The leaves are beginning to pop…which means that winter isn’t far behind.

The NY Post has a checklist to keep you and your family safe this season:

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Make sure they’re working and replace the batteries or entire units if you need to.

Roofs and gutters.  Look for missing shingles or signs of sagging in your roof and make sure your gutters aren’t loaded with debris.

Outdoor walkways and lighting.  Look for cracks and uneven surfaces that might be a tripping hazard if they get covered in leaves or snow.  If you have outdoor lights, make sure they’re all working.

Emergency supplies and backup power.  Be sure to have flashlights, batteries, blankets, extra water, and nonperishable food for your home (and make a car kit, too!)

Chimneys and heating systems.  Check your heating system or have a professional look for things like gas leaks.  If you have a fireplace, nests and other blockages in your chimney can cause a fire once you start using it. You can get a chimney sweep from Tompkins Sweeps and more for 30% right now at CayugaMarketplace.com!

Any other tips you use?