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HOME 20 BCA A .COM WINTER 2018 iStock, Stocksy The run-up Feel that nip in the air? Before winter makes its frosty debut, you'll want to be sure your home's heat sources are primed to radiate warmth safely and efficiently. So test furnaces and wood stoves, and have them inspected or repaired if needed. Clean chimneys, too (leftover residue can spark fires), and replace air and furnace filters. To keep toasty air indoors, seal any drafts with weatherstripping or caulking. Outside, shut off the water to exterior taps, drain the pipes leading to them and blow out sprinkler waterlines to prevent freezing and splitting. Also take a look at your roof for loose or cracked shingles, and replace or repair them as needed. Clean out gutters to remove blockages that might cause water to pool and seep inside, and walk around exterior walls to make sure the ground slopes downward from the house. If not, you may have to invest in some pre-winter landscaping to allow water to drain away safely. The main event When winter arrives in force, try to get outside regularly to check for and remove any heavy ice buildup or water pooling. Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow, to ease travel and protect against slips and falls (for which you could be found liable as the homeowner). It's cold out there, so 'tis the season for staying cozy indoors. What with all the crackling fires, burning candles and cranked heaters, it's no surprise this is also the worst time of year for structure fires. But the majority of blazes can be prevented, says Gayanne Pacholzuk, Fire Prevention Officer for the Kelowna Fire Department. For instance: "Be careful with candles," she says. "They're beautiful, but monitor where they are and make sure they're all out when you go to bed." A dried-out Christmas tree can go up like tinder, so buy a fresh one and keep it watered – and well away from the fireplace. "You can tell [it's too dry] if it sheds needles easily," says Pacholzuk. Alternatively, consider a fire-resistant artificial tree. Most stratas don't allow the real thing anyway. Glowing candles bring holiday beauty, but also fire risk, so never leave them unattended; (above) before winter arrives, clean out gutters to prevent clogs and ice buildup.