Stay Ahead of the Flake

If you haven't done so already there's still time for a few preventive measures that will prepare your home for winter.

Furnace:

• Change the filter.
• Consider switching to a programmable thermostat if you haven't already.
• Clean debris from in and around furnace

Fireplace:

• Inspect the damper for proper opening and closing.
• Insure cap and screen are in place on top of the chimney.
• Check bricks and mortar inside and out.
• Creosote? It's always good to have your fireplace checked periodically.

Exterior Doors and Windows:

• Check for cracks and entry points around pipes, windows, doors and caulk them.
• Storm doors help protect the entry door and deflect the wind.
• If you have window wells, cover them with plastic shields.

Roof, Gutters & Downspouts:

• Some extra insulation in the attic will prevent warm air filtering up to the roof and causing ice dams.
• Make sure the gutters are clean and the downspouts aren't blocked. Also gutter extensions keep water away from the foundation.

Lawnmower.....:

• This is a good time to sharpen those blades. Don't wait until you need it again. (Like I normally do)
• Drain the gas and change the oil and filter. Clean the air filter. 
• Do you need ice, sand, shovel, gloves, boots, earmuffs............?

Detectors:

• Are your detectors detecting? Make sure by checking, most have a test button. Battery operated units will beep when the battery is low but it's good to change them once a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector installed near the furnace.

Freezes:

• Disconnect outside water hoses.
• Locate the main water shutoff and make sure it's opening and closing properly.
• Insulate any exposed plumbing pipes.

Misc.

• Winter can be a perfect time to trim trees and bushes, check with your nursery.
• Seal cracks in driveway, patio and deck.
• Consider buying a battery backup if you use a desktop computer.
• Have a supply of bottled water, blankets, first-aid kit, non-perishable food. If you have pets take them into consideration also.
• Keep matches, candles, flashlight, portable radio and a list of medications you take in a safe and dry place.
• Have emergency numbers handy. (Police, utility, contacts...)

I hope you find this info helpful. Please visit my blog and website:

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Debt Collection

This is an article from The Employee Benefit News:

In a sign of the times, the 38 independent provider law firms associated with Pre-Paid Legal Services across the United States and four Canadian provinces responded to more than 79,000 requests to handle debt-collection issues in the first half of 2010 – accounting for 7% of the 1.1 million overall requests for assistance during that timeframe.
The carrier says lawsuits related to these issues are often used as a tool to frighten consumers. "We’re seeing much more of it now than we ever did," according to Michael Fiffk, an attorney with Welch, Gold and Siegel, P.C.
David Bloom, an attorney with Evans, Lowenstein, Shimanovsky & Moscardini, Ltd., recently drafted a letter on behalf of a client requesting proof of debt, which resulted in the legal action being dropped because no such documents could be produced. "In all too many instances,” he noted, “these debt buyers and their legal counsel are counting on uninformed consumers to simply pay up whether the debt is authentic or not."
In other Pre-Paid Legal news, the company recently launched a 30-minute promotional and recruitment program on the Fox Business Network and reported that additional segments featuring various legal eagles are in development.
Get your Life Events Legal Plan today. www.defendnow.us