Home Sweet Home Magazine - Sept 2021

Prep the Plants Before the temperatures drop, take a look around your yard to see what needs to be done in your garden, lawn and flower beds. Your lawn will benefit from a final dose of fertilizer, and deadheading blooms at the end of the season creates healthier plants in the spring. Speaking of spring, fall is the time to get bulbs into the ground. Daffodils, crocus, tulips, and hyacinth should all be planted so they can display their colors in early spring. If you remove your summer bulbs, you can dig them up now for storage. In the garden, pull all expired plants and put them in the composter. Also, rake up the leaves and add them to the mix. Give the compost pile a final stir since it breaks down at a slower rate in cooler weather.

at the main source and clear the lines to the spigot, leaving it in the open position. Remember those water sources attached to sheds and barns, too. For homes that will be vacant during the winter, clear all lines in the plumbing system and shut the water off at the main. If you have an RV, drain water from the lines and winterize now so you don’t find a nasty surprise in a few months’ time.

For heat, stock up on firewood for stoves and ensure propane tanks are full for heaters. Also, check out your generator. Make sure you have an alternate cooking source. Stock up on enough food for your family for a minimum of three days, and store water that is easily accessible in the event of frozen pipes. If you are on well water, the pumps won’t work when the power is out, so you’ll want water storage to cover your needs, as well. Year round, keep a grab and go bag packed and prepared. In the case of fire, flood or other emergency, it should include critical paperwork and a change of clothes, as well as essential prescriptions. Also, remember to keep an emergency kit in each vehicle. For winter, it should be stocked with food and water, as well as extra blankets.

Winterize Irrigation Systems

Any water-related system you don’t use during the winter should be flushed. Leaving water in the lines during a deep freeze is an invitation for pipe damage. If you have an underground sprinkler system, follow the steps to properly blow out the system and shut down each zone. Remove hoses from outdoor spigots, and place a cover over them. Also, remove the water source from outdoor fountains. For very cold regions, turn the water off

Emergency Preparedness

Be prepared before the power goes out with easy access to flashlights with fresh batteries, candles, and lanterns. If power outages are common in your area, consider installing battery-powered lighting.

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