November is the month to prepare your home for colder weather as the change of seasons brings with it more time spent indoors. Keeping your home warm, cozy and safe for the winter will be easier if you prevent potential problems by doing some simple checks and chores right now.

Here are all the home maintenance tasks you need to do in November.

Check your vents and crawl space for critters

As the weather gets colder, wild animals may be looking for a suitable place to spend the winter. If you have exposed vents or crawl space access, these can be an inviting place for critters. To keep them out, make sure vent covers are in place and crawl spaces or other exterior nooks and crannies are covered or covered with sturdy metal mesh. This method will help protect against squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice, birds and bats.

Check your fire and carbon monoxide alarms

If you have non-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you should replace the batteries once a year to make sure they are working well, and now is the time to do it. If you have already replaced the batteries (Maybe while turning your clocks back?), go ahead and test your hazard detection system to make sure it will alert you if there is smoke or dangerous carbon monoxide levels in the home. As people spend more time indoors during the colder months of the year, the risk of fire from the use of heaters, candles and cooking may increase, and keeping windows closed and covered can increase the risk of carbon monoxide building up inside. Taking a second look at your detectors can help reduce the risk from these seasonal concerns.

Install weatherproofing

If you live in an older home or have some poorly insulated windows or doors, November is a good time to weather problem areas. Start by inspecting the air seal around doors and windows. Check for leaks, broken or worn stripping. If you find any gap you can use replacement weather stripping to seal any openings. If you have larger leaks around windows or doors, or old windows that are letting in too much air, you can also weatherproofing kit To temporarily seal your leaky openings with heat shrink plastic wrap. This essential weatherproofing will keep you warmer and help you save on utility bills.

Gather winter weather gear

If you live in an area that can get a lot of snow and ice in the winter, it’s time to stock up. ice melt, oarsAnd roof rakes. Take a look at your snow removal tools and make sure they’re in good shape before it’s time to use them. Replacing equipment before a storm can save you a headache during a winter weather event. Now is also a good time to store your belongings. ice scraper, snow brushAnd snow chains in the trunk of your car. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall and icing, you should also leave a scraper. defroster In your garage or utility room, so you can reach your vehicle in case it freezes.

Clean ovens and other crumb-catching devices

Kitchen fires can be caused by toasters and ovens that accumulate crumbs and other food particles inside. When the appliance heats up, food residues also become hot and if it gets hot enough, your appliance may catch fire. Not to mention, people tend to stay home and use their ovens more during the colder months. more fun during the holiday season—ovens and toasters could use more exercise this time of year. Checking whether your devices are safe in November can save you from a future disaster.