• Inspect screens (both house and vent screens to attic or crawl space) for tears and bent
  frames.
• Check screens (both house and vent screens to attic or crawl space) for tears and bent
  frames. Clean window screens. Lay them flat on a picnic table or a pair of sawhorses
  and scrub them with a soft bristle brush and a mild detergent solution. Rinse with a
  garden hose and allow to dry thoroughly.
• Inspect outdoor structures for deterioration – especially signs of rot. Use a small awl to
  probe posts, railings and window sills for soft spots. If you find any, plan to replace or
  repair them when the weather turns fair.
• Prepare for the outdoor cooking season by inspecting gas grills. Remove cooking grills
  and thoroughly clean them with soapy water and a brush with brass bristles. Remove
  accumulated grease from lava rocks and ceramic briquettes by turning them over and
  igniting the burners. Allow 10 minutes on high heat to clean the briquettes.
• Inspect garden hoses for leaks. Make temporary repairs with electrical tape. Pry out old
  washers and replace them. Don’t leave hoses connected to outdoor spigots until the
  danger of frost is completely over.
• Caulk open joints, particularly around windows and doors.
• Inspect the crawl space or basement after rains for water accumulation or excessive
  moisture. Look for signs of water damage on the subfloor and joists beneath bathrooms,
  the kitchen and laundry. Find and fix leaks now or pay the price later.
• Shut off the water to the washing machine, remove the water supply hoses and
  examine them and the washers. Replace worn and damaged ones.
• Check fire extinguishers to make sure they are not outdated, have lost pressure or are
  damaged.
• Check all weather stripping around doors and windows for wear, damage or loss of
  flexibility. Replace material that is no longer blocking air.
• Clean your garbage disposal. Grind two trays of ice cubes made from a mixture of one
  cup white vinegar to one gallon of water.