Sweet Talks - November 28th

'Tis the season to be jolly...not to be worried about home maintenance.  Christmas trees have sprouted in living rooms all around the country, cookies are being baked in preparation for a visit from Old Saint Nick and festive decorations are being hung with ladders...and hopefully some care.  

It's so easy to get caught up in the joy of the season and simply forget about the little things your homes needs during the cooler months.  Here's a list (one you might want to check twice) to ensure your family gatherings and holiday season are filled with laughter & love instead of costly repairs and unnecessary stress. 

1. Winterize your Sprinkler System (No one wants frozen pipes to cause damage you won't find until Spring...$$$) Read more here.
2. Check to see your fireplace and chimney are free of any debris that could catch fire...including that guy in the red suit! Call in a professional, like The Fluesbrothers.
3. Have a real tree this year?  Keep it watered or it can dry out and easily catch fire.
4. Don't overload outlets with too many plugs.  A surge of power could cause a spark and well...there's that fire hazard again.
5. Keep portable heaters away from small children, pets, curtains and any other objects that can get burned or yes...catch fire!
6. Friends don't let friends decorate alone!  If you're hanging lights or other holiday decor on the outside of your home be sure to have a partner to steady the ladder and be that extra set of hands to call 911 in an emergency.
7. "Stock up the bar for when the in-laws arrive"... best practices for holiday survival courtesy of my dear husband.
8. Get your furnace checked.  Many HVAC companies offer an annual program with discounted rates that will check it 2-3 times a year for maintenance and safety. Hales Heating and Cooling does a great job with the servicing and maintenance of our home.
9. Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve if you'll be away from home during freezing temperatures so you don't come home to a flooded basement due to pipes that have burst.
10. Last but not least, keep plenty of rock salt stowed away for inclement weather such as freezing rain, snow or ice so no one slips on your property.  

This might seem like a lot but being a homeowner means we have to adult.  Better to be an adult when we have to be so we enjoy the season like children.  Happy Holidays to you and yours!

~Rebecca and family!