Allen Norwood's Home Calendar

• Create a planning calendar for the year. Be sure to include small but important items -- replacing air and heating filters, and batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms -- that you might overlook.

• Begin planning large repair and improvement projects, and contact contractors BEFORE their warm-weather busy season.

• Organize owner's manuals for appliances, power tools and the like. Make sure home insurance policies are up to date, and that you know where they are.

• Clean dryer vent of lint, and make sure outside cover is closing correctly.

• Clean and lubricate tools, sharpen saw blades, make sure laser guides have fresh batteries.

• This is a good time for interior painting. The holidays are over, and the warm weather doesn't beckon outdoors. Even small jobs -- such as repairing and touching up popped drywall nails -- can make a big difference.

• Clean, seal and stain deck as necessary. Wash outdoor furniture and cushion covers. Hint: If you wash cushion covers, slip them back over cushions before they're completely dry, to prevent shrinking.

• While working on deck, be sure there are no low places to trap water around posts. Grade or add soil around posts and house foundation to drain water away.

• Add landscape and security lighting. Consider timers and motion sensors if you don't have them.

• Be sure any firewood you stored during the winter is moved at least 30 feet from the house. It can attract termites and other insects. Next season, create dry storage for firewood away from the house.

• Touch up exterior paint on cracked or peeling windowsills and garage doors.

• Wash siding and gutters -- but be careful with power washers!

• Complete major exterior painting jobs. It's a terrific month to be outdoors.

• Clean your gas grill and replace any failing parts. Be sure to clear burners of spiders and other insects.

• If you closed crawl-space vents, be sure they're open. Install plastic sheeting in crawl space as needed.

• This is a good time to check under the house for signs of moisture or termite activity. If you suspect termites, call a pro. To learn about termite treatments, visit the Web site of the Structural Pest Control Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture: www. agr.state.nc.us/str-pest.

• Pull refrigerators and freezers away from walls, and vacuum coils thoroughly so appliances will cool properly. Clean grease from hood over kitchen stove.

• Check washing machine hoses for leaks, and replace if they're soft. You don't want hoses bursting while you're on vacation. Don't forget icemaker and dishwasher hoses.

• Check garage doors to make sure they're operating properly. Lubricate rollers with light oil. Test safety features such as automatic stops and electronic eyes.

• Flush water heater as needed. Cut the power before draining an electric water heater for any reason, and be sure to refill the tank with water before restoring power.

• Close and then reopen cutoff valves below all sinks and faucets, to be sure they're operating. Fix any leaks.

• Trim shrubs away from heat pumps, so systems can function properly. Keep shrubs trimmed below window sills, for visibility and security.

• Cut away tree limbs that are brushing against roof or house. Be careful when using ladders near overhead power lines!

• Call heating service to give system its annual checkup before the busy fall season. If you suspect leaks in ductwork, be sure to mention that.

• Install programmable thermostat before heating season arrives. It can cut energy bills enough to quickly pay for itself.

• Change incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescents.

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and replace batteries as needed.

• Caulk around doors and windows before cold weather arrives. If you plan to paint the caulk, be sure you buy a paintable type.

• Adjust storm doors and windows to close properly. Make sure weep holes in storm windows are clear of debris.

• As the days get shorter, install night lights at the tops and bottoms of stairs and in other places that might pose hazards.

• Clean gutters, and sweep leaves from roof valleys. You'll have to do both several times during the season. If you're going to pay someone, wait until most leaves fall.

• Repair gutter leaks and sags.

• Check fireplace and chimney, and be sure damper is working properly. Install chimney cap if you don't have one.

• Make sure wells, hoses and irrigation systems are protected from freezing. Stock up on ice-melting chemicals for steps and sidewalks.

• Use binoculars to check roof for curled or missing shingles, and replace if necessary. If you need to buy matching shingles, be sure to buy a few extra for the next time.

• Seal any holes that mice and other critters might squeeze through. They'll want to join you indoors when the cold weather hits.

• If you're considering a generator to keep vital appliances operating during winter power outages, be sure you choose the correct one and know how to operate it safely. Visit www.briggspower products.com and other sites for help.

• Create a fire escape plan for the family, especially kids. Practice it. Check fire extinguishers, and make sure everybody knows where they are.

• Be sure poisons and household cleaners are out of reach of children. Post number for poison hotline near the phone.

• Locate main water cutoff so you won't have to scramble frantically if a frozen pipe bursts.