Outside

CHIMNEY

Chimney should be inspected yearly for cracks in the smoke chamber of the fireplace or water running down the inside. Capping the chimney will keep raccoons and squirrels out. Professionals suggest cleaning an older chimney every year or after 115 burns; newer ones with caps can go three or four years.

ROOF

Replace missing shingles. Suspicious spots can indicate water settling. Check between roof levels, i.e. separate roof over door, etc.

GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Remove leaves and other debris so rain and melting snow can flow freely. When water can't flow through the gutters, it formes ice dams, which may cause water to seep into the house.

GUTTER GUARDS

Found in hardware and home stores, gutter guards prevent debris from getting into the gutter. Gutter guards must be cleaned off, too.

TREES

Trim trees and remove dead branches. Winter weather can cause weak trees or damaged branches to break and cause damage.

STAIRS AND HANDRAILS

Broken stairs and banisters are not safe in any weather.

Inside

DOOR AND WINDOW CAULKING

Check door and window caulking for deterioration. Poor caulking allows cold air in, increasing the heating bill.

WALLS AND FOUNDATION

Seal cracks in holes in outside walls and foundations. Water follows the lines of least resistance. Melting snow and ice can freeze in cracks, expanding the problem.

WATER LINES

Disconnect and store hoses. Close shutoff valves to outside faucets, water lines and sprinkler systems.

ATTICS, BASEMENTS AND CRAWL SPACE

Check insulation to attics, basements and crawl space. Heat escaping through the attic can cause ice and snow to melt, causing a roof collapse. Ideally the attic should be five to 10 degrees warmer than the outside air.

SAFETY ALARMS

Make sure smoke and fire alarms work properly. Install a carbon dioxide detector, as a well-sealed home can trap this toxic gas.

FURNACE

Clean and inspect the furnace annually by a qualified technician. A dirty furnace limits the warmth of the house. Change furnace filters monthly. Clean heating system ducts every one to three years. Dirty ducts are less energy efficient.

PIPES

Set the thermostat for at least 65 degrees since the temperature inside the walls where the pipes are is colder. Wrap exposed pipes with heating tape. Install an emergency pressure release valve in the plumbing system to protect against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes, which can prevent pipes from bursting. Learn how to shut off the water and know where your pipes are located.

FIREPLACE

Make sure the flue is in working order before you light a fire. Always use a fire screen. Never leave a fire unattended

PORTABLE HEATERS

Clean gas and electric space heaters monthly. Make sure dust and dirt are not on heating coils. Make sure the flue is in working order before lighting a fire.

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* JUDY MAGID can be contacted at magid@sltrib.com or 801-257-8608. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

Auto Tips:

* Battery cables should be clean from corrosion or dirt. Connections should be tight.

* Cooling system should be checked. Flush and refill radiator. Add antifreeze if necessary.

* Tires, including the spare, should be properly inflated and checked for thin or uneven wear.

* Check brakes and brake fluid level.

* Change your oil and oil filter. Check owner's manual for recommended grades for winter.

* Drive on the top half of your gas tank. Maintaining a full tank of gas and adding a de-icer to your fuel can help keep moisture from forming.

* Have a professional inspect/replace air filter, rubber hoses and drive belts.

* Check headlights, flasher hazard lights, wipers and washers.

* Fill windshield washers with windshield washer fluid appropriate for cold weather.

* Check to see if heater, defroster and exhaust system are working properly. Make prompt repairs.

* And add some safety supplies to each family car: an ice scraper, spare bottle of washer fluid, battery jumper cables, warm clothing, first aid supplies, flares, blankets, flashlight with spare batteries, a small shovel, some sand for traction, bottled water and high-energy snack bars. Encourage family drivers to always travel with their cell phone.

Source: Better Business Bureau of Utah

The frost is on the pumpkin and will soon be on the road. And the Better Business Bureau of Utah would like to remind folks not to wait until the first snow comes to get in line for snow tires . . . and other winter driving necessities. To get started, read the owner's manual to make sure your vehicle is up-to-date on recommended maintenance. The next advice comes with a caveat: Engaging the services of a reputable auto service center or repair facility is a good idea, so ask friends and family for recommendations. Make sure you check with BBB (http://www.utah. bbb.org) to ensure you use a reputable shop. Look for shop certification such as an Automotive Service Excellence Seal.