AAA Chicago Offers Homeowners Tips for Winter

Planning Now Will Make for an Easier Time During Cold Weather

AURORA, Ill., Oct. 23 -- As winter is on its way, it's important to remember that your home needs protection from winter weather. Take a few steps now to protect your home and family during the cold months ahead. Key areas for your winter safety checklist include:

Heating Systems: Change furnace filters regularly. Dirty filters are not only inefficient, they also can be fire hazards. You also should inspect your heating system or furnace -- or have a qualified professional do so. Look for fuel leaks, ensure proper venting of exhaust fumes, and check the integrity of electrical and other ignition systems.

Fireplace and Woodstoves: Have your chimneys and stovepipes professionally cleaned once a year to eliminate soot and other buildups that can ignite. Check as well to ensure that the fireplace or stove is in good condition. Look for cracks or missing mortar in fireplaces or other signs of wear in a woodstove. Have problems repaired by a professional.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Monitors: Change the batteries and test each monitor. This should be done quarterly, not just before winter.

Tree Branches: Have any dead material or branches that overhang your house or walkways removed.

Gutters: Clean your gutters to keep water from backing into your house and minimize the buildup of ice. If possible, equip them with guards to minimize the amount of debris. (While cleaning the gutters, check your roof for any signs of damage or aging.)

Supplies and Preparations: Keep a sufficient supply of bottled water, and canned and dried foods to last three days. Make preparations to cook the food if the electricity goes out (use grills or portable gas stoves only outside). Check batteries for flashlights, other portable light sources, radios and portable televisions. If you have a generator, inspect it for proper functioning. Be sure you have fuel, and never operate a generator indoors.

Medicine: Make sure that your first-aid kit is fully stocked and that you have enough prescription medicines on hand in the event you're unable to visit the pharmacy.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).

Formed in Chicago in 1906, AAA Chicago, also the Chicago Motor Club, represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues. AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.2 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 49 million members in the United States and Canada.