Winterize You Home - Part 2

The non-green-specific edition.

In part one of winterizing, there were four green steps.

Here are the things I did (with some help from my dad), to prepare for winter.

• Drain gasoline from lawn mower. Store lawn mower for the winter.
• Shut off water to outside spigots. Drain excess water.
• Take down outside hanging decorations. Put away lightweight outside rugs. Pack away lawn furniture.
• Clean gutters. Patch leaks in gutter seams.
• Inspect chimney. Cap or screen it to keep birds and rodents out. We actually covered it (since my fireplace is gas) with plastic, since water was wicking in through the brick.
• Check doors for drafts. Install storm door(s).
• Insulate hot water pipes.
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors.
• Change your furnace filter.
• Remove window screens.
• Install a programmable timer thermostat. And set it to cool down when you leave for the day and warm up when you return. (For every degree you lower the thermostat during heating season, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill.)
• Hang thermal curtains to protect against drafts. Close curtains, except south-facing windows (to let the sun help heat).
• Keep closet doors closed.
• Close off rooms that aren't used and shut vents.
• Put together an emergency kit (flashlights, candles and matches, phone number of power company). Test flashlight batteries.
• Inspect shovels to make sure the screws haven't rusted or the plastic hasn't broke.
• Keep a shovel next to every exit. Always keep exits clear of snow. (Whether you use the door or not, the exit should be clear in case of an emergency.)

Anything else you do that you recommend as the first day of winter is only one week away?