By Doug Erwin, Founder and Director of Personal Lines, Advanced Insurance Solutions · Updated October 22, 2026

Quick Tips: Before winter, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, clean gutters and downspouts, check your roof and trees, have your furnace and chimney inspected, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and review your home insurance. These steps prevent the most common cold-weather problems, like water damage, heating fires and carbon monoxide, and they matter for insurance too, because most homeowners policies don't cover damage caused by wear and tear or a lack of maintenance.

The leaves are turning, the pumpkin spice is flowing, and somewhere in Central PA a furnace is about to turn on for the first time since April. Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready, before you're doing it in a parka.

A weekend of small chores now can prevent the kind of winter surprises nobody wants: a flooded basement, a clogged chimney, or an ice dam leaking through the ceiling. From our offices in Hershey and York, we've spent 26 years helping homeowners across Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Lancaster, York and Adams Counties, plus Harford, Baltimore and Carroll Counties in northern Maryland, protect their homes. Here's the checklist we'd hand a neighbor.

Why does fall maintenance matter for home insurance?

Homeowners insurance is built for the sudden and unexpected, like a fire, a windstorm or a pipe that bursts without warning. Most policies don't cover damage that comes from wear and tear, neglect or a problem that built up slowly over time.

That means a little upkeep does double duty. It lowers the chance something goes wrong, and if something does, it helps show the damage was sudden rather than the result of a maintenance issue. Coverage always depends on your specific policy, but the takeaway is simple: a well-maintained home is easier to protect.

What should I do outside before winter?

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. A hose left attached can trap water in the spigot and the pipe behind it, which can freeze and crack. Shut off the indoor valve that feeds each outdoor spigot, then open the spigot outside to let it drain.

Clean gutters and downspouts. Once most leaves have fallen, clear out gutters and make sure downspouts carry water at least a few feet away from your foundation. Clogged gutters are a leading cause of ice dams, which can push water under shingles and into your ceiling.

Take a look at your roof. From the ground (or with binoculars), check for missing, curled or damaged shingles and loose flashing around chimneys and vents. Small repairs now are far cheaper than a winter leak. Leave climbing to a professional.

Trim trees and dead limbs. Branches hanging over your roof, driveway or power lines can come down under snow and ice. A healthy tree is a nice shade source in July; a dead limb over the bedroom is a liability in January.

Clear leaves from walkways and steps. Wet leaves are slippery, and so is the ice that forms under them. Keeping steps, sidewalks and railings in good shape helps protect visitors, and helps you avoid a liability claim.

Store outdoor furniture, grills and decorations. High winds can turn patio furniture into projectiles. Store propane tanks outdoors and upright, never in the house or an attached garage.

How do I safely start up my heat for the season?

Have your furnace or heat pump serviced. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a yearly professional inspection of furnaces and other fuel-burning heating equipment. A technician can catch cracked heat exchangers, blocked vents and other problems that can lead to fires or carbon monoxide.

Change the furnace filter. A fresh filter helps your system run efficiently. Many homes need a new one every one to three months during heating season.

Get the chimney inspected and cleaned. If you burn wood or use a fireplace insert, have the chimney checked before your first fire. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, kept outside and away from the house.

Use space heaters carefully. Keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn, like curtains, furniture and bedding. Plug them directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip, and turn them off when you go to bed. The National Fire Protection Association notes that December, January and February are the peak months for home heating fires.

Are my smoke and carbon monoxide alarms ready?

Test every alarm and replace batteries. Test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms monthly, and replace batteries at least once a year unless your alarms have sealed 10-year batteries. The end of daylight saving time in early November is an easy reminder.

Make sure you have CO alarms where they count. The CPSC recommends CO alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. CO is odorless and invisible, so an alarm is the only way to know it's there.

Plan ahead for power outages. If you own a portable generator, the CPSC says to use it outdoors only and at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust pointed away. Never run a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even with the door open.

What paperwork should I update this fall?

Make a home inventory and review your policy. Walk through your home with your phone and video each room, opening closets and drawers. Store the video online. If you ever have a claim, it makes listing your belongings much easier.

Then do a quick policy check with your agent:

• Is your home insured for what it would cost to rebuild today? Building costs have changed a lot in recent years.
• Do you have water backup coverage? Standard policies usually don't cover water that backs up through a drain or overflows from a failed sump pump. It's usually an inexpensive add-on.
• Is your liability coverage enough? Holiday guests, icy steps and a new teen driver all raise the stakes. A personal umbrella policy adds extra protection.
• Have you added anything valuable? Jewelry, collectibles and new electronics may need extra coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover damage from clogged gutters?

It depends on what happened. Many policies cover sudden water damage, such as an ice dam that forces water under shingles. But if damage is traced to long-term neglect, like gutters that pulled away from the house after years of buildup, coverage may be limited. Regular cleaning helps on both fronts.

Will my insurance cover a tree that falls on my house?

Often, yes, when a tree falls on your home or another covered structure because of wind, ice or another covered event. Policies usually limit what they pay to remove the tree itself. If a tree was clearly dead or dying beforehand, that can complicate the claim, so it pays to take care of problem trees early.

Does homeowners insurance cover a fire from a space heater or fireplace?

Fire is one of the main risks a standard homeowners policy covers, including fires that start from heating equipment. Coverage still depends on your policy, and the best plan is to prevent the fire in the first place.

Can I get a discount for smoke alarms or safety devices?

Some insurance companies offer discounts for monitored smoke and burglar alarms, water leak sensors, or automatic water shutoff valves. Discounts vary by company, so ask us what's available on your policy.

Is someone who slips on my wet leaves or icy steps covered?

The liability portion of a homeowners policy often helps if a guest is injured on your property and you're found responsible. Keeping walkways clear is the best way to avoid the injury, and the claim, in the first place.

Let's make sure your home is ready for winter

Checking off this list protects your home. A quick review makes sure your insurance is ready too. We'll look at your coverage, find gaps like water backup or low liability limits, and compare rates across the more than 20 insurance companies we represent. Request a home insurance quote or call us at 717-533-0252 (Hershey) or 717-845-1500 (York). Neighbors are always welcome to stop by our Hershey office on West Chocolate Avenue or our York office on South Queen Street.

Sources: CPSC: Keep Warm and Safe This Winter · NFPA: Heating Safety · American Red Cross: Preventing Frozen Pipes · Insurance Information Institute: Surviving Severe Cold Weather

Coverage and discounts vary by insurance company and policy. This article is general information, not a coverage guarantee. Talk with a licensed agent about your home and policy.