Make Sure Your Heating System is Ready
Depending on the type of heating system you have, there are a few home maintenance things you should do before the temperatures really start to dip. If you have a high-efficiency system, PVC vent pipes need to be cleared of any obstructions. And those with a boiler system should have their system cleaned every year. Those with gas should have a cleaning about every three years.

Check Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
According to the Canadian Fire Administration, heating is the cause of 27 percent of structure features during the winter months. So make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working in your home. And it's best to have smoke alarms in every room of your home, including hallways. Be sure that home maintenance includes checking the batteries in all alarms once a month is always on your home maintenance checklist.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing
When water freezes, it expands and can cause your pipes to burst. To prevent frozen pipes, insulate pipes near windows, doors and in areas of the home that are unheated. Disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet. Finally, set the heat to no lower than 55 degrees F.

Protect Entryways
All that snow, ice and mud can wreak havoc on your entryway floors. Place mats both inside and outside the door, along with boot trays inside the entryway. And make sure your mudroom is ready with a place to dry wet jackets, hats, mittens and gloves.

Stop Ice Dams from Forming
If your home is prone to icicles and ice dams, take steps now to make sure you have proper insulating. And you can also prevent ice dams by raking the snow off your roof and installing heat cables.

Stay safe this winter, stay warm!

Halloween is one of the most creative holidays! You get to dress up, meet with friends and you can eat your weight in candy for one night.

However, as fun as this time of year is, it’s imperative that you keep yourself and your kids safe. That’s why we’ve pulled together this handy guide:
 

1. Stay six feet away from other groups at all times 

2. Decorate and wear a face mask as part of your costume 

3. Decorate your costumes brightly

4. Don’t leave your kids alone, even older children should have an adult with them to chaperone. 

5. Take a look through the candy bag first. NEVER eat candy that's unwrapped (even a little bit!) and always be on alert for known allergies.

Make sure to enjoy, and make this Halloween one to remember!