Fall is here!

With fall here, Charlottesville homeowners may be making changes in preparation for the new season. From freshening the home for fall to installing a new front door, there are many bases to cover to ensure your home is ready for this time of year, including weatherproofing. If this task is not yet on your homeowner to-do list, this weekend is the perfect time.

A new season brings new weather and for fall, that means cooler temperatures, more rain and at times, storms. But regardless of what this fall’s weather has in store for Charlottesville residents, taking the time to weatherproof and boost the safety of your Virginia home is well worth the effort.

Start with the yard
When checking for safety at your home in Central Virginia, it’s almost best to start outside the home and work your way inside. Do you notice any loose shingles, fence posts, window shutters or gutters? It’s time to repair these and bring them back to their proper placement.

You’ll also want to secure any loose items outside like patio furniture, lawn decor, planters and pots, mailboxes, yard tools, bikes and toys. Place them in a storage shed or the garage for safe keeping and to ensure they will not be harmed or cause further damage during a storm. While you’re moving these items, check for loose branches around your yard and cut them down.

Indoor home prep
During a storm in Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa or Nelson County, you’ll be spending time indoors so it’s important to prep with flashlights, spare batteries, a radio and first-aid kit.

The following are other essential tasks to jot onto your homeowner to-do list to boost safety in cases of bad weather: