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Test Your Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors to Prepare for Winter

Winter is right around the corner, bringing snow days and frigid temperatures along with it!  Pretty soon we'll be lighting the fire and cranking up our gas-powdered heating sources, which means making sure our smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly is an absolute priority.  To test your smoke alarm, check and make sure the power light is blinking.  Then, light a match or two and wave it in front of the smoke sensor.  If the alarm goes off - your device is in working order!  For your carbon monoxide detector, use a Test Kit, which you can purchase from the hardware store.  The kit includes a canister of carbon monoxide that will allow you to properly test your device.

Keep Your Blinds Closed to Block Sunlight and Heat

Keep your blinds closed during the remaining summer months to prevent sunlight and heat from entering through your windows.  If they remain open, you can create a "greenhouse effect" where heat enters in but is unable to escape.  Does closing all y our blinds feel too dark?  Only close the west and south facing windows, which can significantly reduce the temperature of y our home.

Get Your Summer Garden Ready Now

Hoping for a thriving summer garden?  Now's the time to start planting seeds! Spend a weekend preparing your vegetable garden by clearing the garden bed of weeds, rocks and debris.  Once  your soil consistently reaches 60 degrees and above, you can plant your warm-season vegetables, such as snap peas, peppers, tomatoes and squash.  If your soil is not yet warm enough, give  your warm-season crops a head start by planting seeds indoors and transporting them to your outdoor garden when the weather gets warmer!