Yearly Archives: 2010

Back Safety

SAFETY IN MANUAL MATERIALS HANDLING

Those American workers that do repetitive lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, and restraining objects by hand need to be in good shape to be able to perform their jobs without suffering the consequences.  Lower back pain accounts for about one-quarter of all lost work time in the United States.  Overexertion has been listed as the cause of lower back pain by 60% of those people who experience it.  There can be many causes that contribute to back pain besides work.  It can be aggravated by not being physically fit, recreational activities, being overweight, aging, and stress.  Add one of those to handling manual materials on a daily basis, and you have a problem. 

We don’t think about it, but during our lifetime, we all handle heavy objects.  How many babies have you carried around until they could walk?  (They aren’t materials, but they do need to be lifted and carried.) Think about all the heavy work you have done in and around your house through the years, and although it doesn’t compare to the daily work that others do, it is a reminder that we go through life doing heavy tasks that require strength.  One thing that always was awkward: putting a wheelchairinto the trunk of the car.  My mom was an invalid and when I would take her to the mall for outings or to our home, I would have to lift the wheelchair in and out of the car and help her into it.  You really get into some awkward positions and feel it in your back.  So I empathize with those caregivers who have to get in many awkward positions in order to assist their patients. 

When you think of those whose job is to lift –  nurses, health caregivers, parcel delivery persons, warehouse workers, manufacturing employees, those who load and unload trucks, and movers are just a few that come to mind.   Fatigue should be reduced as much as possible through the proper ergonomic assessments.  Proper lifting techniques must be taught, and supervisors should observe that they are being followed.  Videotaping workers can be a tool to determine how they can do their job in a way that alleviates straining the back.  Serious injury can be the result of work exceeding a person’s physical abilities. 

Our posture plays an important part in how we feel, too.  Strengthening muscles, and stretching before beginning the workday can make big differences.  Companies should keep their employees actively engaged in the planning phase of the ergonomic work structure.  Cranes, hoists, carts, and dollies can be utilized to reduce the strain from lifting.  Personal protective equipment, such as safety shoes, gloves, eye protection and OSHA hard hats should be included in the workers’ gear.  If it fits comfortably, it won’t hinder the workers as they perform their duties.

If the workplace is ergonomically designed to assist workers and keep them safe, the result for the company will be an increase in productivity and decrease in injuries.

 

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WHEN IT COMES TO PATIENT SAFETY, YOU MUST BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!

We are all human, and make mistakes, but in the field of medicine, errors may be costly.  In a recent report by the Institute of  Medicine, between 44,000 and 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals as a result of medical mistakes.  More persons die from medical errors than motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or Aids.

Most people hate to ask their doctors many questions, because they are intimidated by the fact that the doctor is busy and in a rush to get to the next patient.  You are as important as that next person.  If you leave your doctor’s visit with questions on your mind about a certain procedure or medication they have prescribed, you are putting your complete faith in them.  You must be an integral part of your healthcare team.  If you have children or elderly parents, you are a very important member of their healthcare team! 

Be sure to tell your physician every type of medication you are taking, vitamins, herbs, over-the-counter drugs, as well as all prescriptions, and any adverse reactions you have had in the past to certain medications.  If you have trouble reading the doctor’s script, ask him the name of it, and be sure your pharmacists can read it, as well.  This is one way to ensure that a mistake won’t be made.  Most pharmacies include written instructions and information on side effects of the medicine, so be sure you read that completely. 

Medical errors can occur in hospitals, clinics, doctor’ offices, nursing homes, patient homes, or outpatient services.   Mistakes can be made during operations, diagnostics, with equipment, reading lab reports, or from a routine task such as giving a high-salt meal to a patient on a salt-free diet.  Hospital patients should ask their health care workers if they have washed their hands before touching them; hospital-associated infections are very common.  The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons urges its members to initial the surgery site prior to surgery; you want to be sure they are putting a new joint in the right place! 

Should you receive a diagnosis that you question, make arrangements to see another physician, someone who is not associated with your doctor.  Getting a second opinion is very important in certain illnesses.  Sign a release to pick up your lab work results.  Too often the nurse will call and say “everything’s fine,” and hopefully it is.  But they may miss some critical part of the report, and it doesn’t hurt to ask a professional to look at your results.  Your doctor may not make the mistake; it could be a radiologist or pathologist that may misinterpret the x-rays or other tests.  My physician asked one time for a third reading of an x-ray for me because two radiologists came up with completely different diagnoses.  He sent it to a third one, whose opinion barely agreed with one of the others.  If that happens, who are you to believe?  It can be very scarey.

We aren’t undermining hospitals and physicians in any way; they are diligent in their efforts to keep us well.  It is merely an effort to encourage you to be involved and understand what is going on anytime you are being cared for.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  From experience, most of us have sat in hospital rooms with family members and wondered if the outcome would have been different if we had asked for more information.  If you feel that you or a family member is not being attended as you/they should be, speak up.  Remember, you must be the guardian for yourself, as well as your loved ones.

 

Source: AHRQ.gov

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU “WEAK IN THE KNEES?”

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Our knees are very important joints in our bodies, as they allow us to walk, run, jump, kick, sit and stand.  But this weight-bearing joint is the cause of many problems and much pain.  We see athletes suffer from knee injuries- many that require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.  There are an estimated 19 million Americans annually who visit their orthopedic surgeons because of knee discomfort.  One cause of knee pain is osteoarthritis, a painful condition that happens when the cartilage in the knee wears away.  The description “bone on bone,” is the term used when the cartilage is gone.  There are over 10 million people in the United States that have osteoarthritis of the knee.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes the same result, as well as joint deformities, especially in the hands and feet.

  Twisting, stretching, or straining the knees are common ways of injuring them.  There are ways that you can try to reduce knee  discomfort;  in case of an injury, try the RICE method of routine home care:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation 

If this method doesn’t improve the condition, see your doctor.  Seek emergent care if the injury causes immediate swelling, bones appear to be deformed, pain is intolerable, inability to bear weight, or a loss of sensation below the injury site occurs.  You also need medical attention if the joint is warm and has fever. 

Exercise is an important way to build muscles  that stabilize the knees.  Strong and flexible quadriceps and hamstring muscles can prevent minor stresses to our knees.   Try ten minutes of stretching before your daily workout and see if that won’t help.  Also, wearing a good pair of running shoes that have shock absorption takes some of the stress away from the knees.  Low profile knee supports may be helpful to runners to stabilize their knees.   If you have weak knees, your best option may be walking rather than running.

Certain types of shoes (clogs or stiff-soled walking shoes) may cause your joints to carry loads up to 15% greater than shoes with flexible soles, according to a study from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.  High heels may also increase the load on knees.

Protecting your knees is important, too.  If your job requires working on your knees, there are all types of knee pads that will make the work day much easier by taking stress off the joints.  They also serve the same purpose for at-home or garden chores. 

Maintain a healthy weight in order to help your joints stay strong.  Even ten pounds can put more stress on your knees.  One national survey stated that obese men had five times the risk of getting osteoarthritis of the knee than their lighter peers; and obese women had four times the same risk.  

One personal note:  for years, my husband suffered from severe pain in his knees and legs.  He saw several doctors who x-rayed his knees and said they were just fine.  Finally, we were sent to an internist, who repeated x-rays of the knees.  Later, after observing him walk, sent him back to have his hips x-rayed.  He had “bone on bone” in both hips.  Even though his hips never hurt during that time, the doctor explained that his pain was “referred pain.”  It is amazing that pain can fool us by traveling to another joint.  Following his hip replacements, the knee pain went away. 

Although sports and recreational activities cause many knee injuries, more knee injuries happen at home or work.  Regardless of your location, on the playing field, at work, or working in your house, yard, or garden, take precautions to protect your joints.  They can usually be repaired or replaced, but it’s a costly experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

STUNTMEN AND STUNTWOMEN: ACTING DANGEROUSLY!

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As the fall television season rolls around, we are being inundated with previews for  upcoming shows.  While watching one of those, a female law authority (I believe U.S. Marshall,) jumps off a very high bridge, safely landing in the water.  It was a breathtaking sight, (I hate high places,) and made me wonder who was the “real” person that performed that jump? 

There are many creative persons involved in the making of movies and television programs.  The director spends most of his/her time with the actors, while the stunt coordinator and second-unit director work with the stunt persons to plan, practice, measure, and rehearse until every aspect of the scene is perfect and as safe as possible.  Persons who love to feel the adrenaline rush and have certain skills that most of us wouldn’t dare try, are the faceless, nameless acrobats that produce those most thrilling moments on film.  In many ways, they are the “real stars!” 

Special effects are  an important role in the entertainment industry.  There are sophisticated systems, such as computer generated images, (CGI), that add excitement to films.  However, there are many things that still require a body double/stunt person to accomplish, using their experience and talents to thrill us all. 

It takes years of training in fighting, throwing or taking punches, taking  falls, being set on fire, staging car explosions, wrecks, and just about any daring action you can think of.  Those who jump off high buildings fall into air mattresses, and shorter falls have cardboard boxes with the corners removed for safe landings.  For car wrecks, the cars are modified with special safety equipment such as roll cages and on-board fire extinguishers.  Although it may seem glamorous, stunt persons may have to spend all day in extremely cold or hot places, waiting for time to film their scenes. 

 When a scene requires a person to be set on fire, layers of protective clothing, fire-resistant materials and special gloves and hood are worn.  There is a small breathing apparatus with an oxygen tank inside the hood they wear.  Multiple medical personnel, such as paramedics, must be present during filming.  After the filming is done, digital special effects may be used to complete the project. 

If you are good in gymnastics, motocross, flying a plane, motorcycle riding, or just a big thrill-seeker, this may be the profession for you.  Persons who are agile at rock climbing, skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, high performance drivers, horseback riding, and activities such as these are good candidates to learn stunt skills.    It is a very competitive business, and may take years to become established.  Even though California laws and Hollywood union rules have added regulations to protect stunt persons and film crews,  sometimes deaths occur.  In the early days of film, deaths were common.  Filming sequences that require stuntmen/women are still risky.  Every safety precaution is taken to protect them; they are a unique brand of people doing dangerous work. 

Another type of stunt person is the rodeo clown.  These guys not only entertain the crowd, but they are extremely gifted athletes who can climb in and out of a rolling barrel that can be pushed around by a 1,000 to 2,000 lb. bull who just ejected his rider.  Their main purpose is to save the lives of cowboys, and they earn every dollar they make. 

If you have, or know of a dangerous type of job, please send me your comments.  We live in a very diverse world, and it’s fun to learn about jobs that are different.  Safety first is the key to success in all jobs.

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY

Almost every one of us is carrying a wallet or purse full of personal information, and there are crooks out there just waiting to get their hands on them!  Some thieves may be hiding behind a computer, but there are many others that gain access to your good fortune and hard work simply the old-fashioned way, by stealing your purse or wallet.    Women, especially, should keep an eye on their purse at all times, and never leave it in their cars, even locked. 

When someone uses your personal information, they are committing identity fraud.  The Federal Trade Commission estimates that up to 9 million Americans have their identity stolen each year.  This is a very serious crime, one that can result in causing hard working persons to spend a great deal of money and time repairing their good name and credit records.  Others may be able to resolve the problem easily, but it still shouldn’t happen to anyone. 

Just in case, it is a good idea for you to take the time NOW to copy front and back of every card that you carry with you.   You will need the information on the cards to help you with security codes and contact information required to report loss or theft.  If you have travel plans, keep this info with you in a safe place, and also keep it secure in your home. 

If you do online banking, etc., it is a good idea to change passwords often.  Don’t use the standard things such as your mother’s maiden name, your pet’s name, or other things they may have a way of discovering.  When you need to call your credit card company, don’t cancel your account, as that might hurt your credit score, if you have an outstanding balance.  Just ask for an account number change and explain what has happened.  If you should lose your checkbook, be sure to notify your bank and get a new ATM or debit card, along with a new checking account.  Monitor any online accounts that you have often in order to track suspicious transactions. 

The Federal Trade Commission classifies several types of identity theft as follows:

  • Dumpster Diving:  persons who rummage through trash, going through your bills and other information.
  • Skimming: stealing credit/debit card numbers by using specialized storage devices when processing your card.
  • Phishing: pretending to be companies or financial institutions that send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal personal information.
  • Changing your address: Divert billing statements by completing a change of address form.
  • Stealing:  Lifting wallets, purses, or stealing your mail that contains pre-approved credit card offers, new checks from your bank, or by bribing others who have access to personnel records.
  • Pretexting:  Persons who use false pretenses such as posing as an employee with a research firm to obtain your personal information.  Never give that information to anyone over the phone.   

Shred most statements within 45 days of receipt, unless you need them for proof of purchase.  Bank statements, check stubs, medical bills, and anything containing your personal information should also be shredded.  Keep income tax information, records of payments, and prescription and medical information that you need in a safe place. 

It’s sad, but there are bandits and cyber-bandits everywhere.  We need to protect our information and teach our children to do the same.  When it comes to your privacy, you can’t be too safe!

Eye Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

SAFETY FIRST IN MACHINE SHOPS

It there’s one place I would just as soon not enter, it’s a machine shop- there’s just too much going on!   Those who run any type of machinery, have to be very smart and very careful.  There are too many ways one can get injured around moving equipment, so we are going to mention some rules that apply to staying safe while working in this environment: 

1.      Shops should be kept clean.  Dirty, wet floors, tools left lying around, trash and debris should not be part of the picture.  A clean environment is a safe one.

2.      There should be enough space between machines and materials to maneuver.

3.      Walkways should be marked, to distinguish between work areas and safe walkways.

4.      There should be good ventilation in all machine shops.

5.      Be sure that flammable liquids are stored in closed containers.

6.      The correct type of fire extinguishers should be readily assessable:  Class A – Combination; Class B – Liquid Fuels; Class C- Electrical Fires.

7.      Persons with long hair/beards should tie them up in order not to get caught in a moving machine.  Do not braid long hair, as the entire hair could be pulled into a machine.

8.      Never wear jewelry, loose clothing, or gloves.  If you must wear gloves while preparing sharp materials, be sure to remove them before the machine is turned on.

9.      Open toe shoes (sandals) are forbidden in machine shops; steel toe boots are preferred.

10.  Never interfere with someone running another machine; their concentration may be disturbed, causing an accident.

11.  Understand the machine you are running.  Be completely familiar with it, and never leave it unattended.

12.  As in many other things, the buddy system is the safest.  Don’t be alone while running equipment.

13.  In cleaning your machine, do not use high-pressure air.  It can push chips into moving parts and cause wear on the machine.

14.  Wear the correct personal protective equipment, such as:

  •         Earplugs – protect your hearing based on the noise level of the equipment.
  •         Safety glasses, goggles, or faceshields – you must protect your eyes and face from flying objects, dust, etc. 
  •         In some shops where there are hoists to lift heavy objects, hardhats would also be required for safety.

Exercise caution when running machinery.  Work areas should have non-slip material for walkways, and all equipment should have working guards and covers.  There should be eyewash stations and first aid kits on hand.

   Machine tools can be hazardous- even for experienced machinists.  There are all kinds of opportunities in manufacturing, and it is a great trade to learn.  Just be very careful, as with many other occupations, we don’t have a replay button.

Health Issues

OBESITY IN THE WORKPLACE

Obesity in the workplace is a part of a growing national trend, one that is getting larger at an alarming rate. The cost of obesity in the workplace is in the billions of dollars every year, due to the ill health of millions of employees. Companies who struggle with this problem and take a pro-active stance toward it will be ahead of the curve, not only by saving money, but providing a healthier workplace environment for their employees.

What weight is considered obese? 

  •       Persons who are 30 – 40 pounds overweight are considered obese.
  •       Severe obesity is 60 pounds overweight.
  •       Morbidly obese being 100 lbs. over normal weight.
  •       Super obese is 200 plus pounds overweight.

These classifications aren’t flattering, causing many overweight persons to feel that they are discriminated against because of their weight.  Race, gender, age, disability, religion, and now obesity are reasons that persons may feel  discriminated against. 

There can be many reasons for being overweight.  Some are genetic, caused by certain health issues, or lack of exercise, and eating unhealthy foods.  This problem is going to continue if our schools don’t serve healthy foods and require physical education for youngsters.  It should be a given that kids “get out and play an hour a day.”  Parents should strive to start their families out with a healthy breakfast, and choose fruits and vegetables rather than fast food on a regular basis.  It’s a proven fact that there are more obese youngsters than in past generations.

Regardless, no one should be bullied, harassed, or humiliated because of their size.  People that are obese have a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, gall bladder disease, lung and breathing problems, and early death.  As of now, Michigan is the only state that declares discrimination of this sort as illegal.  There are no federal laws making it illegal.  Some cities do, though.  Through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and courts, persons diagnosed with morbid obesity may be seen as disabled, thereby possibly being protected under the Americans with Disabilities Amended Act of 2008.

Companies can achieve having healthier and happier employees through weight-loss plans, employee wellness programs, and/or health club memberships.  Planning a better environment,  such as healthy snacks in vending machines, less fast foods in the cafeteria, and holding health fairs would be good for everyone.  The programs should not be targeted toward certain groups, in order to be nondiscriminatory, but to all employees, and those who wish to enroll may do so on a voluntary basis.  Start up a group walking program during lunch break. Wear a pedometer to see how  any steps you take in a work-day.  If it’s not very many, we need to step it up when we get home!  (The recommended number of daily steps is 10,000.)  You may be surprised at just how much  or little walking you actually do each day.   The Centers for Disease Control report that obesity can cause chronic health issues that equal twenty years of aging. 

Let’s start parking the car a little farther from work, walk up stairs rather than take an elevator, and encourage others to do the same.  If you have a friend or family member that is overweight, offer to go to a wellness center or take a daily walk with them.  Possibly, you can get them started on a healthy path, and reap the benefits, as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

DO YOU REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001?

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There’s probably not one single American (who is old enough) to remember what they were doing on that fateful day when four commercial jetliners were hijacked and intentionally crashed on United States soil.  Two of the planes hit New York City’s twin towers of the World Trade Center, taking the lives of thousands of innocent civilians- persons from more than 90 countries. One other jetliner hit the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania.  The hijackers on that fourth plane were planning to attack our Nation’s capitol, but because brave passengers and the flight crew had been informed of what was going on elsewhere, they fought heroically to retake the plane.  There were no survivors on any flights.  

The grief that Americans felt that day remains.  It’s hard to believe that one can lose their life in such a cruel way by going to work.  Besides the passengers and persons in the buildings, including children,  there were many firefighters, police, EMS personnel and others who lost their lives.  We can only pray that we never see another day such as that one.   

It is ironic that manyof today’s soldiers were just children on that fateful day.  Now, as adults,  they are continuing to fight a war in Afghanistan that began October 7, 2001, in response to the tragedy of 9-11.  Others were involved in the Iraq War, which began in 2003; now our military presence  is being downsized.  However, many of these troops will be sent to Afghanistan.  Their mission is to ensure that the tragedy of 9-11 never happens again.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we lived in a world without hate or fear?

Along with hundreds of suppliers and businesses in America, Texas America Safety Company sent hardhats and respirators for the dedicated workers to wear in the cleanup and recovery phase, which lasted until May, 2002.  OSHA distributed more than 131,000 respirators, 11,000 hard hats, 13,000 safety glasses and goggles, and 21,000 pairs of protective gloves. They identified more than 9,000 hazards that had to be dealt with during this time. 

We, along with all Americans, salute the workers for the difficult tasks performed during the 10 months of the recovery mission.  As with all Americans, we will never forget that day.  Each year, there are many tributes made to the victims, their families, the first responders who lost their lives, and the thousands of workers in the clean-up phase.  Let’s pledge to never forget what happened to our country on that horrible day, and to keep ourselves, and our country as safe as possible.

General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER – CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

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The safety of our students is a major concern for universities and colleges across the nation.  One of these  issues is campus fire safety.  Since January, 2,000, 135 persons have died in campus-related fires, with 84 per cent of the fires occurring in off-campus housing.   This year marks the sixth year for Campus Fire Safety Month being observed in September, as students are returning to campus.

A letter written by parents of students who lost their lives in campus-related fires was sent to every state governor and the mayor of Washington, D.C. this past January.  So far, 31 states have issued proclamations supporting the promotion of fire safety between schools and fire professionals.  Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have issued proclamations, as well.

A portion of the proclamation from Governor Rick Perry of Texas, reads : “For many young people, going away to college marks the first time they have been away from home for an extended period of time.  It is important to remember that the freedom of living away from home comes with strings attached.  When out from under their parents’ roofs, students are responsible for themselves and others.  It only takes a moment of forgetfulness or carelessness to start a fire.  Fires on and near campuses still result in the loss of valuable property and historic buildings.  In the worst outcomes, they result in injury and even death.  September is a time when students across the nation will be settling into new residences on and off campus.  Recognizing the importance of fire safety, I urge all Texans to learn more about the steps they can take to prevent fires.  With preparation and planning, you can make a difference.”  s/Rick Perry

Each state that has issued a proclamation may word theirs a little differently; however, as Governor Perry points out, there are simple safety precautions that students can take to minimize the threat of fire.  By working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, hazards can be identified and corrected.  Most fires are preventable.

Colleges are encouraged to start the semester off by teaching their students about fire safety.  Students living on campus should know what is expected in regard to cooking in their dorm room, use of candles, smoking safety (if permitted), and  determine the location of two exits in case of an emergency.  Off-campus student-residents should also be familiar with emergency escape routes in their apartments, check for working smoke detectors, ask about sprinkler systems in their building, cooking safety, alcohol and fire safety, and decide to “party safely.” 

One of the keys  to making this a successful year is to highlight the importance of fire safety – it must be a priority.  Schools can contact their local Fire Marshall or fire department and work together to educate all students in the importance of knowing how to prevent fires.  This could be one of the most important lessons that they learn; one that will remain with them the rest of their lives.

For additional information, go to ecomeau@campus-firewatch.com.

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

It’s a good idea to get in the habit of regular maintenance of your home each season of the year.  By checking things out ahead of time, you could save money by avoiding costly repairs.  Our houses don’t take care of themselves; it’s up to us to do it.  Some locations need more preventative measures than others; those who live in colder climates may be required to think of some things that we in warmer regions don’t have to do.  Regardless of where we live, it’s important to do these things to ensure the safety of our families.  Here are some ideas:

  • Check all window and door locks for proper operation; all exterior doors should have deadbolt locks.
  • Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs; don’t leave items on the stairs.
  • Have a professional check your heating system every year.
  • Check your home for water leaks.
  • Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring.
  • Wrap pipes for insulation from freezing.
  • Replace your furnace filter once yearly.
  • Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone.
  • Put away garden hose and other yard equipment.
  • Test your emergency generator.
  • Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your fireplace damper.
  • Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures.
  • Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and check batteries.
  • Have a fire escape plan for your family.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
  • Consider hiring a professional to do any inspections, etc. on your roof
  • Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss.
  • Winterize boats and recreational vehicles before storing them.

You may want to make a checklist to use each season, and add to it as you think of something we may have missed.  Have your home ready for a warm, cozy fall and winter. 

 

Source: State Farm Insurance