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Auto Coverage

13 Bad Habits That Aren’t Good for Your Car

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Bad habits. We all have them. And sometimes, they can be hard to shake. This is especially true when it comes to driving. Depending on how many years you’ve spent behind the wheel, certain habits may be deeply ingrained by now. And many of them can be bad for your car.

Wondering if there are any bad driving behaviors you’ve picked up over the years? Check out our list of 13 habits that aren’t good for your car.

DRIVING ON EMPTY

Whether you’re running late and forget to fill up, or you’re just not paying attention to your fuel gauge, finding yourself low on gas can happen from time to time. But running out of gas is more than just inconvenient; it can also be hard on your car.

Why? Because critical components, like your vehicle’s fuel pump, aren’t designed to operate without gas. The fuel pump is submerged in the gas tank, where it uses fuel to cool and lubricate the mechanisms in the pump. Most fuel pumps can last for the life of your vehicle.

But when you run your car on empty, the pump can overheat, which could lead to a costly failure. And because the gas tank typically needs to be drained and removed to replace the pump, this labor-intensive job could cost upward of $1,000 to repair.

Read more: Is Driving On Empty Really That Bad?

REVVING A COLD ENGINE

It’s no fun getting into a freezing cold car. But you should know there are no shortcuts to warming up a cold vehicle. So never rev up the engine in an effort to get the heat flowing faster. Doing this will only cause excess wear and tear on your engine because the cold engine oil isn’t at the right temperature to properly lubricate all its internal components.

Read more: How to Help Your Car Recover from Winter

DELAYING MAINTENANCE

Every vehicle manufacturer recommends following a routine maintenance schedule to keep your car running in tip-top shape. In the short term, it may seem like there’s no harm in skipping an oil change, air filter replacement or tire rotation. But the truth is, taking care of these preventative maintenance tasks now can save you from needing major repairs later.

IGNORING WARNING LIGHTS

Modern cars feature a host of warning lights, and each is there to notify you of a particular problem with your vehicle. Ignoring these warning lights could leave you with a major repair down the road. Depending on the problem, it could even jeopardize the safety of you and your passengers.

So don’t make a habit of ignoring your vehicle’s warning lights. The next time that “check engine” light starts flashing, consult your car’s manual and if need be, take your car to a qualified mechanic to get it checked out.

DRIVING THROUGH DEEP WATER

If you approach any kind of flooding, including large puddles of groundwater, you may be tempted to drive right through. But your best—and safest—course of action is always to turn around and find another route. What may not seem like a lot of water can in fact be quite dangerous when you’re behind the wheel.

For starters, it can be hard to gauge how deep the water is, and you can’t see what debris or other hazards may be below the water.

See also: Here’s Why You Should Never Drive Through a Flash Flood

On top of that, driving through deep water can damage or destroy your vehicle’s engine, transmission and other critical components. It can also cause irreversible damage to your car’s complex electrical system. Because of this long-lasting damage, a flooded vehicle is often considered a total loss by insurance providers.

NOT CHECKING YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

One of the easiest car maintenance tasks to ignore is checking your tire pressure. After all, if your tire isn’t flat, what’s the big deal? But not running your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure can cause a host of problems ranging from premature or uneven tire wear to bad handling and poor fuel economy.

For that reason, experts recommend that you make a habit of checking your tire pressure once a month. And remember that when it’s cold, your tire pressure will drop between one and two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every ten-degree decrease in temperature. So pay extra attention to your tires as the seasons change.

Read more: How Cold Weather Affects Tire Pressure

RIDING THE BRAKES

Your car’s brakes represent one of its most important safety systems. But hitting the brake pedal too hard, or using the brakes too often, can leave this system severely compromised.

For example, applying the brakes for a prolonged period of time (like when slowing your car down a long hill) can cause them to overheat. And when your brakes get too hot, their stopping power is greatly reduced.

Overuse of your brakes can have long-term consequences, too. More braking means you’ll wear through pads and rotors faster, which translates to more frequent service intervals. You can also expect to pay more at the pump, thanks to lower fuel economy caused by frequent braking.

To “break” this bad habit, try to leave some extra space between you and other cars on the roadway. And if you’re descending a long hill, try shifting your car out of overdrive and into a lower gear; this will allow the engine to do some of the braking for you.

IGNORING A WINDSHIELD CHIP

You’re driving along when suddenly you hear a loud noise. Whack! A rock hits your windshield.

You scan your windshield for signs of damage and discover the impact only left a small chip. It’s barely noticeable, so there’s no point in getting it repaired, right? Wrong.

The truth is, leaving a windshield chip will increase the likelihood that the damage will get worse. Weather changes or simply driving over a pothole, speed bump or uneven terrain puts additional pressure on the edges of a chip, which can quickly turn into a crack.

Repairing a chip is always less expensive than doing a full windshield replacement. It typically takes less than 30 minutes. And in most states where Erie Insurance does business1, comprehensive coverage from ERIE will cover the cost to repair a cracked or chipped windshield without charging you the deductible.

Learn more about what to expect when filing a glass claim.

NOT REGULARLY WASHING YOUR CAR

Everybody can appreciate how good a freshly washed car looks. But the benefits of a clean vehicle extend far beyond the visual appeal. If you go long periods of time without washing your car, all that dirt and grime will embed itself in the painted surfaces and will eventually eat away at the clear coat, causing permanent damage.

The consequences are even greater if you live in an area that uses road salt to melt the ice and snow. That’s because salt creates chemical reactions that can corrode the components on your car. This is especially true for any exposed metal, like brake lines and fuel lines.

Read more: Here’s What Road Salt Does to Your Car

SHIFTING WITHOUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP

If you drive a car with an automatic transmission, you may have fallen into the bad habit of shifting from “reverse” to “drive” while the car is still moving.

Even if you’re moving backward at a slow speed, switching gears without coming to a complete stop puts extra stress on your car’s drivetrain—particularly the transmission. And chances are, the few seconds you save in the process aren’t worth the cost of a premature transmission service, which can cost $2,000 or more.

DRIVING TOO FAST OVER SPEED BUMPS

Speed bumps are installed to help slow down traffic, making areas safer for pedestrians. If you drive over a speed bump at a slow speed, your car will be unharmed. But hit a speed bump faster than about 10 miles per hour, and you can do serious damage to your car.

The sudden impact of a speed bump could cause your suspension to bottom out, damaging your shocks and struts. It could also bend other important suspension components or knock your car out of alignment. So take it slow!

HITTING POTHOLES

If you live in an area that sees cold winters, the constant freeze-thaw cycles can make potholes a common sight on the roadways. When driving, you should do your best to avoid hitting them at all costs.

Potholes can cause damage to your vehicle ranging from flat tires or bent wheels to much pricier damage to your suspension, steering system or exhaust system. Next time you encounter a pothole, try to swerve around it. If swerving isn’t possible, reduce your speed to lessen the impact—and any potential damage.

See also: What to Do If You Get a Flat Tire

LETTING YOUR CAR SIT FOR LONG PERIODS

Parking your car for extended periods of time can take its toll on your vehicle. The time it takes for your vehicle to be damaged by long-term storage will vary based on several factors, including the location of your parked car and how well you’ve prepared it.

However, the negative effects of time on an undriven vehicle can be observed sooner than you may think. (Learn how long your car can sit without driving it.)

When your car is left undriven, the fuel and battery can go bad. Tires and rubber belts can crack. Rust can begin to form. And rodents could even make your car their new home.

See also: Is There a Mouse Living In My Car?

If you have a college student away, for example, consider using a battery maintainer while the car sits. Since maintainers are used for maintenance during periods when cars aren’t going to be used, time isn’t of the essence when charging. This means that a maintainer can give a battery a “low and slow” charge, which is better for its health than a faster charge or a jump.

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Questions You Should Never Ask in a Job Interview

Questions You Should Never Ask in a Job Interview

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Imagine this hypothetical scenario: you’re a small business owner who needs to fill an open position at your company. After sorting through resumes and interviewing four candidates, you hire the one you think will be the right fit for the job. Your new employee joins your team, and business continues as usual.

Three weeks later, you’re notified that one of the candidates you didn’t choose is suing you for discrimination. After reading this, you may think, “How is that even possible?”

Whether you are hiring your first employee or are looking to fill an existing position, there are certain things you should never ask a job candidate — even if the questions seem like innocent “small talk.”

To help protect you and your business during your next interview, we’re breaking down the questions you should steer clear of, courtesy of the experts at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The information below gives you a good launching point to reexamine your HR hiring practices and ensure you’re asking the right interview questions that won’t put you and your company at risk.

Just keep in mind that hiring rules and regulations can be complicated. They also can vary by situation. If you have specific questions or need professional input on what you can or cannot ask, it’s always best to consult a lawyer for legal advice tailored to your business or situation.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD NEVER ASK IN A JOB INTERVIEW

Anything that has to do with a disability:

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities and guarantees them equal opportunity across a spectrum of areas, including employment. So you legally cannot ask questions about an apparent disability, or ask questions fishing for one.

This includes questions like:

  • Why do you need to use a wheelchair?
  • How did you lose your vision?
  • What medications do you take?
  • Have you previously filed any workers’ compensation claims?

The exception to this rule has to do with accommodations. The EEOC states that you can ask questions about any accommodations that the candidate may need if the disability is apparent or if he or she already disclosed it to you, such as:

  • If they need help with the application process, or if you need to make any adjustments to the process for them.
  • If they will need a change to the work environment or to the way work is typically done for their job.

Anything concerning a job candidate’s genetic information:

 

It sounds a bit highbrow, but stay with us. The EEOC defines genetic information as “information about an individual’s genetic tests and the genetic tests of an individual’s family members, as well as information about the manifestation of a disease or disorder in an individual’s family members.”

This includes details such as family medical history or tests the candidate has undergone to identify risks for diseases like cancer. Asking these types of questions is considered genetic information discrimination.

The EEOC gives a few examples of what these could look like:

  • Does anyone in your family have a history of mental illness?
  • Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with a heart condition?

Anything related to the personal attributes of a job candidate:

You might think that you’re trying to get to know someone better, but characteristics like race, color, religion, sex and national origin are legally protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

You should avoid talking about these topics entirely. This includes questions like:

  • Where do you go to church?
  • Are you pregnant? Or are you planning on starting a family any time soon?
  • How old are you? (Note: the only scenario in which you can ask this question is if you’re confirming that the candidate is legally old enough to do the job.)
  • Your name is unusual. Where are you from?
  • What kind of religious holidays do you observe?
  • What language (or languages) do you speak at home?
  • Are you biracial?

The bottom line is, if you’re on the fence about whether a question is appropriate, it’s probably best to avoid it. Instead, keep your questions focused on the requirements of the position for which you’re hiring.

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Common Household Poisons

Common Household Poisons

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Each year, more than 2 million poisonings are reported to poison control centers across America. And according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), more than 90% of those poisonings occur at home.

To help you identify any potential poison risks in your home – and know what to do if a poisoning occurs – here’s what you should know about common household poisons.

WHY SHOULD I BE AWARE OF HOUSEHOLD POISONS?

The average home contains dozens of chemical products, from medicine and cleaning products to insect repellent and spray paint.

When these products are used as intended, they can make our lives better and easier. But when they’re used in the wrong way, by the wrong person, or in the wrong amount, they can lead to an accidental poisoning.

HOW CAN A CHEMICAL OR MEDICINE POISON YOU?

Poisonings often occur when you don’t expect it. According to the HRSA, there are four primary ways people can be accidentally poisoned:

  • A poison is swallowed.
  • A poison is splashed in the eyes.
  • A poison comes in contact with the skin.
  • A poison is breathed in or inhaled.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON HOUSEHOLD POISONS?

Here is a list of some products you might have in your home that could be harmful if ingested improperly:

  • Chemical-based cleaning products
  • Over-the-counter and prescription medications
  • Vitamins and food supplements
  • Beauty products, such as perfumes, hairspray and nail polish remover
  • Carbon monoxide gas created by cars or heating devices, like a gas stove or furnace
  • Lawn products, including pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fertilizer
  • Automotive fluids, such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid or motor oil
  • Alcohol and tobacco products

HOW CAN I PREVENT POISONING?

Knowing what substances in your home can cause harm is important… especially if you have little ones. According to the HRSA, 45% of all poison exposures involve children under the age of 6.

Here are some tips to prevent accidents from household poisons:

  • Always keep chemical products and medications in their original containers.
  • Never take medications in the dark and avoid leaving containers open – even to answer a quick phone call.
  • Make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.
  • Save the poison helpline as a contact in your phone so you have it in case of an emergency. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222.
  • Poison-proof your home by keeping cleaning products, medications and other chemicals locked up and out of sight.

HOW CAN I POISON-PROOF MY HOME?

Since the vast majority of poison accidents happen at home, it’s important to take proper precautions to keep you and your family safe. Here are some tips from the HRSA on how to identify poison risks in each room of your house.

  • Kitchen: Avoid using harsh commercial cleaning products on your food and be sure food items are stored at the proper temperature. Use child-proof cabinet locks to keep young children away from areas where they could access cleaning chemicals – like under the kitchen sink. And if you have a gas range, always make sure it’s off when not in use.
  • Bedroom: Carbon monoxide can represent a real danger when you sleep, so be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms and your home’s furnace. Keep hand sanitizer out of reach from small children. And if you have pets or small children, make sure any houseplantsyou buy are non-toxic. Some plants, like lilies and ivy, can be toxic if touched or eaten.
  • Garage: Carbon monoxide can be a threat in the garage, too. Never let your car idle without the garage door open. And keep any chemicals – as well as paint, antifreeze, oil and gasoline – out of the reach of children. (Read our related story on quick tips to organize your garage.)
  • Bathroom: Since about half of all poison exposures involve medications and pharmaceuticals, be sure to keep your medicines locked up and away from children. Buy medications with child-resistant caps and always keep them in their original container. (Read our related story on how to baby-proof your home.)

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE HAS BEEN POISONED?

If you suspect someone in your home has come in contact with a poison, it’s important to get help right away. If the person has trouble breathing or has lost consciousness, you should call 911 immediately. Do your best to stay calm, and relay all the information you have to the dispatcher so they can send help quickly.

If the situation doesn’t appear to be immediately life threatening, you can call the poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. This phone number will connect you to your local poison center, which provides access to a team of nurses, pharmacists and toxicologists – free of charge.

Be sure to give as much information to the poison helpline as possible, including:

  • The name of the product or substance
  • Age and weight of the victim
  • Amount of poison involved

Then, the expert at the poison control center will give you the advice you need. And here’s a comforting fact: According to HRSA data, two-thirds of calls to the poison help line are controlled right where they occur – meaning most calls can be handled  at home.

For more information and resources related to household poisons, you can also visit poisonhelp.hrsa.gov.

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Life Insurance: Taking Care of Those Who Are Left Behind

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Richard Baker took care of himself. He and his wife, Dee, both worked out regularly — and had even run some marathons. They were vegetarians, non-smokers and only had a rare drink on special occasions.

In his mid-50s, Richard felt and looked healthy right up until the moment when doctors discovered a cancerous football-sized tumor that had stealthily grown on his kidney.

“I am a biology professor, so I don’t sugarcoat things,” Dee said. “The minute I heard the diagnosis, I knew he was a dead man walking.”

Amid the crushing news was one silver lining. The Bakers were well prepared for the unexpected with life insurance from Erie Family Life.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR PEACE OF MIND

In 2014, the Bakers had worked with their ERIE Agent, Joe Miller, to make sure they had enough life insurance coverage to provide financial security for the surviving spouse and their two young daughters.

“Richard was more than a customer, he was a good friend,” Joe said. “It was extremely humbling to play a part in putting together a plan for this man to take care of his family in his absence. Unfortunately, I can’t replace the great dad, the husband, the son. But we were able to take away a lot of the potential financial hardship for those he left behind.”

The Bakers were motivated to get life insurance, in part, by the fact that each had lost their fathers at a young age.

“I was 7 when my dad died and my girls were 7 and 9 when Richard died, so I have been on both sides of this,” Dee said. “We were both very pragmatic when it came to life insurance. So many people operate in a vacuum assuming bad things won’t happen to them. We knew they could.”

A SECURE FINANCIAL FUTURE

Of course, knowing what could happen didn’t make experiencing it any easier. Richard received the diagnosis in May 2018. While he underwent treatments to provide him some more time, he passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2020. He was at home, Dee at his side.

“Even when you have things in order, the first year after your spouse passes away is an absolute nightmare,” Dee says. “You are so distraught and mentally and emotionally tapped out from being a caregiver to someone with a terminal illness. I can’t imagine how much worse it would have been if I also had to worry about a financial struggle.”

The Bakers had been wise with their money, focusing on living debt free and making investments. That discipline, along with the life insurance money, has put Dee in a position of knowing she and her daughters have a secure financial future.

The life insurance money for the girls was put into a trust that they can access at age 30. Dee is able to make withdrawals to cover expenses such as braces and, eventually, college tuition.

She received the payout from the policy almost immediately after Richard’s death with minimal paperwork and no waiting and wondering when the money would be distributed.

DON’T PUT OFF THE CONVERSATION

While sharing her story is painful, Dee takes every opportunity to urge friends, family and colleagues to take action now to make sure they have adequate life insurance coverage.

“A lot of people don’t want to have those conversations. They don’t want to deal with their own mortality,” Dee said. “I get that, it’s not a pleasant conversation, but it is one you need to have.

“My message to people is make sure you have your ducks in a row and your back porch clean. I know people in similar situations who have no life insurance and it’s a real struggle. Becoming a single parent is hard enough without having to worry about if you have enough money to make it and provide for your family.”

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Prevent Home Water Damage

6 Ways to Prevent Home Water Damage

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It’s a fact of life that water backs up, overflows, floods and generally goes where it doesn’t belong.

Are you worried about water ruining your home? If so, the following list can help you spot – and fix – some of the most common home water damage problems. Some you can tackle on your own, but others are best left to the pros.

And since nothing is foolproof, extra insurance coverage can help if water still seeps in. Talk to an independent insurance agent, such as your local ERIE agent, about available add-ons to your homeowners insurance that can expand your protection to include different types of water damage.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WATER DAMAGE?

The problem: Plumbing failure from frozen, rusted or leaky pipes

The fix: Remember, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Look for any telltale signs of leaks like unusually high water bills, mold or mildew growth, water stains on walls and warm spots on your floor. To prevent frozen pipes, keep your home’s temperature no lower than 55 degrees. Read more about what every homeowner should know about frozen pipes.

Level of difficulty: Easy – if you know what to look for and stop a minor problem before it becomes a bigger one.

The problem: Plumbing drain system failures

The fix: Drain system failures are more common when your local storm water system is tied to your home’s sewer system. To prevent problems, install a backflow prevention assembly in your drain system. Also, remember to refrain from pouring grease down your drain; instead, let it cool before bagging and trashing it.

Level of difficulty: While grease disposal is a no-brainer, it’s best to seek professional help installing a backflow prevention assembly.

Bonus tip: If you’re an ERIE customer, ask your agent if your homeowners policy includes Sewer or Drain Backup coverage1. Learn more about ErieSecure Home® bundles that include this valuable protection.

The problem: Weak washing machine hoses

The fix: Replace hoses every five years – and choose a reinforced steel-braided hose over a less durable rubber hose. And if your washer has seen better days, it might be time to replace the whole thing to prevent bigger issues. Learn more in our related post about when to replace major appliances.

Level of difficulty: Replacing a hose is a moderate job, if you’re somewhat handy. Otherwise, call your plumber.

The problem: Water heater failure

The fix: Replace the “sacrificial” anode rod that diverts corrosion away from the tank at least once every two years. Also, flush your tank every six months to prevent sediment buildup. (This is especially important if you have hard water.) Read more in our related post: 6 Reasons Why Water Heaters Fail.

Level of difficulty: Relatively easy. If you’re not handy, leave it to your plumber.

The problem: Pooling water against the wall of your house

The fix: Redirect the water with a water with a waterproof membrane or a French drain (a ditch in the ground inset with a perforated pipe that’s then covered with a layer of gravel). Learn more in our Q&A about French drains.

Level of difficulty: While adding the membrane isn’t a difficult job, a French drain installation is best left to the pros.

The problem: Weak roof coverings that let rain water seep in

The fix: Seal your roof to add an extra barrier against the water. Replacing a roof is one of the most expensive things a homeowner will encounter, so it’s also a good idea to understand how homeowners insurance can (and can’t) pay to replace a damaged roof.

Level of difficulty: Difficult as well as dangerous – leave any roof sealing jobs to a licensed roofer.

DON’T LET WATER DAMAGE SOAK YOUR WALLET.

Even the best precautions can’t prevent all home water damage. That’s why it helps to have the right insurance coverage to get life back to normal.

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Winterize

How to Winterize Your Home to Save Energy Costs

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There’s no denying it: Winter is on its way.

Winterizing your home can help lower your energy bills, prevent bigger more costly repairs later on and reduce the risk of accidents like a home heating fire. (Side note: That’s why having the right homeowners insurance can give you peace of mind, too.)

Ready? Keep reading to walk through the big list of projects to tackle this fall, or download our free PDF printable on how to winterize your home.

FALL HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Indoors:

  • Windows and doors: Prevent chilly drafts (and pricey heating bills) by checking and replacing any worn weather stripping and caulking any cracks. For loose-fitting doors, slide a draft guard or rolled-up towel underneath to fill the gap. Drapes, curtains, shades and blinds can also help reduce heat loss, according to energy.gov. For your chimney, floors, vents and more, these tips can keep cold air out of your house.
  • Fireplace: Check your fireplace and flue system to remove soot or ashes. Check for cracks that could be a fire hazard. If you’re not planning on using your fireplace at all, invest in a chimney balloon, which is a device designed to safely block the opening. (Just remember to take it out before you build a fire next season.) Most importantly, know what fixes are safe for you to tackle and what should be in the hands of a certified chimney sweep with training and proper equipment. Whether this is your first year or fifth year with your chimney, you might need an inspection. Read this guide on chimney inspections.
  • Furnace: Before you turn up the heat for the season, start by changing (or cleaning) your furnace filter. (Not sure how to change your furnace filter? Check out these tips.) It’s also a good idea to have an HVAC professional check your furnace once per year. And if you can’t remember the last time you had your heating ducts checked for leaks and efficiency, an HVAC professional can help with that, too.
  • Thermostat: For every degree you lower your home’s temperature during the winter, you can save as much as 1%on your energy bill (according to the U.S. Department of Energy). If you have an older thermostat, consider replacing it with a smart model to save on heating costs. Many new thermostats have algorithms to learn your comings and goings so you’re not paying to keep your home toasty warm when you’re not around. Read these additional energy-saving tips for when the cold weather hits.
  • Other home heating:  We know they’re cozy but be extra cautious when using space heaters. Space heaters cause an estimated 44% of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Regardless of how you heat your home, read these tips on using home heating sources safely.
  • Drafts and cracks: Cold air will take advantage of any opportunity to sneak into your home. Here’s a list of quick fixes for drafty places:
    • Outlets and switch plates: Use foam-insulating sheets to block cold air coming in from exterior walls.
    • Exposed ducts: Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces and use sealant to plug up any leaks or cracks on exposed ducts.
    • Floors: Don’t underestimate the power of a thick, cozy rug. Your floors can account for as much as 10% of heat loss in a house.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: While you’re in the process of prepping your house for the long winter, check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Also, with the increased risk of fire in winter, it’s important to have a family escape plan. You can create a family fire escape plan using these seven tips.

Outdoors:

  • Gutters: Clogged gutters, and subsequent water issues, can cause a lot of problems, like foundation problems, wall and ceiling damage, or even insect infestations. (Read more in our related post about what can happen if you don’t clean your gutters.) Start by clearing debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent them from leaking or sagging. Just make sure you do it safely – use a tall, sturdy ladder (check out our guide to picking the best ladder for your DIY job), and don’t forget protective eyewear, gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself against debris, bacteria and pests.
  • Roof: Snow can be a heavy burden for an old or damaged roof to handle. Before winter hits, inspect your roof for signs of potential problems, like missing, broken, blistered or curling shingles; cracked caulk or rust spots; or large patches of moss and lichen. Any damaged, loose or missing shingles should be repaired right away.
  • Trees and landscaping: It’s a good idea to trim any branches hanging near electric wires before they become a problem. Also, know how to spot the signs of a diseased or dying tree. Heavy snow and strong winter winds can knock down weak branches (or whole trees), so it’s best to do the prep work while the weather’s still mild.
  • Lawn equipment: Drain the oil and gas from your mower before storing it for the off-season. Gasoline can separate and spoil in only a few weeks, which could potentially damage your engine.
  • Snow removal supplies: Before the first snow, you’ll be glad you thought ahead and bought supplies early. Inspect the bolts, belts and parts on your snowblower; make sure your snow shovel is in good shape; stock up on ice melt or sand; and invest in a snow rake to help clear your roof. Snow accumulation on your roof that exceeds 20 pounds per square foot can be dangerous.
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