First Aid and Life Saving Devices

(I’m not a doctor. Nothing on this page is medical advice!)

First Aid Kits

Every home needs first aid supplies and a kit is a convenient way to get most of the items you need.

The brand “First Aid Only” sells a very highly rated kit on Amazon. The 298 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Emergency Kit comes with nearly all the basic medial supplies you’ll need. It includes a first aid guide, plenty of adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, sterile gauze pads, first aid tape, scissors, disposable gloves, antiseptic towelettes, antibiotic ointment, burn gel, aspirin, non-aspirin, ibuprofen, a cold pack, a disposable thermometer, a finger splint, sting relief wipes, tweezers, an aluminized rescue blanket, and more. Many other first aid kit options are available. ...  READ MORE

Clean up yard debris

Fertilize your lawn

Maintain your lawn mower

Inspect your property for dangerous trees/branches

Consider spraying and feeding your trees

Wash or pressure wash anything outside that accumulated dirt or mildew over the winter. Sidewalks, siding, decks, etc.

Replace your air conditioning filter

Have air-conditioning system serviced.

Have your septic tank inspected and pumped by a professional.

Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors..

Change your Furnace’s filter at least every three months (or when dirty)

Inspect your roof. Check for any signs of damage that should be repaired.

Turn on/test your sprinkler system. Open the water valve inside your house if it was turned off for winter.

Test your Sump Pump. [Related article: amfam.com]

Switch back the direction of your Ceiling Fans if you reversed them for winter. Make sure the fan turns counter-clockwise.

Vacuum the lint from your dryer vent.

 ...  READ MORE

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, ice dams and problems with rodents and insects.

Turn off outside faucets. Disconnect garden hoses. Turn off shutoff valves if your exterior faucets have them and then release any water remaining in the pipe by opening and closing the exterior faucets. Consider using insulated covers. [Related article: Family Handyman]

Inspect your chimney and fireplace.

Have your Furnace inspected and cleaned.

Change your Furnace’s filter at least every three months (or when dirty)

Fill gaps around windows and doors – Fix energy-wasting leaks with caulk or weather-stripping on windows. For doors, add or replace weather strips on the top and sides and a door sweep on the bottom. [Related articles: Angi, Family Handyman, BobVila.com]

Inspect your roof. Check for any signs of damage that should be repaired (before it’s covered in snow!)

Store or cover outdoor furniture. [Related articles: Family Handyman, BH&G]

Test your Sump Pump. [Related article: amfam.com]

Reverse Ceiling Fan direction. Use your fans’ reverse switch to make it turn clockwise and force warm air near the ceiling back down into your room. Run the fan at low speed.

Stock up on Ice Melt and Salt

 ...  READ MORE