The milder days of spring are a perfect time to do a thorough spring cleaning and perform home maintenance. After a long winter, it is a good idea to spend time on preventive measures to help maintain your home and property throughout the year. Tasks such as cleaning out your gutters, checking for dead trees and branches and cleaning and inspecting home mechanical and plumbing systems, such as heating and air conditioning equipment, can help make spring a season of safety. Cleaning and maintenance of your home should be done inside and out. Although the tasks are different, checking to see…

Snow, sleet, ice and below freezing temperatures all have an effect on driving conditions. During winter, safety depends on driver performance in winter hazards, good vehicle maintenance—and common sense. These tips will help you and your car weather the winter.   Prepare for winter driving conditions Prepare for driving in inclement and freezing weather before you head out with these suggestions: Keep windshield and windows clear. Keep a snow brush and scraper in your vehicle at all times. Your car's defroster can be supplemented by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility. Check your exhaust pipe to…

If you are a snowbird heading south for the winter, there are several key things you can do to help protect your vacant home. Taking these steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage, heating or electrical system malfunctions and other possible threats while you are away for an extended period of time. Download the Preparing Your Vacant Home Checklist PDF >>   1. Prevent Your Home From Appearing Unoccupied Forward your mail, stop newspaper delivery, and ask a friend to pick up items that may be left at your door. Arrange for someone to remove snow after storms. Put motion-sensitive…