Fall usually means football, colored leaves and pumpkin-flavored everything. But it also means that it’s time to start preparing your home for the arrival of sweater weather. Here are some quick tips to get you you started:

Clean out the gutters. Leaves have likely settled into your gutters over the summer months, which can cause ice dams when freezing temperatures arrive and the drainage system isn’t working properly. Get a jump start on cleaning these out now to avoid messy leaks over the coming months.

Prep your pipes. Remember, water expands when it freezes. Instead of waiting until it’s too late, insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting when chilly weather arrives. This will also help to keep hot water pipes warm and cold water pipes from freezing, saving you on energy bills and costly repairs.

Remove dead tree limbs. Be sure to survey your property for any overhanging limbs that could fall on your home or vehicles. When cold weather hits and ice builds up on trees or branches, the extra weight can cause dead or weaker branches to fall more easily. Keep passersby and your property safe by eliminating dead tree branches early.

Taking the time to prep your home before harsh winter temperatures hit can ensure a cozy, safe and stress-free winter.