commencing the use of your fireplace and heating system.
#4 Fire Extinguishers
Ensure that a multi-purpose fire extinguisher is readily accessible. Verify that it is fully charged and operational.
#5 Make Exterior Repairs
It is common for Floridians to overlook inspecting their homes after hurricane season. Even the slightest of storms can cause damage to your property. Take a stroll around your premises and examine your roof, siding, and foundation. Look out for any small gaps that could allow critters to enter your home. The tiniest of cracks can welcome a host of unwanted guests into your home. Any cracks will release heat, making it more expensive to warm your home. Seal up cracks with caulk and weather stripping to save money on your electric bill.
#6 Clean and Replace Filters in Your HVAC System
If it has been months since you last changed your furnace’s filter, now is the time to do so to ensure that your system runs smoothly. Clogged filters make it harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, which can significantly increase your utility bills and cost you more money.
#7 Get Your Heating System Checked
Contact a heating professional to give your system a check-up and ensure that it will continue to function throughout the colder months.
#8 Clean Your Dryer
Thoroughly clean your dryer vents in the fall. During the winter months, there will be drier air, which means more static electricity. A buildup of lint in your dryer could cause a fire if you do not clean it regularly
#9 Check electrical outlets.
Ensure that electrical outlets are checked for loose-fitting plugs or receptacles. It is imperative to avoid overloading electrical outlets.
#10 It is recommended to inspect your roof thoroughly.
It is crucial to replace any broken or cracked shingles in order to prevent leaks caused by winter storms. This maintenance task is of utmost importance as it prevents potential larger issues within your home. Once a leak occurs, it becomes more time-consuming to identify the source of the problem. Stand in your yard and utilize a pair of binoculars to carefully examine the roof for any loose, curled, damaged, or missing shingles. Additionally, inspect the areas around vents and chimneys for any signs of damage. It may be a good idea to have a professional roofing company do an annual inspection.
BONUS!! Consider reversing the direction of your ceiling fans.
If your fans possess a reverse switch, activate it to rotate the blades in a clockwise direction. This will effectively push warm air downwards into the room, enhancing the efficiency of your home’s heating system and resulting in energy bill savings.
