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Health & Fitness

Don't forget to fall back on Nov. 6.

Daylight-saving time ends Nov. 6, so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour. And why not check on a few other items around the house while you are at it?

Daylight-saving time ended at 2 a.m. on Nov. 6, so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour. And why not check on a few other items around the house while you are at it? Use the handy list below to prepare your home for the cold winter months ahead.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

• Drain the gas from your lawn equipment before storing it for the off season to ward off the harmful effects that spoiled gas can have on engines and other parts. Make sure to refer to your owner's manual for instructions and safety measures when draining any fluids.

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• Turn off all exterior faucets to avoid freezing and damage to pipes during those chilly winter days.

• Schedule an inspection for your heating system with a local professional. You should make certain your furnace is in top-notch shape and that all of your ducts and air filters are clean before frigid temperatures set in. The last thing you want is a problem on a day with a record low temperature.

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• Inspect all windows and doors for leaks. Replace any damaged weatherstripping and caulk leaky areas to keep the cold out and heat in.

• Make sure gutters are clean of any debris as they tend to get clogged with falling leaves and branches during fall months.

• Just as in spring, now is a good opportunity to check the batteries in all of your fire and carbon monoxide detectors to make certain they are in working order.

• Check around the outside of your home and cover up or fill in any holes you discover to protect against rodents. Mice can squeeze into holes less than one inch, so play it safe and plug up any holes you find.

• Prune trees and shrubs that are growing near your home, roof, deck or patio to avoid damage to the exterior.

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