2 Winterizing Tasks for Seniors (And 4 That Should Be Handled by Professionals)
As Winter peers over the horizon, senior homeowners in Clinton, Knoxville, Maryville and surrounding areas start thinking about winterizing their homes. While some of these tasks are easy to accomplish on your own, professionals may be better poised to take care of other items.
The utmost concern is your safety! Know your limits as you consider home maintenance tasks; although you may have performed a particular job in the past, there is no need to continue doing it if there is a risk to your safety. Here's a list of things you may be able to do yourself and items best left to others.
Do-It-Yourself
An enjoyable activity in the fall is gardening. Now is the time to take care of plants that are dying--most of the annuals are ready to pull up. Pare back your perennials and trim bushes; plant bulbs for spring flowers. Don't worry about the falling leaves; the insulation helps your plants survive the winter, and dried leaves are great spots for overwintering cocoons. Clear any deadwood from trees and your woody perennials; you'll have healthier plants in the spring. If tree trimming is beyond your reach, save it for a pro.
Another task for seniors around the home this time of year is preparing for the cold by pulling out blankets and sweaters. Locate those winter jackets and boots, too; you'll need them soon! Prep for ice and snow by arranging for the sidewalk and driveway to be cleared; having that set up ahead of time will save stress when you need it. Stock up on dry goods in case you'll be homebound for a few days. A can of soup warms like nothing else!
Call a Pro
Preparing the house's exterior for the colder months here in the Loudon area is a task best left to the professionals. Call a gutter company to clean the gutters and downspouts. Have a roofer check for possible leaks as well. Call a plumber or sprinkler pro to turn off your outside water, blow out the lines, and insulate the faucets.
Your home's systems also need a pro to ensure they are in tip-top shape. Have your furnace serviced, which includes cleaning the unit and replacing filters. If you don't have an automatic thermostat, consider asking them to install one while they are there. If you have a wood fireplace, have a chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney.
For your yard and other outdoor areas, have your lawn mowed short for the winter. Also, have those out-of-reach limbs cut down on trees. Have the paths cleared from falling leaves; have fallen leaves mulched or spread out to compost over winter. Have any trip hazards tended to, ensuring your outdoor areas are safe for you.
Finally, have a helper fill in any caulking around windows and ensure the weather stripping around the doors is good. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Have fresh batteries ready for them to replace the old ones. If you don't have these detectors, purchase them and have them installed. For more information on the criticality of carbon monoxide detectors, check out Tennessee's Department of Health's website. Have fire extinguishers checked and stored in a location suitable for use.
Senior Helpers of Greater Knoxville area are here to assist you. Contact us today to learn more about our services in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, and Loudon area. We look forward to hearing from you!